Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/861371
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 7 I 2 7 A more detailed description and additional photos are posted online at www.dga.org. DGA Events Roundup African American Steering Committee Hosts A Conversation with Director Tina Mabry The DGA's African American Steering Committee (AASC) hosted a conversation with Director Tina Mabry following their regular monthly meeting in the Los Angeles Boardroom on July 17. The DGA Award-winning director was there to discuss her career and the need for diversity in the industry. In a conversation moderated by Director/AASC Co-Chair Jeff Byrd, Mabry spoke about how her journey to becoming a director was inspired by the films and television shows she watched while growing up in her native Mississippi. She detailed her struggles to complete her first film, Mississippi Damned, and the gratitude she felt for the mentorship of director Gina Prince-Bythewood, to whom she says she owes a large part of her career. Mabry also discussed her belief in the mission of the DGA as well as the importance of inclusion behind the camera and the benefits it offers to others. In addition to Mississippi Damned, Mabry's filmography includes episodes of the series Futurestates, Queen Sugar, Dear White People, Queen of the South, Insecure; and the short Brooklyn's Bridge to Jordan. She took home the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children's Programs for her 2016 project An American Girl Story - Melody 1963: Love Has to Win. Mabry has been a DGA member since 2016. Photos: 1. (seated) AASC Co-Chair Jeff Byrd, Directors Tina Mabry and Gina Prince-Bythewood. (standing) AASC Activities & Events Subcommittee Co-Chair Abdul Malik Abbott, Committee member Redelia Shaw and DGA Field Representative Gabe Kahsay. 2. Mabry discusses her career. 3. AASC Co-Chair Jeff Byrd serves as moderator of the conversation. 2 1 4 DGA Hosts Indie Directors Outreach at 2017 Outfest Film Festival Outfest, the 35th Los Angeles LGBT Film Festival, presented films and videos from around the world, as well as panel discussions, special events, parties, and receptions in venues all around the city from July 6 to 16. As part of the Guild's outreach efforts for independent filmmakers, the Guild's Los Angeles headquarters served as the central nexus for the festival and the DGA served as both a screening venue and a longtime sponsor of the festival. The Guild also hosted a luncheon on July 10 for filmmakers participating in the festival. During the luncheon, director-member Kyle Patrick Alvarez (13 Reasons Why) spoke to the gathering about the advantages of DGA membership. The attendees also received tips about the festival from Outfest Executive Director Christopher Racster and more information about the Guild from DGA Manager of Special Events and Independent Organizing Matt Gamarra. Photos: 1. Director Kyle Patrick Alvarez tells the Outfest Filmmaker's Luncheon attendees how easy it is for independent filmmakers to work with the DGA. 2-6. Outfest Filmmakers introduce themselves and their films and enjoy the DGA-sponsored luncheon. 3 photo by Elisa Haber photos by Byron Gamarro 6 5 2 1 3