Agnes Moss, founder of the National Black Movie Association (NBMA), can recall the seminal moment that led to her wanting to become a storyteller. The year was 1985; Moss was 12 years old, and she had just seen the film adaptation of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” in theaters.

Founded in 2019, the National Black Movie Association was established to help find and provide those resources to young Black storytellers and film students. But due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the founding of the nonprofit was marked with as much uncertainty as Moss had experienced back in the early ‘90s.

As her organization continues to expand, Moss wants those who work in the film industry, those who want to help provide resources to young filmmakers and those who are passionate about Black film to come become a part of NBMA. “Please join our mission; we invite everyone even if you’re just a moviegoer,” she says. 

She also hopes to expand NBMA services to HBCUs, establish a curriculum and offer professional development services. Educating and professionally developing the next generation of Black filmmakers is as much a part of Moss’ mission as getting the right resources to them — which extends far beyond education on the creative side of the industry. Moss advises Black aspiring filmmakers to become students of all sides of the industry.

The next few months will bring the announcement of the 2022 class of recipients of the Reel HBCU Challenge, which awards $5,000 to student winners. Moss says on the horizon are more events and programming tied to the next National Black Movie Day.