Black Public Media, the Harlem based nonprofit that has supported independent Black filmmakers and storytellers for more than four decades, will be featured in an upcoming episode of CUNY TV’s filmmaker series Frame by Frame: NYC Filmmakers in Focus.
The episode premieres March 13 at 2 p.m. on CUNY TV and highlights filmmakers whose work has been supported by the organization. The program is moderated by Black Public Media Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz, who leads the discussion with several creators whose projects explore the global Black experience.
At a time when funding and distribution opportunities for independent storytelling continue to evolve, organizations like Black Public Media remain essential in supporting filmmakers whose work brings underrepresented perspectives to the screen. The upcoming Frame by Frame episode offers viewers a closer look at the artists and projects shaping this work today.
What the Episode Explores
Frame by Frame: NYC Filmmakers in Focus spotlights filmmakers through in studio conversations and curated screenings of their work. The March 13 episode centers on Black Public Media and the organization’s role in funding, distributing, and producing stories that explore the global Black experience.
Founded in 1979, Black Public Media has supported hundreds of independent filmmakers while helping expand the reach of Black storytelling across public television, festivals, and digital platforms.
The broadcast arrives during an important moment for the organization. Following a congressional rescission vote last year that eliminated $1.8 million in federal funding, Black Public Media launched a grassroots fundraising effort to support its new Black Stories Production Fund. The initiative aims to ensure that the development of Black storytelling remains independent and protected from political shifts that could affect funding.
Leslie Fields-Cruz Hosts the Conversation
The episode is moderated by Black Public Media Executive Director Leslie Fields-Cruz, who appears as guest host for the program.
“It was an honor to be a guest host for this episode, and to introduce CUNY TV’s audience to the work of incredibly talented filmmakers,” Fields-Cruz said.
Under her leadership, the organization continues to expand opportunities for filmmakers while strengthening support systems for independent storytelling.
Organizations like Black Public Media continue to play an important role in supporting independent Black filmmakers and expanding opportunities for documentary storytelling.
BlackFilm.com has previously highlighted several filmmakers supported by Black Public Media, including documentary projects that have premiered at festivals and on public television, reflecting the organization’s long standing impact on independent filmmaking.
Filmmakers Featured in the Episode
The episode includes appearances by several New York City area filmmakers whose careers have been supported by Black Public Media.
Sophia Clark directed and produced the five time Anthem Award winning social media series BE HEARD. The project has featured viral campaigns addressing issues including voting rights, gender identity, and sustainable fashion.
Filmmakers Tracii McGregor and Divad Durant are also featured for their films The Forgotten Ones and Sweet Samara, both part of Black Public Media’s AfroPoP Digital Shorts program.The Forgotten Ones follows a man’s four decade struggle with homelessness, while Sweet Samara highlights an upstate New York farm where returning to the land becomes a pathway toward liberation.
Films Featured in the Showcase
Following the episode, viewers will see alternating showcases of films supported by Black Public Media.
The first showcase includes:
Dressed Like Kings – Directed by Stacey Holman
For The Moon – Directed by Nile Price
Smile4Kime – Directed by Elena Guzman
Spare Me – Directed by Wilderley Mauricette
Sweet Samara – Directed by Divad Durant
The second showcase includes:
Mama Gloria – Directed by Luchina Fisher
BE HEARD: I Am Who I Say I Am – Directed by Sophia Clark
The Forgotten Ones – Directed by Tracii McGregor
Lakeside’s Treasures – Directed by Rasheed Peters
The Aunties – Directed by Charlyn Griffith-Oro and Jeannine Kayembe-Oro
Filmmakers and Projects Featured in the Episode
The Frame by Frame: NYC Filmmakers in Focus episode highlighting Harlem based nonprofit Black Public Media features several filmmakers whose work has been supported by the organization.
Sophia Clark directed and produced the award winning social media series BE HEARD, a digital storytelling project that has explored issues including voting rights, gender identity, and sustainable fashion.
Tracii McGregor and Divad Durant are featured for their short films The Forgotten Ones and Sweet Samara, both part of Black Public Media’s AfroPoP Digital Shorts program.
Additional films connected to the showcase include Dressed Like Kings directed by Stacey Holman, For The Moon directed by Nile Price, Smile4Kime directed by Elena Guzman, Spare Me directed by Wilderley Mauricette, and the documentary Mama Gloria directed by Luchina Fisher.
The program also highlights Lakeside’s Treasures directed by Rasheed Peters and The Aunties directed by Charlyn Griffith-Oro and Jeannine Kayembe-Oro.
Together, the filmmakers represent a broad range of documentary and digital storytelling supported by Black Public Media
Release Information
Frame by Frame: NYC Filmmakers in Focus featuring Black Public Media premieres March 13 at 2 p.m. on CUNY TV and will air through April 5.
The episode will also begin streaming on CUNY’s YouTube channel on March 13 through April 9 and will be available on the CUNY TV app.
To learn more about Black Public Media, visit blackpublicmedia.org or follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @blackpublicmedia.
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