The Virginia Black Film Festival (VBFF) an Interview with Bryan G. Thompson

I had the pleasure of interviewing Bryan G. Thompson, the event coordinator for the groundbreaking Virginia Black Film Festival.  The Virginia Black Film Festival featured international and domestic filmmakers across all genres of film.  In attendance at the event was April Woodard the host of the Coast Live, Mayor Donnie Tuck, Representative Bobby Scott, renowned actor Clifton Powell, and many more notable individuals.  The Virginia Black Film Festival was a landmark event to put the Hampton Roads area on the map for filmmaking.  After such an amazing experience attending the festival, I wanted to learn more about what motivated Bryan G. Thompson to take on such an important endeavor. 

First, I had to ask how he got his start in film? 

“In 2008 I started acting in independent films, while still on active duty.  I got my first idea for a movie while deployed. When I returned, I decided to find a local filmmaker in Hampton Roads and together we collaborated on my first script.  The project was never created, but we did make a trailer.  That experience both positive and negative, motivated me to continue to pursue my goals. This led me to create my first short “Noventa” (filmed in Norfolk) and that led to a number of other successful projects.”

Next, I wanted to know what inspired him to host a film festival in Hampton Roads and who have been his biggest supporters? 

“Hampton Roads is where I began producing content.  After ten successful years running a festival in Miami, I returned to Miami for family reasons and decided to apply my skills to elevating the film community in Hampton Roads.” 

His biggest supporters have been Maverick Entertainment, who was a major sponsor for the Virginia Black Film Festival, Hampton University as a venue sponsor for the event, BET who spread the word about the festival, and Blessed Ministries for strategic and spiritual guidance. 

“There were so many highlights, Clifton Powell, the fact that Maverick was there to make acquisitions, and the entire awards gala were excellent highlights for the event.” 

Bryan G. Thompson

Finally, I wanted to know about his plans for the future? 

“I will be continuing to produce projects that I find meaningful.” 

Recently, Bryan G. Thompson premiered his new film Clutch, which is a sequel to his film Dirt.  Clutch depicts issues regarding human trafficking and corrupt police officers.  It features a strong female character working alongside a clever detective in an action-packed thriller as they navigate a criminal underworld in their quest for justice.  The Virginia Black Film Festival was a wonderful experience, and I was so blessed to have the opportunity to meet the mind behind the event, Bryan G. Thompson.  To keep up with upcoming projects from Bryan you can follow him on Instagram @bryangthompson and Facebook Bryan Thompson.  The Virginia Black Film Festival is currently open for new submissions! 

The Virginia Black Film Festival