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A Powerful Community of BIPOC Women and Non-Binary Professionals Transforming the Documentary Industry
Brown Girls Doc Mafia (BGDM) works to disrupt inequity in the film industry by nurturing, amplifying, and investing in the creative capacity and professional success of our members.
Black History Month
Shining a spotlight on some of our talented Black members working across the industry for Black History Month.
Dessane Lopez-Cassell
Joining BGDM four years ago, Dessane is the Editor-in-Chief of BlackStar’s Seen journal where she platforms film, art, and visual culture writing by and about people of color.
Cora Atkinson
With over 15 years of experience in TV and film, Cora is a producer and filmmaker who has worked with some of the world's top media companies. She has been a member since 2018.
Imani Dennison
A member for seven years, Imani is a multidisciplinary lens-based artist and curator. Their work interrogates histories of Black culture, usually centered in folklore, fantasy, and oral histories.
Opal H. Bennett
A member since 2016, Opal has been a curator and programmer since 2014, joining the teams of major festivals. She is also the Co-Producer of American Documentary at POV
Amanda Jones
A member since 2018, Amanda is an L.A.-based film composer who has created original scores for Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Lena Waithe and more.
Alexandra Hannibal
Alex is an established producer and industry executive. She is currently the Vice President of CNN Films, working in content development. She joined BGDM in 2015.
Tamara Shogaolu
Tamara is an award-winning new media artist sharing intersectional stories across mediums and platforms to promote cross-cultural understanding. She joined BGDM in 2017.
Karen Mcmullen
Karen is a Brooklyn based festival curator, educator, and editor. She has programmed for Urbanworld, Tribeca, TIDE, DOC NYC and more. She has been a member since 2016.
Jamila Wignot
Joining BGDM in our first year, Jamila is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Her work has garnered her Peabodys, Emmy and NAACP awards and nominations.
Stories
Carla Gutierrez Is Paving the Way for BIPOC Documentary Editors
By Alicia Soller • March 30, 2023
Five Unsung Heroes of Documentary Filmmaking
By Sonya Childress • March 28, 2023
Nine Questions with Women in Film's Maikiko James
By Brown Girls Doc Mafia • March 22, 2023
Borders Can't Constrain Family Legacy in ‘What We Leave Behind'
By Jireh Deng • March 17, 2023
Nine Questions with Award-Winning Filmmaker Michèle Stephenson
By Brown Girls Doc Mafia • February 25, 2023
5 Black Films That Changed My Life
By Chelsi Bullard • February 20, 2023
Join The Movement
March 6, 2023
BGDM Member Films at SXSW 2023
February 23, 2023
BGDM Films at True/False
February 14, 2023
Welcome to browngirlsdocmafia.org
February 9, 2023
Leveling Up: BGDM Is Now A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit
February 2, 2023
A Snowy, Successful Sundance 2023
January 12, 2023
Meet the Members: Sundance 2023
BLOG
Transgender Self-Realization: Artistic Journeys through different forms of art
Transgender individuals have harnessed various forms of art, including movies, music, blogging, and adult entertainment, as means of self-realization and self-expression. These diverse mediums have provided unique avenues for transgender people to explore their identities, challenge societal norms, and share their experiences authentically and unapologetically.
Movies have played a significant role in shedding light on the transgender experience. Films like "The Danish Girl," "Boy Meets Girl," and "Tangerine" have portrayed the complexities, struggles, and triumphs of transgender individuals. Through storytelling, nuanced performances, and empathetic portrayals, these movies have not only educated audiences but also empowered transgender individuals to embrace and express their true selves.
Music has served as a powerful medium for transgender artists to express their identities and experiences. Musicians like Laura Jane Grace, Anohni, and SOPHIE have fearlessly used their art to challenge societal norms, confront gender stereotypes, and advocate for transgender rights. Their music resonates with diverse audiences, fostering empathy and understanding while providing a source of inspiration and validation for transgender individuals.
Blogging has emerged as an influential platform for transgender self-expression. Transgender bloggers utilize their personal websites, social media, and online communities to share their stories, insights, and perspectives. By documenting their journeys, discussing challenges, and celebrating milestones, these bloggers foster connection and support within the transgender community and contribute to a broader dialogue on gender identity and acceptance.
In recent years, adult entertainment, particularly webcam platforms, has become a space where transgender individuals can reclaim agency over their bodies, desires, and sexual expression in different shows like tranny sex chat. Webcam performers have the freedom to express their authentic selves, embracing and celebrating their gender identities without judgment. By engaging with viewers through live streaming, transgender individuals on webcam platforms can connect with others, challenge stereotypes, and promote self-acceptance and empowerment.
Through movies, music, blogging, and adult entertainment, transgender individuals have leveraged the power of art to explore their identities, break down barriers, and advocate for greater understanding and acceptance. These mediums have provided platforms for self-realization, fostering connections within the transgender community and amplifying transgender voices. By sharing their stories and experiences, transgender individuals in art have contributed to a more inclusive and diverse society, promoting empathy and challenging societal norms surrounding gender identity.