BPM’s PitchBLACK Forum Powers Past Funding Barriers for Black Storytellers
Black Public Media (BPM) is set to make history as its PitchBLACK Forum crosses $2 million in total funding awarded. This year alone, BPM expects to give out over $225,000 in support of Black creatives working in film and immersive technology.
The PitchBLACK Forum is the largest U.S. pitch competition focused on Black stories. It supports filmmakers and creative technologists telling bold, fresh narratives. With this year’s forum happening in Harlem at The Apollo Stages, BPM marks a major milestone in its mission to elevate Black voices in media.
Harlem Hosts Groundbreaking Gathering of Black Innovators
The 2025 PitchBLACK Forum will be held on April 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Harlem — a neighborhood known for its deep cultural roots. For the first time, the forum moves to The Apollo Stages at the Victoria, anchoring the event in a place symbolic of Black excellence.
Projects pitched will range from documentaries to immersive tech using AI, augmented reality, 3D animation, and more. These creatives will pitch in front of industry leaders, public media representatives, and potential funders from across the country.
A Powerful Legacy of Support for Black-Led Projects
Since its launch in 2015, the PitchBLACK competition has already invested over $1.8 million in 23 powerful projects. These include stories that push boundaries and embrace innovation — from powerful documentaries to next-level interactive experiences.
With support from major sponsors like Netflix and PBS, BPM continues to grow its influence. This year’s boost in funding reflects the growing demand for diverse, Black-led stories in all media forms.
Celebrating Black Women in Film and Television
This year’s forum includes the prestigious BPM Trailblazer Award, which will honor Lillian E. Benson, ACE. Benson is known for editing major projects such as Eyes on the Prize II, Soul Food, Chicago Med, and Greenleaf.
“Lillian Benson’s legacy is unmatched,” said Leslie Fields-Cruz, Executive Director of BPM. “She has paved the way for so many Black creatives in media.”
Audiences can also enjoy a free retrospective of Benson’s work via blackpublicmedia.org from April 28 to May 12. Featured films include Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise, Beyond the Steps, and key episodes of Eyes on the Prize II.
Trailblazers, Fellowship Winners, and Big Dreams
The awards ceremony on May 1 will be hosted by comedian Jamie Roberts. It will feature a live conversation between Benson and NPR host Brittany Luse of It’s Been a Minute. Winners of the film and tech segments will also be announced, alongside the next Nonso Christian Ugbode Fellow — an honor for a promising Black creative under 30.
This night celebrates hard work, talent, and the future of Black media. And yes — it all ends with a well-deserved after-party.
Elevating the Future of Black Media, One Pitch at a Time
PitchBLACK is not just an event. It’s a movement reshaping how stories are told and who gets to tell them. Thanks to ongoing support from foundations and city organizations, BPM is helping to build a more inclusive and imaginative media landscape.
With the $2 million milestone in sight, BPM stands as a beacon for what’s possible when Black creativity is given real support.
