13-Year Old Actress Drew Olivia Tillman From “This is Us” Hosted This Year's Annual BHERC Youth Film Festival

Young filmmakers aged 11 thru 18 screened their diverse, poignant, funny and socially conscious stories in Los Angeles.

Hollywood, CA — The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) proudly hosted the BHERC Diversity Youth Film Festival at the Cinemark 18 Theater at Howard Hughes, Los Angeles, California. The Youth Festival was part of the five-day 25th Annual African American Film Marketplace and S.E. Manly Short Film Showcase (AAFM SEMSFS) held October 23 – 27, 2019.

Each year the youth festival is hosted by a young Hollywood performer. This year the talented vocalist and actress Drew Olivia Tillman served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Drew is a passionate 13-year-old actress and singer best known for her phenomenal voice and recurring role on NBC’S Emmy Award winning show, This is Us. Drew enjoys being an inspiration to others and is excited to serve as the host. While performing requires long hours and attention, Drew maintains an A average in all of her school subjects. Drew is a native Washingtonian, now living in Los Angeles, CA.

The BHERC Diversity Youth Film Festival allows middle and high school students from across the country to submit films. In addition to expressing themselves through their films. The students are exposed to a wealth of knowledge during an interactive half-day workshop, networking with their peers, industry professionals, and celebrities. They receive an honest critique of their work, but most importantly, they see how their voice resonates in society. “BHERC is proud to showcase the diverse films created by our youth,” states Billie J. Green, Program Director. “Our goal is to continue to provide a platform for students to showcase their stories. The voices of our youth, transformed into films that are often quite unique, surprising, and sometimes extraordinary.”

Youth filmmakers who attended were from the following schools and organizations:

* Gandhi Brigade Youth Media, Silver Springs, MA| Evan Glass, ED | Emma Whitty, Program Manager

* Washington Preparatory High School Film Laboratory, Los Angeles, CA | Darryl McCane, Director

* Chaffey High School Moreno Valley, CA

* The Brotherhood Crusade, Los Angeles, CA | Charise Bremond

The SEMSFS featured over 90 films from the US and internationally. For more details about future event, visit www.BHERC.org or call (310) 284-3170.

Also, follow BHERC on social media:

Facebook – @black.hollywood.9
Instagram – @bhercdotorg/
Twitter – @bhercdotorg

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/BlackHollywoodEducationResourceCenterBHERC

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-hollywood-education-and-resource-center/about/

PRESS CONTACT:
Monica Alexander
monica@prwizzzzentertainment.com
(310) 254-0168