NYWIFT Blog

By Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee

From October 15–18, the 9th Annual Queen City Film Festival (QCFF) brought filmmakers, creatives, industry professionals, and community members together in Plainfield, New Jersey, for a celebration of cinema, culture, and the power of storytelling. Recognized for its commitment to uplifting underrepresented and marginalized filmmakers, the Queen City Film Festival continues to create opportunities for diverse voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Through screenings, special events, and engaging panel discussions, the festival demonstrated how film and media can inspire meaningful conversations, strengthen communities, and help shape the future of entertainment.

Tammy Reese, Yaphet Jackson, LaKisa Renee, Ernest Dickerson, Tania Mackson and Lamar Jackson (QCFF Festival Founder and Director)

Festival screenings and events took place at local venues, including the Plainfield Public Library, Cindelle’s Bookstore, and Cinemark Watchung and XD, bringing the arts into community spaces while connecting audiences with compelling stories and the people behind them. Beyond the screenings, the festival featured thought-provoking panel discussions that explored leadership, women’s experiences, independent filmmaking, and the importance of taking ownership of one’s creative vision.

Author and entrepreneur Leslie Short joined festival attendees for a special conversation about her inspiring book, Someone Has to Be the First. The empowering discussion centered on breaking barriers, embracing purpose, and having the courage to step into spaces where others may not have gone before. Leslie’s message encouraged attendees to recognize the importance of representation and understand that being the first can create opportunities for those who follow. Her conversation served as a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins when someone is willing to challenge the status quo and lead with purpose.

Tammy Reese, Leslie Short, and LaKisa Renee

Another compelling conversation featured LaToya Shanelle and Queen Bee, hosts of The OWWHH Show, a platform committed to giving women the space to tell their whole stories — not simply the polished versions. Joining the conversation were media personality and actress Melyssa Ford and Councilwoman & mental health professional Dr. Darcella Sessomes. Together, the panelists explored what women carry, what they survive, and what happens when they finally have the freedom to say the quiet part out loud. The discussion created space for honest dialogue about women’s lived experiences, resilience, and the importance of having platforms where their voices can be heard without judgment or expectation.

LaKisa Renee, Two Lewis, and Tammy Reese

Next up, GRAMMY-winning music producer turned film producer Two Lewis, who is married to actress Naturi Naughton-Lewis, shared valuable insight during The Greenlight Effect panel, which was moderated by filmmaker and QCFF Board Member Patrick Coker. The discussion explored what it takes to bring an independent project to life, from the first spark of an idea through development, production, and final release. Two offered a candid look at how independent creators can move beyond waiting for permission, build the right teams, navigate production challenges, and transform a concept into a completed project. For aspiring filmmakers and entrepreneurs, the conversation reinforced an essential message: creators can take ownership of their visions, develop the resources they need, and build pathways toward bringing their stories to the screen.

Tammy Reese, Okema T. Moore, and LaKisa Renee

One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the opportunity for New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) members Tammy Reese and LaKisa Renee to participate as featured panelists on Beyond The Gate: The Power of Independent Media. Tammy and LaKisa are co-hosts and co-producers of the Tales From The Media podcast, where they engage in conversations about entertainment, media, culture, mental health & wellness, and the stories shaping our world. The panel was moderated by NYWIFT board member, actress, and filmmaker Okema T. Moore, who had four projects represented at this year’s festival, including Affordable Housing (Lead Producer), Love Zuri (Director and Producer), Love Song (Lead Actress and Producer), and Crossroads (Lead Actress).

The conversation brought together independent media voices to examine how they have shaped culture, amplified underrepresented stories, and contributed to the evolving landscape of entertainment journalism and commentary. As independent journalists and media professionals, Tammy and LaKisa understand the importance of creating platforms that make room for diverse perspectives. Their participation underscored the vital role independent media plays in broadening conversations, challenging conventional narratives, and connecting audiences with stories that might otherwise go untold. The panel also highlighted the opportunities and responsibilities that come with building independent media platforms in an ever-changing entertainment industry.

NYWIFT was highly spoken about during the panel. For NYWIFT members working across film, television, journalism, podcasting, and digital media, conversations like these reinforce the importance of collaboration, visibility, and supporting one another’s creative endeavors.

The festival officially celebrated its opening with a special gala at the Plainfield Public Library, honoring distinguished professionals whose contributions to the entertainment industry continue to leave a lasting impact.

Tammy Reese, Will McCormack, and LaKisa Renee

The evening recognized three outstanding honorees:

• Tracey Moore — Legacy Award: The casting director, producer, and director was recognized for her contributions to the entertainment industry and her creative legacy.
• Will McCormack — Festival Ambassador Award: The writer, director, and Academy Award recipient was honored for his accomplishments and contributions to storytelling.
• Ernest Dickerson — Vanguard Award: The legendary cinematographer, director, and Emmy Award recipient was celebrated for his enduring influence on film and television.

The awards ceremony was a fitting tribute to the creativity, dedication, and vision of industry professionals who continue to shape the stories audiences experience on screen.

LaKisa Renee, Ernest Dickerson, and Tammy Reese

In addition to participating in the independent media panel, we had the opportunity to connect with industry professionals and capture special moments throughout the festival. Being featured on the festival’s red carpet face sheet, walking the red carpet, conducting interviews, and being interviewed made the experience especially meaningful. For independent journalists, having the opportunity to share our perspectives, contribute to industry conversations, and have our work recognized is something we deeply value.

We are grateful to the Queen City Film Festival team for welcoming us with such kindness, respect, and professionalism. We also want to extend a special thank-you to Okema T. Moore for connecting us with the QCFF family and helping make this opportunity possible. A heartfelt thank-you goes to Lamar and Tania Mackson for their hospitality and generosity in providing us with accommodations at the iconic Coriell Mansion. Their kindness helped make our festival experience even more memorable.

From the thought-provoking panels and inspiring honorees to the meaningful connections and behind-the-scenes moments, we thoroughly enjoyed being part of this year’s festival.

Check out our Queen City Film Festival Interviews:

Be sure to subscribe to the Tales From The Media YouTube channel and follow social media channels for more content from this year’s festival.

The 9th Annual Queen City Film Festival was a reminder that storytelling is about more than what appears on a screen. It is about who gets to tell the story, whose experiences are represented, and how creative expression can bring people together. From honoring established industry leaders to uplifting emerging filmmakers and creating space for independent media voices, QCFF demonstrated the value of building platforms where diverse perspectives can thrive.

As NYWIFT members and independent media professionals, we are honored to have been part of an event that celebrates creativity, community, and representation. We look forward to seeing how the Queen City Film Festival continues to grow and create opportunities for storytellers in the years ahead.

To learn more about the festival, discover upcoming events, and stay informed about future screenings and opportunities, visit: https://www.qcffnj.com/