The Stone Mountain- Lithonia Alumnae Chapter (SM-LAC) of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was founded on March 9, 1997. During its 20-year history, SM-LAC has been directed by women dedicated to the growth of the chapter and the sorority.

Dubbed as “The Jewel of the Mountain,” SM-LAC is an award-winning chapter with a membership that has grown to more than 600 members representing a myriad of professions and interests. The chapter has developed and implemented signature community-based programs, consistent with the sorority’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness & Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness & Involvement.

The Arts and Letters Committee (host to the short film showcase) works to boldly advance the black experience through arts and letters and to promote the contributions of African-Americans in the arts—past and present. The committee is responsible for promoting a positive image of African Americans and providing artistic and cultural outlets for chapter members and the local community through the mediums of music, dance, drama, and poetry.

Accomplishments
SM-LAC’s Arts and Letters Committee hosted the first Delta Authors on Tour at Spelman College in November of 2000. Now a national initiative hosted by Delta chapters around the country, this forum has highlighted over 100 authors who are members of the sorority. Coinciding with the chapter’s 20th Anniversary, the committee hosted Delta Authors on Tour representing the entire Southern Region in 2017.

This is the second year of SM-LAC Spotlight on Short Film Showcase. The inaugural year was a huge success and the goal is still the same: to provide a platform for African American filmmakers to share their talents to new audiences. With an emphasis on female-driven performances and stories, our goal is to bring their stories and experiences to light.

The goal of SM-LAC Spotlight on Short Film Showcase is to promote and empower African American filmmakers, and to foster and promote emerging talent. We award certificates of participation to all our selected filmmakers. We will also present the following awards:

Best Comedy
Best Drama
Best Director

The 2019 Showcase is set for Saturday, May 4, 2019 in the Atlanta area. (The venue is TBD). It will feature an informative panel with industry professionals including representatives from the DeKalb Entertainment Commission.

Short films from African American directors and/or directors of African descent between 5 and 25 minutes in length, including credits, are being accepted. Entries must be completed projects with proper sound, color correction, and editing BEFORE submitting.

Films should be submitted electronically via filmfreeway.com.

All film genres are accepted.
All entries selected for the showcase grant SM-LAC the rights to use footage, stills, titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.
By submitting your entry to the SM-LAC Spotlight on Short Film Showcase, you warrant that you have obtained all necessary permissions and/or paid any and all licensing fees to screen the film in a public venue. You also assert that you have the authority to do so and that you have reviewed all the submission rules and information. You agree to hold SM-LAC (The Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.) harmless and without liability for the statements you make connected to your submission and against any claims, damages or losses (including attorney’s fees and court costs) which may result from claims involving trademarks, copyrights or screening the submission.

You further assert that there are no assigned rights, agreements, distribution agreements, production deals or any arrangements whatsoever attached to this work that would in any way interfere with screening of your entry to the public within the terms of said showcase. Neither SM-LAC nor its hosting venues will be held liable for your failure to meet any and all legal obligations pertaining to obtaining rights to performances, personal appearances, music, graphics, logos or any visual and audio elements subject to exhibition law.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Laval Alsbrooks Jr

    Great festival and really inspiring. Organizers were great at communicating as well. Only wish I received notification of selection a little sooner to help plan for travel.

    May 2019
  • Bridgett Ladd

    This was truly a great film festival. I really enjoyed networking with all the filmmakers. This was indeed a good experience and will attend next year.

    April 2018