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Black Public Media awarded a total of $610,000 to film and immersive projects and creatives at its seventh PitchBLACK Forum — the largest pitch competition for independent filmmakers and creative technologists developing new projects about the global Black experience — at the PitchBLACK Awards.

The figure was the highest ever amount awarded at PitchBLACK. Sponsored by Netflix and PBS, the event — held Thursday at the Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center — was hosted by Baltimore-based comedian Sir Alex and included the presentation of the Bpm Trailblazer Award to Emmy-winning filmmaker Sam Pollard.

The winner of the $150,000 film award was Zenón, a documentary about the life of Puerto Rican fisherman and revolutionary Carlos “Taso” Zenón, who spearheaded protests against the U.S. Navy’s occupation, exploitation and environmental degradation of his home, the island of Vieques. Puerto Rican director Juan C. Dávila and producer Camila Rodríguez Estrada accepted the grant for their film about...

Chicago – Perseverance is most likely the greatest trait, beyond talent and creation, in filmmaking. Jennifer Scott had a passion project that she co-wrote 13 years ago, and after the various stops and starts over a course of getting it off the ground, the film “Eyes Upon Waking,” went before the cameras in 2019, and is currently on the film festival circuit.

Ms. Scott co-wrote and co-directed the film, in addition to being the lead actor.

The story follows Taren, who is checked into a mental health facility following two attempts to end her life. While in the clinic, she alienates herself from the patients and staff, biding her time until she can be released. When circumstances force her to remain in place for one more weekend, she melts into compassion for her fellow patients, while still neglecting her own. As she confronts her own reality, her release is imminent. The film also features Edie McClurg,...