Festivals
From Howard to Hollywood: The 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Brings Star-Studded Lineup to Howard University

The excitement is palpable as the 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival prepares to take center stage at the historic Howard University in Washington, D.C., from November 8-10, 2024. Celebrating the richness of Black cinema and the inspiring creativity from Historically Black College and University filmmakers, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.
A Premiere Celebration of HBCU Talent
The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival holds a unique position as the nation’s only festival dedicated exclusively to celebrating HBCU-educated filmmakers, executives, and content creators. With a focus on “A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism,” this three-day fête is not just about showcasing films; it’s about building bridges from HBCUs to Hollywood, offering invaluable opportunities for networking, learning, and career development.

Unveiling an Impressive Lineup
This year’s festival features a stellar lineup of celebrities and changemakers, including NAACP Image Award-winning actress Naturi Naughton-Lewis, who will be engaging in a revealing conversation about the power, passion, and perseverance required in today’s entertainment industry. The discussion will be moderated by none other than Emmy Award-winning host and comedienne Loni Love.
Additionally, attendees can look forward to a masterclass with showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll, known for her work on “All American” and “Found.” For those seeking career advice, Keanna “KJ” Rose, a 2024 “I Aspire” 100 honoree and FAMU alum, will provide invaluable insights into career development.
Spotlight on Cinema and Activism
The festival doesn’t stop at panels and discussions. It also features film screenings, including a talkback session with the cast and crew of the true crime series “Killer Relationships with Faith Jenkins.” The My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon is set to honor notable figures such as Keshia Knight-Pulliam and Stacy Milner.
One of the festival’s highlights is the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, which this year received over 200 submissions. The challenge provides a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their talent, with three winners set to receive internships, fast-tracking their entrance into the film industry.
Engaging Sessions and Iconic Films
Participants will delve into rich discussions celebrating iconic Black film titles. Sessions like “STRICTLY BUSINESS” will explore independent filmmaking and entrepreneurship, while “THE BLACK GODFATHER” will cover documentary filmmaking and music licensing. Attendees can also look forward to sessions inspired by films like “BEAUTY SHOP” and “DREAMGIRLS,” offering insights into costume design, character makeup, and the journeys of young Black actresses.
Save the Date and Be Part of the Movement
For students, filmmakers, and cinephiles, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is an unmissable event. Tickets are available at hbcufirstlook.com and through the HBCU First LOOK Festival app. Follow the festival’s social media platforms for the latest updates and join the conversation using hashtags #hbcufirstlook, #blackfilmmakers, and #IAspirechallenge.

A Festival with Vision and Purpose
Founded by Howard University alum Sheila Eldridge, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is more than just a festival; it’s a movement aiming to inspire and equip the next generation of diverse talent in the film and television industries. The festival’s mission is supported by a robust lineup of sponsors and media partners, including AARP, NBC Universal, and Howard University Television + Film, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful experience for all participants.
This November, come celebrate a vibrant community of storytellers and creators who are redefining the future of cinema, right here at the heart of Howard University. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, an industry professional, or a lover of cinema, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is set to be an inspiring and transformative experience.
From Howard to Hollywood
Read the press release: https://www.hbcufirstlook.com/post/hbcu-first-look-film-festival-announces-2024-i-aspire-100-2nd-annual-festival-returns-to-howard-un
SOURCE Miles Ahead Entertainment
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Entertainment
KOCCA Brings the Future of Entertainment to SXSW 2025 – AI, XR, and K-Content Innovation Take Center Stage
AUSTIN, Texas, March 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At SXSW 2025, the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) is set to showcase the next frontier of entertainment and technology, bringing 12 cutting-edge Korean companies to Austin. From AI-powered media to immersive experiences in XR and the metaverse, KOCCA Pavilion will be the hub for the latest innovations reshaping global content trends.
KOCCA will host three major events at SXSW 2025:

KOCCA Pavilion (March 9-12, Booth No. 1007, Austin Convention Center, Hall 3) – Experience firsthand how AI, virtual humans, immersive art, and game-tech are redefining storytelling and audience engagement.
KOCCA NEXT STAGE (March 10, 10 AM, Hall 4) – Industry leaders discuss the convergence of AI and entertainment, the rise of digital humans, and the future of interactive storytelling.
K-Content Night (March 10, 6-9 PM, Parlor & Yard, Downtown Austin) – An exclusive networking event where investors, creators, and tech pioneers connect over K-content’s impact on the global entertainment landscape.
Meet the Innovators at KOCCA Pavilion
Twelve visionary companies will present game-changing solutions in AI-driven media, metaverse experiences, immersive art, and next-gen music & gaming solutions. These companies include DATUMO, BRUSH Theatre, BEAM Studio, ShiningLab, Cuz Global, KAI, Minimap, GiiOii Immersive Studio, apoc, Stela, Neutune, and Gaudio Lab.
Visitors can expect to engage with groundbreaking advancements such as AI-generated storytelling, virtual human interactions, and next-gen music tech that is redefining how audiences consume content worldwide.
KOCCA NEXT STAGE – The Future of AI in Entertainment (March 10, 10 AM, Hall 4)
Beyond the exhibition, KOCCA will host NEXT STAGE, a must-attend panel exploring how AI, XR, and emerging tech are revolutionizing content creation and audience experiences. Featuring industry experts Michael Hwang (DATUMO), Youngbeom Jeong (BEAM Studio), Ellie Lee (apoc), and Sylvia Yang (BRUSH Theatre), this session will dive into the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI in storytelling and the lessons global industries can learn from Korea’s rapid innovation.
K-Content Night – Where Business Meets Creativity (March 10, 6-9 PM, Parlor & Yard, Austin)
KOCCA’s K-Content Night is an exclusive gathering that brings together investors, startups, and industry leaders to explore how Korean content is shaping the next wave of entertainment. Attendees will enjoy a high-impact networking session, speed pitches from innovative startups, and exclusive insights into one of the fastest-growing creative industries in the world.
This is more than just a networking event—it’s an opportunity to connect with visionaries redefining the future of media and entertainment.
Register Now:
KOCCA Pavilion: https://m.site.naver.com/1BCHG
KOCCA NEXT STAGE: https://forms.gle/ZGedEyUEAjxKsH4X8
K-Content Night: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/k-content-night-2025-sxsw-free-dinner-drinks-tickets-1238084777899?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join KOCCA at SXSW 2025 and witness the future of entertainment unfold.
SOURCE KOCCA
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expo
Exciting Collaboration: Ketone Labs & Blue Pacific Flavors Unite to Transform Functional Beverages at Expo West 2025!

PRNewswire
March 4-7, 2025, marks a momentous occasion in the world of innovation at Expo West, and we’re thrilled to share the exciting news about the strategic partnership between two pioneers: Ketone Labs and Blue Pacific Flavors. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the functional beverage landscape with the introduction of goBHB®-powered drinks, combining science-backed formulation with mouthwatering flavors.
What’s Buzzing at Expo West?
Set in the vibrant city of Anaheim, California, Expo West 2025 is the place to be for industry professionals and health enthusiasts alike. Visitors can look forward to an exclusive sneak peek at groundbreaking non-stimulant energy beverages that harness the power of goBHB®. These innovative drinks stand out by delivering clean, sustained energy without the jitters associated with caffeine or taurine.
The Power of goBHB®: Fueling a Healthier Future
At the core of this partnership is goBHB®, a game-changing innovation that promises to uplift our daily wellness routines. Here’s a breakdown of what makes these beverages stand out:
- Brain Health: The cognitive benefits of goBHB® are remarkable! It enhances mental clarity and focus, making it perfect for those long workdays or study sessions.
- Gut Health: With specially designed formulations that support the microbiome, these beverages are as much about feeling good on the inside as they are about revitalizing your energy levels.
- Metabolic Energy: goBHB® serves as a rapid source of fuel, enabling endurance and performance, whether you’re hitting the gym or navigating a busy day.
Meet Our Innovators
Industry veterans Donald F. Wilkes, CEO of Blue Pacific Flavors, and Rob C. Rogers, Founder of Ketone Labs, are enthusiastic about this partnership and the future it holds. With Donald’s extensive experience in flavor science and beverage formulation and Rob’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of metabolic health, this collaboration is set to redefine expectations.
“In my 40+ years in the industry, I have never seen a technology as transformative as goBHB®,” Wilkes stated. “It’s a game-changer in metabolic health, offering a science-backed, clean-energy solution that fits today’s functional beverage landscape.”
Echoing this sentiment, Rob C. Rogers shared, “goBHB® is revolutionizing the industry, and our partnership with Blue Pacific Flavors is pivotal in unlocking its full potential.”
Tantalizing Taste Meets Cutting-Edge Science
One of the most exciting aspects of this partnership is the introduction of several unique and innovative flavored products, all developed by Blue Pacific Flavors. The day is coming when functional health drinks aren’t just good for you—they’ll taste fantastic too!
Will you be attending Expo West 2025? Be sure to visit Booth #4373 for a chance to sample these extraordinary beverages and see firsthand how goBHB® can integrate into your lifestyle. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the experts behind these innovations and learn more about the intersection of delicious flavor and health-conscious formulation.
Join Us on This Journey!
As we embark on this exciting journey in functional nutrition, we invite you to stay connected and follow along. Together, Ketone Labs and Blue Pacific Flavors are committed to delivering the next generation of delicious, effective, and innovative products tailored to modern consumer needs.
Let’s Change the Way We Think About Nutrition
Join us at Expo West 2025, and be part of the exciting new wave of functional beverages that promote brain health, gut health, and metabolic energy without compromising on flavor. The future of wellness awaits—let’s explore it together!
For more updates, follow us on our social media channels and explore the fascinating world of goBHB® and its incredible potential! See you in Anaheim!
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
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Consumer Corner
Our Home Invites Attendees to Come Raid Its Snack Stash at Expo West 2025
The Better-For-You Snack Portfolio is Bringing Bold Flavors, Immersive Experiences, and Pantry Must-Haves to Anaheim
ANAHEIM, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — Our Home, the leading portfolio for crave-worthy, better-for-you snacks, is bringing its ultimate snack stash to Natural Products Expo West 2025 with an immersive pantry experience. With an unbeatable lineup of delicious, wholesome snacks featuring Good Health, Pop Secret, Popchips, Food Should Taste Good, Sonoma Creamery, YOU NEED THIS, ParmCrisps, Real Food From The Ground Up and RW Garcia, Our Home invites attendees to Booth #5489 for exclusive samplings, sneak peeks, and exciting new product showcases.

Our Home’s diverse portfolio of brands provides a snack for everyone with its flavor-filled, better-for-you offerings for every occasion. Located in Hall E, attendees can step into Our Home‘s walk-through booth and immerse themselves inside a perfectly curated pantry of the most craveable snacks on the market. New product highlights include Good Health’s Avocado Oil Veggie Stix, Veggie Straws and Veggie Chips; Popchips’ latest Sweet Heat flavor, a sweet and spicy combination popped to perfection; and Food Should Taste Good’s Cornbread Crackers, a NEXTY Finalist in the Savory or Salty Snack category.
“We welcome guests to raid our snack pantry in our home away from home at Expo West,” said Deb Holt, Chief Marketing Officer at Our Home. “This year, Our Home has even more snacks to showcase across our portfolio. From cheesy to hot, and wholesome to veggie-filled, there’s a favorite snack for everyone in our pantry stash.”
Coming to market in June 2025, Good Health’s lineup of avocado oil veggie products is part of a rapidly growing culinary trend. Avocado oil is the fastest-growing culinary oil, growing 47% YoY, highlighting its rising popularity for its health benefits and versatility making it a great alternative to seed oil. In addition to transitioning its veggie products to avocado oil, the only brand in the segment to do so, the brand this year will also introduce a refreshed package design, leveraging its new positioning geared towards families.
In line with Our Home’s mission to deliver delicious snacks everywhere consumers live, work, and eat, the snacking portfolio is establishing a broader representation of their snacks in the convenience store space. Small single serve snacks are outpacing category growth driving 23% growth in 2024. With this renewed demand for portability, Our Home’s better for you snacks will be found in convenience stores nationwide throughout 2025.
Expo West attendees can also snag samples of snacks like Good Health Avocado Oil Sea Salted Potato Chips, Food Should Taste Good’s Multigrain and Sweet Potato Tortilla Chips, and ParmCrisps Original Cheese Crisps throughout the show grounds. The outdoor booth will offer attendees a chance to grab a bag to munch on their way inside or on their way out.
Our Home is exhibiting at Natural Products Expo West from March 4-7, 2025, at the Anaheim Convention Center (800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802). Attendees are invited to raid the Our Home pantry at Booth #5489 and party with them at the can’t-miss Expo West Block Party on Tuesday, March 4, from 4-7 PM. For more information on the trade show, visit www.expowest.com.
About Our Home
Our Home is a leading, independent better-for-you snack platform that provides delicious, wholesome snacks at a great value. Our Home strives to create nourishing snacks that offer a warm and welcoming sense of familiarity to communities, catering to every occasion and satisfying various cravings. This commitment is demonstrated through the company’s ownership of production and manufacturing facilities spanning all snack sub-categories, and a portfolio of brands that currently includes Good Health, Pop Secret, Popchips, Food Should Taste Good, Sonoma Creamery, YOU NEED THIS, ParmCrisps, Real Food From The Ground Up and RW Garcia. For more information on Our Home, visit www.our-home.com.
SOURCE Our Home
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