Festivals
From Howard to Hollywood: The 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Brings Star-Studded Lineup to Howard University
Last Updated on October 12, 2024 by Daily News Staff
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
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
holidays
“Halloween: A Magical Night of Costumes, Candy, and Community”
“Experience the enchantment of Halloween with costumes, candy, and a sense of community. Join the festivities and let your imagination run wild!”
Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Rod Washington
Halloween is a magical time when the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary. The streets are adorned with spooky decorations, while the air becomes charged with anticipation and excitement. It’s a night of imagination and creativity, as costumes come to life and take on a new persona.
Pumpkins, with their toothy grins, light up the night, casting an eerie glow on the festivities. They stand as beacons, welcoming trick-or-treaters to doorsteps adorned with spiderwebs and skeletons. The young and the young at heart embark on a quest for sugary treasures, their laughter echoing through the streets.
But Halloween is more than just costumes and candy. It’s a celebration of community and tradition, where neighbors come together, sharing stories and treats. It’s a time to embrace the spooky and face our fears, knowing that they’re just a playful illusion.
As the night winds down and the moon casts its final spell, Halloween fades into the realm of memories. But its spirit lingers, reminding us of the power of imagination, the joy of connecting with others, and the thrill of embracing the unknown.
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!
Author
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Automotive
AutoMobility LA Launches RACER Creator Awards: Celebrating the New Voice of Automotive Storytelling
AutoMobility LA launches the inaugural RACER Creator Awards on November 20, 2025, celebrating filmmakers, photographers, podcasters, and digital storytellers shaping automotive and motorsports culture. Submissions open now at awards.racer.com.
Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The automotive industry is shifting gears—and this time, it’s not just about horsepower. On November 20, 2025, AutoMobility LA will host the inaugural RACER Creator Awards, presented by Dunlop, marking a pivotal moment where traditional automotive excellence meets the digital-first generation reshaping how we experience cars and motorsports.
Where Red Carpets Meet Racing Culture
The Los Angeles Auto Show and RACER Media & Marketing are partnering to spotlight the filmmakers, photographers, podcasters, and digital storytellers who’ve become the new ambassadors of automotive culture. This isn’t your grandfather’s auto show—it’s a recognition that the future of the industry lives as much on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram as it does on dealer lots and racetracks.
“AutoMobility LA continues to evolve as a stage for innovation,” said Terri Toennies, president of LA Auto Show. “Hosting the RACER Creator Awards highlights the intersection of creativity, technology, and mobility, uniting the traditional industry with the next generation of automotive storytellers.”
What’s Being Celebrated
The awards recognize excellence across multiple categories:
- Content Creation – Honoring those who craft compelling automotive narratives
- Platform Excellence – Celebrating creators who’ve mastered their chosen medium
- Community Leadership – Recognizing those building engaged, passionate audiences
- Special Recognition – Highlighting unique contributions to automotive culture
Winners will be determined through a combination of expert jury evaluation and fan voting—a fitting approach for an awards program that bridges industry expertise with grassroots enthusiasm.
The Sponsors Driving the Vision
Dunlop steps in as presenting sponsor, reinforcing its deep motorsports roots while embracing the creative culture surrounding performance driving. Meanwhile, KYB brings something special to the arrival experience: the KYB Red Carpet Car Show, open to the public and promising to turn the event’s entrance into a celebration of automotive artistry.
How to Get Involved
Submissions are open now at awards.racer.com, with finalists set to take the stage at AutoMobility LA on November 20. Whether you’re a creator with a growing channel, a photographer capturing track-side moments, or a podcaster breaking down the latest automotive tech, this is your moment.
Why This Matters
Since 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show has been a bellwether for the industry’s direction. By launching the RACER Creator Awards, the show acknowledges a fundamental truth: the people shaping automotive culture today aren’t just engineers and designers—they’re storytellers with cameras, microphones, and editing software.
The event takes place during AutoMobility LA’s press and industry day, which features vehicle debuts, brand announcements, and thought leadership programming. The public show runs November 21-30 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, including Thanksgiving Day.
For an industry built on motion, this feels like the right next move—celebrating the voices accelerating automotive culture into its next era.
Stay Updated:
Follow the LA Auto Show on Instagram, X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or visit laautoshow.com and automobilityla.com for the latest news and updates.
Submit Your Work:
Visit awards.racer.com to enter the RACER Creator Awards.
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
expo
Debbie Gibson Inspires at the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo
Pop legend Debbie Gibson headlined the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo in Phoenix, inspiring thousands with her story of resilience and creativity.
Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Daily News Staff
News You Can Use This Moment! | STM Daily News
The 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo lit up downtown Phoenix last month with an empowering mix of celebrity inspiration, local entrepreneurship, and creative energy. Held September 28–29 at the Phoenix Convention Center, this year’s expo drew thousands of women from across the Southwest to explore, connect, and celebrate.
Among the weekend’s standout moments was the appearance of pop icon Debbie Gibson, whose presence on the main stage brought both nostalgia and inspiration. The singer-songwriter, who rose to fame in the late 1980s with hits like “Only in My Dreams” and “Lost in Your Eyes,” shared her personal journey through the music industry, resilience, and rediscovering purpose. Attendees were treated to an intimate and uplifting conversation, followed by meet-and-greet sessions and photo opportunities — including one lucky attendee who met Gibson personally and captured the moment with several photos.
A Weekend of Empowerment and Discovery
The Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo, part of a national event series produced by the Ultimate Events Group, featured more than 400 exhibitor booths and dozens of workshops across health, finance, fashion, and wellness. Visitors explored everything from skincare innovations and artisan goods to self-development seminars and business networking lounges.
Sponsors and partners have historically included Chevrolet, Humana, Mary Kay, Massage Envy, and the Arizona Republic, reflecting a diverse mix of corporate and local support. The 2025 edition once again sold out exhibitor space, signaling renewed enthusiasm among small businesses and women-led ventures in Arizona.
Record Attendance and Growing Momentum
While official numbers haven’t been released, estimates place attendance at over 20,000 visitors — a notable increase from roughly 17,000 in 2024. Organizers cited record booth sales and packed speaker sessions as evidence of the event’s continued post-pandemic growth.
Phoenix’s event mirrors a broader trend of rising participation in women-centered expos nationwide, as more entrepreneurs and creators seek in-person opportunities to share ideas, products, and inspiration.
Why It Matters
The Women’s Expo is more than just a shopping or networking event — it’s a platform for women to connect, elevate one another, and rediscover their voices in business and life. Whether through a celebrity keynote, a local business success story, or a spontaneous encounter on the expo floor, attendees leave with a sense of empowerment that lasts long after the weekend wraps up.
As Debbie Gibson reminded the crowd:
“Reinvention isn’t about starting over — it’s about owning every version of yourself.”
🖼️ Photo Gallery: Moments from the 2025 Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo
(Captured by Rebecca Jo Washington, a contributors to STM Daily News)
(Editor’s note: Photos courtesy of STM Daily News contributor Rebecca Jo Bigham. If you attended this year’s expo and would like to share your images, please email them to editor@stmdailynews.com for feature consideration.)
🔗
Related Links
Explore more stories from STM Daily News and around the web:
- Arizona Ultimate Women’s Expo – Official Site
- Phoenix Convention Center Events Calendar
- Debbie Gibson Official Website
- Women’s Business Success Stories – STM Daily News
- Empowerment Events & Lifestyle Features – STM Daily News
The Bridge is a section of the STM Daily News Blog meant for diversity, offering real news stories about bona fide community efforts to perpetuate a greater good. The purpose of The Bridge is to connect the divides that separate us, fostering understanding and empathy among different groups. By highlighting positive initiatives and inspirational actions, The Bridge aims to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. This section brings to light stories of individuals and organizations working tirelessly to promote inclusivity, equality, and mutual respect. Through these narratives, readers are encouraged to appreciate the richness of diverse perspectives and to participate actively in building stronger, more cohesive communities.
https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge
Discover more from Daily News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
