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Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Kathleen Bertrand.
Founder of the BronzeLens Film Festival, one of the nation's premier film festivals dedicated to showcasing filmmakers and storytellers of color. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, BronzeLens has spent more than 15 years creating opportunities for diverse voices in film, television, documentaries, animation, music videos, and digital media.
The discussion explores the origins of BronzeLens, Atlanta's role in the film industry, filmmaking opportunities, networking, social justice storytelling, and how vision, relationships, and persistence transformed an idea into a globally recognized cultural institution.
Purpose of the Interview
The purpose of the interview was to:
- Highlight the impact of the BronzeLens Film Festival.
- Discuss opportunities for filmmakers of color.
- Explain how the festival was created.
- Showcase Atlanta's emergence as a film production hub.
- Promote the 15th Annual BronzeLens Film Festival.
- Encourage aspiring creators to tell their stories.
- Demonstrate the power of relationships and community building.
About BronzeLens Film Festival
BronzeLens Film Festival was founded to ensure that creators of color have access to:
- Visibility
- Industry connections
- Networking opportunities
- Educational resources
- Film exhibition platforms
The festival serves filmmakers from:
- Atlanta
- The Southeast
- Across the United States
- Around the world
Its mission is to help storytellers gain opportunities in an industry where access has historically been limited.
Why BronzeLens Was Created
Kathleen explained that the idea originated while she was a senior executive at the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The catalyst came from then-CEO William Pate, who asked an important question:
"Why doesn't Atlanta have something like Sundance for the African American community?"
At the time:
- Georgia's film industry was rapidly expanding.
- Major productions were increasingly choosing Atlanta.
- Tyler Perry Studios was growing.
- Opportunities were emerging for filmmakers.
However, there was no major platform dedicated to connecting filmmakers of color with those opportunities.
Kathleen took that challenge seriously.
Building the Vision
After receiving the challenge, Kathleen spent months:
- Researching film festivals.
- Studying successful models.
- Meeting with local filmmakers.
- Identifying gaps in the market.
She sought advice from respected Atlanta professionals including:
Cheryl Gripper
Former executive at 11Alive and community leader.
Deirdre McDonald
Emmy Award-winning producer and educator who became BronzeLens' Artistic Director.
Together they built the foundation for what would become BronzeLens.
The Importance of Atlanta
BronzeLens is deeply connected to Atlanta's identity.
According to Kathleen:
Atlanta is now one of America's leading centers for:
- Film production
- Television production
- Creative talent
- Entertainment entrepreneurship
The festival was designed to ensure that people of color participated in that growth.
Key Point: BronzeLens exists to help diverse storytellers claim a place in Atlanta's booming entertainment economy.
How the Name BronzeLens Was Created
One fascinating story from the interview involved the festival's name.
The original proposed name was:
Bronze Jubilee Film Festival
After presenting the concept to executives from Turner Broadcasting, feedback suggested the name needed improvement.
A professional naming company was brought in.
After several weeks, they proposed:
BronzeLens
Kathleen immediately knew it was the right choice.
The name represented:
- Bronze communities worldwide
- Storytelling
- Film
- Creativity
- Perspectives through a lens
The Festival's Growth
The first BronzeLens event launched in 2010 with:
- 23 films
- Community support
- Industry participation
- Strong local engagement
Since then the festival has expanded dramatically.
Today it attracts:
- Independent filmmakers
- Producers
- Industry executives
- Celebrities
- Students
- Film enthusiasts
from across the globe.
Academy Award Qualifying Status
One of the festival's most significant accomplishments is becoming:
An Academy Awards Qualifying Film Festival
Since 2016, BronzeLens has held Oscar-qualifying status for short films.
This means:
- Winners of specific categories become eligible for Oscar consideration.
- Filmmakers gain national and international visibility.
- The prestige of the festival increases significantly.
Key Point: BronzeLens serves as a potential pathway toward Academy Award recognition.
BronzeLens 2024 Festival Highlights
The festival runs:
August 21-25
Features include:
- Film screenings
- Industry panels
- Workshops
- Networking sessions
- Awards ceremonies
- Filmmaker events
More Than 140 Films
The festival showcases over:
140 Films
Covering topics such as:
- Social justice
- Comedy
- Relationships
- Mental health
- Religion
- Spirituality
- History
- Culture
Celebrity-Connected Projects
Kathleen noted that several submitted films included involvement from notable entertainment figures and producers.
Among them:
- Jamie Foxx
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Morris Chestnut
- Ben Crump
- Deborah Riley Draper
Their participation demonstrates the growing credibility and reach of the festival.
Cinema and Social Justice Sunday
One of BronzeLens' most important traditions is:
Cinema and Social Justice Sunday
This program reflects Atlanta's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
The event focuses on:
- Human rights
- Social justice
- Civil rights stories
- Community awareness
Importantly:
Admission is Free
The goal is educational engagement and community participation.
Why Social Justice Is Central to BronzeLens
Kathleen believes social justice storytelling is inseparable from Atlanta's identity.
Atlanta is home to the legacy of:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Congressman John Lewis
- Reverend Joseph Lowery
- C.T. Vivian
- Ambassador Andrew Young
- Coretta Scott King
As a result, BronzeLens intentionally preserves this connection through its programming.
Andrew Young Cinema and Social Justice Award
The festival created:
The Andrew J. Young Cinema and Social Justice Award
to honor Ambassador Andrew Young's contributions.
Many people know him as:
- Civil rights leader
- Diplomat
- Mayor of Atlanta
Less known is the fact that Andrew Young is also an accomplished filmmaker and documentary producer.
The award celebrates:
- Film excellence
- Human rights advocacy
- Social impact storytelling
The Inaugural Filmmakers Ball
A major celebration associated with the 15th anniversary festival is:
The BronzeLens Filmmakers Ball
Held:
August 24
Features:
- Networking
- Celebration
- Recognition of filmmakers
- Community engagement
The event evolved from a previous women's recognition program.
What Makes BronzeLens Successful?
Rushion asked Kathleen the secret behind sustaining the organization for 15 years.
She identified three key factors:
1. Exceptional Hospitality
BronzeLens makes filmmakers feel valued.
The organization focuses on:
- Welcoming experiences
- Genuine support
- Professional treatment
Many filmmakers cite this as one of the festival's greatest strengths.
2. Strong Volunteer Support
More than 100 volunteers participate annually.
Many volunteers are:
- Emerging filmmakers
- Students
- Creatives
who gain networking opportunities while supporting the festival.
3. Relationships
Perhaps her most important lesson:
"Relationships are everything."
Kathleen emphasized that success comes from:
- Building trust
- Maintaining integrity
- Creating genuine partnerships
- Helping others succeed
Memorable Quotes
Kathleen Bertrand
"We wanted to create a platform for filmmakers of color."
"Atlanta was the perfect place."
"This is the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement."
"BronzeLens wanted to be that pivot point."
"We treat people well."
"Relationships matter."
"Knowing people is important, but integrity is essential."
Rushion McDonald
"Everyone has a bright idea. How do you make it a reality?"
"Relationships continue to open doors."
"This festival has become a destination."
"The stories need to be told."
Overall Message
Kathleen Bertrand's journey demonstrates how a single idea, combined with research, relationships, vision, and perseverance, can become a lasting institution. BronzeLens Film Festival has grown from a concept inspired by a simple question into an internationally respected platform that showcases diverse stories, creates industry opportunities, celebrates social justice, and helps shape the next generation of filmmakers. The festival's success illustrates that meaningful change often begins when someone sees a gap, builds community around a purpose, and commits to serving others with excellence.
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