What a Success: Women in Entertainment 2025
Our Women in Entertainment event brought together a vibrant community of filmmakers, creatives, sound specialists, and industry allies. It was a powerful and inspiring day that highlighted the resilience, talent, and voices of women making their mark in entertainment.
Jillian, a 23-year-old actress, singer, and screenwriter, moved the audience with her story behind The Noise—the short film that won last year’s Filmic Brilliance Award. She wrote the film during her recovery from anorexia, transforming her personal struggle into a moving piece of art and survival.
A panel of past nominees—Roe, Ayanna, Mildred, and Lynhthy—shared candid reflections on their challenges in the entertainment industry. Each story offered a breath of fresh air and a reminder that while obstacles are inevitable, how we choose to respond is what truly defines us.
Roberto Martinez captivated the audience with his insight and clarity as he explained how YouTube is supporting short films and documentaries. He shared practical tools and resources available to anyone ready to share their talent with the world.
The day continued with our Access to Capital panel, where banks and financial institutions provided valuable guidance on funding for creative projects. Special thanks to our moderator, Dan Watanabe, for leading such an informative and engaging discussion.
Congratulations to the winner of the 2025 Filmic Brilliance Award: I’m in Love by Havilah Malone (Writer | Producer | Actress) and Roberta Sparta (Director). The runner-up was Epiphany by Rachel Kylian, who served as both producer and writer. We celebrate all participants for their incredible work and creativity.
For the first time, the program featured an open mic session hosted by DJ Honey, showcasing a dynamic lineup that included a singer, a comedian, a poet, and two entertainers—culminating in a lively dance performance that left the audience smiling and uplifted.
The takeaway?
Don’t give up. Keep creating. Your work and talent will shine through.
