BADWest - Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West

08/27/2026

Whether you're a documentary filmmaker, documentary film lover, supporter, donor, or simply curious about BADWest, this gathering is the perfect opportunity to learn more about who we are and what we do.

Come meet BADWest members, supporters, and donors while building relationships with documentary filmmakers and nonfiction storytelling enthusiasts from across our community. Discover how BADWest supports Black documentary makers and how you can become part of our growing network.

Thursday, September 3, 2026
6:30 - 8:00 pm PST
Emerson College Los Angeles Center
5960 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Free underground parking (first come-first serve). Plenty of street parking available on the side streets
Light Food and Drink

VISIT LINK IN BIO to Register or go to www.Badwest.org.
Members rsvp directly at [email protected].

08/15/2026

Thank you for helping sustain the St. Claire Bourne 4th Tuesdays Community Screening Series and ensuring that documentary films, community dialogue, and stories from the African Diaspora remain free and accessible to all.

Every donation, every share, and every act of support brings us closer to keeping this vital community program alive.

Can't make a large gift? Consider becoming a monthly supporter with a recurring donation of just $5 a month. Small gifts make a big impact!

We can do it! Help us Keep the Stories Alive.

With sincere appreciation,
The BADWest Team

Visit Link in Bio or Go to www.BADWest.org to donate.



🎥🖤✨

08/01/2026

Dear Friends,

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the Keep the Stories Alive Campaign has now raised $1,575 toward our $6,500 fundraising goal for the 4th Tuesday Free Community Screening Series. We're getting there—and we're hoping to be there by August 31, 2026!

Help BADWest preserve important stories, create opportunities for connection, and strengthen our community through the power of film.

As we continue toward our goal, we invite friends, neighbors, and supporters to help us cross the finish line!

With sincere appreciation,
The BADWest Team

Visit Link in Bio or Go to www.BADWest.org to donate.

07/27/2026

Dear Friends,

Reaching the $1,500 milestone is an encouraging step, and we're energized by the growing support for this campaign. Together, we're preserving important stories, creating opportunities for connection, and strengthening our community through the power of film.

As we continue toward our goal, we invite friends, neighbors, and supporters to help us cross the finish line. With $5,000 left to raise by August 31, 2026, every gift makes a difference and brings us closer to sustaining this valuable community program.

With sincere appreciation,
The BADWest Team

Visit Link in Bio or Go to www.BADWest.org to donate.

Every donation keeps the stories rolling, the conversations growing, and our community connected."

07/20/2026

Friends of BADWest,

We're just getting started and need your help to reach our goal by August 31, 2026. Every donation—large or small—brings us one step closer to keeping these important stories on the screen and in our community.

Together, we can Keep the Stories Alive.
Visit Link in Bio to make a donation or go to www.badwest.org.

07/17/2026

Dear Friends of BADWest,

We are reaching out to ask for your support in sustaining an important cultural program that brings our community together through documentary film, dialogue, and shared experiences.

Unfortunately, we are feeling the impact of shrinking funding sources. BADWest recently learned that our application for support through California Humanities was not funded. While disappointing, we remain committed to ensuring that this free community resource continues.

Please consider making a donation today and sharing this campaign with your family, friends, and colleagues.

Together, we can keep these stories alive and ensure that the St. Claire Bourne 4th Tuesdays Community Documentary Series remains a vibrant community resource for all.

Join us as we provide updates of our summer progress and give shout outs to the generous donors who make our work possible.

With gratitude,

The BADWest Team

Visit Link in Bio to make a donation or go to www.badwest.org.

06/19/2026

St. Clair Bourne 4TH TUESDAY ON A FRIDAY EVENING! Community Outdoor Documentary Screen, Friday, June 26, 2026. 3.24.26 @ People Street.

CARNIVAL: THEY CAN'T STEAL OUR JOY
In this film we witness a celebration of resistance and freedom. Filmed in five countries, this film brings the conversation home of how the Caribbean carnival has spread in over 85 cities worldwide and reveal why it is culturally and economically relevant today as it was when created, 200 years ago.

IAN MARK KIMANJE
Ian Mark Kimanje is founder at Film Garage Studios & North Inc. Ugandan/Canadian Writer, Director/Producer who prides himself in being a product of mentorship from mostly powerful women, from my own mom, to Mira Nair and currently mentored by Brenda Gilbert (Bron Studios).

RSVP at [email protected].



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06/12/2026

06/03/2026

As an extension of the BADWest Day of Black Docs signature event on May 16, 2026, BADWest presents a special Pre to Post Workshop, Short Documentary Filmmaking, featuring Nana Adwoa Frimpong, VP, Partnerships & Impact at Breakwater Studios, a leader in award‑winning short documentary production - short documentary films such as Oscar winning films, Queen of Basketball and The Last Repair Shop. Other films include Flowers for Bianca, Mink!, A Concerto is a Conversation and Kim I Am.

Join us for the last Pre to Post workshop for the 2025/26 season on Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at Emerson College LA Center. This workshop builds on that experience, offering participants a deeper look into the craft, process, and creative decision‑making that shape impactful short‑form nonfiction storytelling. Nana will explore how filmmakers develop narrative intention, build trust with subjects, craft visual and editorial language, and make bold creative choices that elevate a short documentary’s emotional and cultural resonance.

Thursday, May 7, 2026
6:30 - 8:30 pm PST
Emerson College Los Angeles Center
5960 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028

Free underground parking (first come-first serve). Plenty of street parking available on the side streets
Light Snacks

For this Special Event, non-members $20. Non‑members may attend for $20, and that $20 can be applied toward a BADWest membership if you choose to join. Please let us know if you’d like to put your workshop fee toward membership.

VISIT LINK IN BIO to Register.
Members rsvp directly at [email protected].