DEBUT Films: Docs Schedule
off site
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:00PM – 9:00PM
RSVP & PREMIER OR EXECUTIVE TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.
5:00PM
Welcome Speeches
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:00PM – 9:00PM
5:05PM
Where I Became
Under apartheid in South Africa, education and opportunity were scarce, especially for women. When Smith College boldly offered full scholarships to South African women, two accepted. Twelve more would follow, leaving behind everything they knew to pursue education and a better life.
Through interviews with the women, their families, and mentors, Where I Became tells how they escaped a violently divided system and built new lives. Produced by alumnae Jane Dawson Shang, and Tandiwe Njobe, who is one of the fourteen, and directed by Kate Geis, this entirely women-led film is a testament to the power of women’s voices, especially when united.
7:00PM
Invisible Beauty
The essential memoir of fashion pioneer Bethann Hardison, INVISIBLE BEAUTY shines a spotlight on one of the fashion industry’s most influential icons who, as a pioneering Black model, modeling agent and entrepreneur, has pushed the boundaries of fashion culture and has been at the forefront of progress throughout her career. In her lifetime, the singular and unapologetic Hardison has seen the pendulum swing toward and away from the Black model. At every setback, she spoke up and rallied her colleagues and clients in the industry to advance change. Now in her 70s, the Brooklyn native is writing her memoir, taking stock of her own legacy at a moment when the fashion industry is shaken by a racial reckoning. INVISIBLE BEAUTY, co-directed by Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng (Dior and I, Halston), traces her impact on fashion from runway shows in the 1970s to roundtables about the lack of racial diversity in the early 2000s. Featuring intimate interviews with luminaries including Iman, Tyson Beckford, Tracee Ellis Ross, Zendaya, Fran Lebowitz, Pat Cleveland, Naomi Campbell, and Stephen Burrows, INVISIBLE BEAUTY is an absorbing record of the racial evolution of fashion and an original contemplation on the life of an unparalleled trailblazer.
DEBUT Films: Shorts Schedule
off site
Details
Date
Tue, Oct 7
Time
5:00PM – 9:00PM
RSVP & PREMIER OR EXECUTIVE TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.
5:00PM
Welcome Speeches
Details
Date
Tue, Oct 7
Time
5:00PM – 9:00PM
5:13PM
Blue

Dayna Lynn North
BLUE — is a layered romantic dramedy about possibly finding love, maybe losing love, and definitely finding yourself, in an era ruled by devices and emojis. When a heart-on-her-sleeve woman (Imani Cheadle) has a surprise reunion with an old friend, the ensuing roller-coaster culminates in a chance encounter with the love of her life.
5:41PM
The Making of a Matriarch

Vanessa Cruz
This “love letter to grandma” is voiced by a third-generation Dominican-American filmmaker as she uncovers her family heritage by examining the life of her grandmother who immigrated to the U.S in the 1960s.
6:09PM

Ariel Danziger
Despierto
In Mexico City, Juan Daniel García Treviño and Sasha Gonzalez explore their connection as a passage to different dimensions.
Opening up the infinite possibilities of dream states through the lens of real couples, director Ariel Danziger captures Mexican actors Juan Daniel García Treviño and Sasha Gonzalez in a parallel world for short film Despierto. An intimate portrait, told from a different dimension, Despierto journeys deep into Dani and Sasha’s relationship as they marvel at the dreams accessed through their connection, contemplating the profound forces that bring them together in the present.
Letter to Rosie
LETTER TO ROSIE captures an intimate portrait about survival, self worth, self love, and overcoming all of life’s obstacles. Matt’s tormented past sexual and physical abusive life finds its way into this visually depiction. Matt’s last letter he wrote to his deceased mother. Narrated by MATT SANCHEZ. Who at the young age now of 21 has lived through more pain and suffering than most young men. But this story isn’t about MATT The VICTIM it’s about MATT the survivor. Our story is told to help heal others. To inspire, to trigger something within.
6:39PM

Ruby Rose Collins
All the Love I Can Handle
all the love i could handle is a re-imagining of the filmmaker’s mother’s young diary, unraveling the raw complexities of motherhood, artistic ambition, and the enduring sacrifices women have to make as mothers and artists. Based on the true family story of pioneer filmmaker Kathleen Collins (Losing Ground, 1982).
7:11PM
Gaps

Jenn Shaw
GAPS follows the story of Sydney Bailey, a 12-year-old struggling with her self-esteem and obsessing over her two gapped front teeth.
Showing the highs and lows of a Black adolescent navigating loving herself – which is no easy challenge in a world of beauty standards stacked against her. Sydney views her unique smile as a barrier to beauty and seeks out a dangerous method to change her grin. Only through turning to the Black women in her life, does she begin to shift her perspective to accept her gap as a gorgeous trait that’s been passed down through family generations. Through self-acceptance, Sydney begins to love her gap, for it makes her smile real.
7:21PM
Keur Simbara

Sea Armstrong
Keur Simbara is a portrait of women leaders in a small village in the Thies region of Senegal. It explores the way that they have supported one another and their village through generations of care practices and organizing as they confront water scarcity while highlighting dreams for the future of their village.
7:53PM
Bygones

Angel McCoughtry
Bygones is a powerful short film that explores the evolving relationship between a young basketball player, Charissa, and her unexpected mentor, JJ, a former coach with a complicated past. As JJ helps Charissa regain her confidence on and off the court, their bond deepensuntil a painful secret from JJ’s history surfaces, one that’s tied directly to Charissa’s own family.
Blackweek X Horizon Meetup
off site
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:30PM – 7:30PM
RSVP & EXECUTIVE OR PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
RSVP & EXECUTIVE OR PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.
Speakers & Moderators
Founder & Creative Director, neuplot
EVP, ECD – Razorfish (Publicis)
Diversity Media Strategy & Investment, General Motors

Mike Tresvant
TBD

This exclusive event will highlight the next generation of changemakers shaping culture, creativity, and community over cocktails and light bites.
This Blackweek discussion is proudly sponsored by Shipt. We’re grateful for their generous support and commitment to right-sizing industries to help create more opportunity for equity and ownership.
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:30PM – 7:30PM
Blackweek Presents Black Girls Rock Closing Night Party
off site
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
8:30PM – 12:00AM
GUEST LIST IS CLOSED. RSVP & EXECUTIVE OR PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
RSVP & EXECUTIVE OR PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.
FEATURING

DJ Beverly Bond
Diversity Media Strategy & Investment, General Motors

Mike Tresvant
TBD

Join us as we wrap up an unforgettable event with one final celebration! The Black Girls Rock Closing Night Party brings everyone together for music, great vibes, and memories to last long after the night ends. Let’s toast to the moments we’ve shared and the new connections made — this is one party you won’t want to miss.
Open bar: 9:00pm – 11:00pm
This Blackweek discussion is proudly sponsored by Shipt. We’re grateful for their generous support and commitment to right-sizing industries to help create more opportunity for equity and ownership.
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
8:30PM – 12:00AM
Stand Up for the Culture
off site
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:00PM – 7:00PM
GUEST LIST IS CLOSED. RSVP & EXECUTIVE OR PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
RSVP & PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.
Speakers & Moderators
Founder & Creative Director, neuplot
EVP, ECD – Razorfish (Publicis)
Diversity Media Strategy & Investment, General Motors

Mike Tresvant
TBD

Havas and Blackweek are proud to present this exclusive comedy event hosted by the brilliantly hilarious Godfrey. Join us for an evening of laughs, light bites, and conversation you won’t want to miss.
This Blackweek discussion is proudly sponsored by Shipt. We’re grateful for their generous support and commitment to right-sizing industries to help create more opportunity for equity and ownership.
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:00PM – 7:00PM
New, Now, and Next @ Horizon Media and EBONY
off site
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:00PM – TBD
RSVP & EXECUTIVE OR PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
RSVP & EXECUTIVE OR PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.
Speakers & Moderators
Founder & Creative Director, neuplot
EVP, ECD – Razorfish (Publicis)
Diversity Media Strategy & Investment, General Motors

Mike Tresvant
TBD

This exclusive event will highlight the next generation of changemakers shaping culture, creativity, and community over cocktails and light bites.
This Blackweek discussion is proudly sponsored by Shipt. We’re grateful for their generous support and commitment to right-sizing industries to help create more opportunity for equity and ownership.
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:00PM – TBD
DEBUT Films: Docs Presented by P&G’s Widen The Screen
off site
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:00PM – 9:00PM
GUEST LIST IS CLOSED. RSVP & PREMIER OR EXECUTIVE TICKET REQUIRED.
RSVP & PREMIER OR EXECUTIVE TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.

DEBUT is Blackweek’s culture festival and showcase, dedicated to spotlighting what’s new and next in film. In 2025, BLACKWEEK will feature several film screenings of independent filmmakers, featuring shorts, documentaries and feature-length films.
DEBUT Films is proudly presented by P&G’s Widen The Screen — a content creation, talent development, and partnership platform that celebrates creativity and enables Black creators to share the full richness of the Black experience. Through sustained action and investment, P&G is working to broaden the spectrum of the images we see, the voices we hear, and the stories we tell.
Details
Date
Wed, Oct 8
Time
5:00PM – 9:00PM
Blackweek Connect
off site
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 9
Time
9:00AM – 1:00PM
Instructors
CEO, DoSomething.org
Managing Partner, Vaughan Capital Advisors
Chief Data Strategy Officer, WPP
Former Global President of Warner Music Experience
Director, Multicultural Business Solutions at Horizon Media
Associate Director, of Agency Partnerships at Horizon Media
Blackweek Connect is a unique, targeted event dedicated to bridging the gap between up-and-coming talent and decision-makers in the advertising industry. Designed specifically for students and junior-level executives, this day offers invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and career development, setting the stage for the next generation of leaders in advertising.
Invite only: Space is limited. Registration and RSVP required. First come, first serve.
Details
Date
Thu, Oct 9
Time
9:00AM – 1:00PM
Stage
TBD
DEBUT Films: Shorts Presented by P&G’s Widen The Screen
off site
Details
Date
Tue, Oct 7
Time
5:00PM – 9:00PM
GUEST LIST IS CLOSED. RSVP & PREMIER OR EXECUTIVE TICKET REQUIRED.
RSVP & PREMIER OR EXECUTIVE TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.

DEBUT is Blackweek’s culture festival and showcase, dedicated to spotlighting what’s new and next in film. In 2025, BLACKWEEK will feature several film screenings of independent filmmakers, featuring shorts, documentaries and feature-length films.
DEBUT Films is proudly presented by P&G’s Widen The Screen — a content creation, talent development, and partnership platform that celebrates creativity and enables Black creators to share the full richness of the Black experience. Through sustained action and investment, P&G is working to broaden the spectrum of the images we see, the voices we hear, and the stories we tell.
Details
Date
Tue, Oct 7
Time
5:00PM – 9:00PM
Debut Music Series
off site
Details
Date
Tue, Oct 7
Time
8:00PM – 11:30PM
GUEST LIST IS CLOSED. RSVP & PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
RSVP & PREMIER TICKET REQUIRED.
To RSVP:
1) Download the Blackweek Conference app from the App store or Google Play store.
2) Tap the RSVP tile on the app home screen.
3) Tap on the event.
4) Tap the RSVP button at the top of the event page.
Speakers & Moderators
Founder & Creative Director, neuplot
EVP, ECD – Razorfish (Publicis)
Diversity Media Strategy & Investment, General Motors

Mike Tresvant
TBD

DEBUT is Blackweek’s culture festival and showcase, dedicated to spotlighting what’s new and next in music. This year, DEBUT Music will feature a special performance by musical artist Amber Mark and opener, Charity the Artist, offering our Premier and VIP registrants an unforgettable experience that reflects the future of culture through sound and artistry.
Cocktail reception: 8:00pm-9pm
Show: 9:30pm-11:30pm, doors open at 9pm
Lineup schedule coming soon
This Blackweek discussion is proudly sponsored by Shipt. We’re grateful for their generous support and commitment to right-sizing industries to help create more opportunity for equity and ownership.
Details
Date
Tue, Oct 7
Time
8:00PM – 11:30PM


















