Atlanta Continues to Expand Prestige in Film Industry

BronzeLens Film Festival Returns for Second Year

ATLANTA, Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Atlanta has emerged as the leader in the African-American film industry.  From Nov. 10-13, leaders of this industry will gather in Atlanta to cultivate new talent at the second BronzeLens Film Festival.  Over the course of the four day festival, film lovers, actors and filmmakers come together for screenings at multiple venues around Atlanta, informative panels and enlightening Master Classes led by film industry leaders.

Atlanta is home to the country's first African-American owned studio — Tyler Perry Studios — but in recent years a growing group of film makers are calling Atlanta home.  Of seven sitcoms on television right now featuring African-American actors, six of them are shot in Atlanta.   This makes the BronzeLens Film Festival's mission both timely and essential.

"When we created the BronzeLens Film Festival, we didn't want to make it just about watching movies," said Kathleen Bertrand, senior vice president of community and governmental affairs for Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.  "We wanted to put a priority on the educational component of the festival to make sure we are growing the film industry in Atlanta and sharing knowledge with future generations of producers, actors and directors."

BronzeLens gained immediate notoriety in its first year, being compared to established film festivals like Sundance and Tribeca by the New York Times.  For the 2011 festival, 17 panels and four master classes are offered, providing valuable educational and networking opportunities within the film industry. In addition, the festival will expand the number of films screened to more than 30, including many culturally significant films from around the world as well as major pictures.

"I have attended film festivals all over the world," said Roger Bobb, president and CEO of Atlanta-based Bobbcat Films and co-chair of the 2011 festival. "The BronzeLens Film Festival was one of the best film festivals I have ever attended. It had many great networking opportunities as well as being very organized and fun."

Fans can get a glimpse of Atlanta's growing film industry through more than just screenings.  The BronzeLens Film Festival offers the chance to see where your favorite movies were filmed with an ATL Bus Tour for only $20.  Screening passes range from $10-40 and an All Access pass costs $150.  For more information or to register, go to www.bronzelensfilmfestival.com.

SOURCE Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau