Celebrating Black Women in Film: BEMu at the Compton Film Festival

Janus Torres
Nov 10
2 min read

Natalie Speech presenting at Legacy in Motion: Museum Practices as Acts of Black Liberation — Natalie Speech (Founder of BEMu) presenting at the 2025 Compton Film Festival

The Black Entertainment Museum Foundation (BEMu) is proud to celebrate the brilliance, resilience, and creativity of Black women who continue to shape the landscape of cinema and storytelling. At this year’s Compton Film Festival, two powerful conversations took center stage, honoring the women breaking barriers both behind the camera and in front of it.

Held at Compton Community College (1111 East Artesia Boulevard, Compton, USA), this inspiring event gathered a vibrant community of filmmakers, artists, students, and visionaries who share one purpose—to uplift and recognize the impact of Black talent in entertainment.

The Real Behind the Reel: Women Shaping Cinema

The first discussion, “The Real Behind the Reel: Women Shaping Cinema,” spotlighted trailblazing women redefining what it means to tell authentic stories on screen.

Guests included:

Dawn Gilliam – Script Supervisor with a long list of acclaimed film and television credits.
Rhonda Harper – Documentary Film Producer and International Surfing Coach whose storytelling bridges culture, sport, and empowerment.
Miriam Jacobs – Independent Producer dedicated to amplifying diverse voices in independent film.
Keaver Brenai – Award-Winning Voice Actor known for her dynamic work across film, television, and animation.

Together, these women led a compelling conversation about creativity, representation, and perseverance in a field that continues to evolve. Their stories revealed not only the challenges they’ve faced but also the victories that come from persistence, purpose, and passion.

Black Women Breaking Barriers in Stunts: A Panel Discussion

The second event, “Black Women Breaking Barriers in Stunts,” brought together pioneers who have paved the way for a new generation of action talent.

Panelists included:

Jadie David – Veteran stunt performer and advocate for equity in the stunt industry.
Lafaye Baker – Trailblazing stunt coordinator, founder of the Diamond in the Raw Foundation, and mentor to aspiring stunt professionals.
Natascha Hopkins – Accomplished stuntwoman whose career spans major television and film productions.

This dynamic panel honored the legacy, stories, and impact of Black women in an industry often unseen but vital to the magic of filmmaking. Each panelist shared personal experiences, highlighting the importance of safety, representation, and mentorship for women of color in the world of stunts.

Empowering Through Representation

Events like the Compton Film Festival embody BEMu’s mission—to chronicle, celebrate, and perpetuate the legacy of Black creatives across all aspects of the entertainment industry. By uplifting these powerful narratives, BEMu continues to emphasize the importance of documenting the impact of Black talent while inspiring new generations to pursue their creative dreams.

The stories shared at the festival reflect a larger truth: representation is liberation. When Black women tell their stories, direct their films, and perform their own stunts, they reclaim narratives and expand possibilities for those who follow.

Looking Forward

The Black Entertainment Museum Foundation remains committed to building spaces where these legacies are honored and preserved. Through exhibitions, panels, and cultural events, BEMu continues to highlight the artistry, innovation, and excellence of Black entertainers and creators who transform the industry—and society—through their work.