Firelight Media announced today that its Co-Founder and President Marcia Smith has been named a finalist in the Nonprofit Leadership category –Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, at the 4th Annual Anthem Awards.
As co-founder and president of Firelight Media, Marcia Smith leads the charge to support, resource, and advocate on behalf of documentary filmmakers of color. Since its founding nearly 25 years ago, Firelight has supported more than 250 filmmakers of color through programs like its flagship Documentary Lab, significantly increased the number of filmmakers of color with films distributed through public media, and created partnerships with public and commercial media organizations to provide more opportunities for BIPOC filmmakers to build sustainable careers in the nonfiction film industry. Under Marcia’s leadership, Firelight Media was previously honored with a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.
“The Finalists of this year’s Anthem Awards are truly inspiring and I am honored to help elevate their impact,” said Anthem Awards General Manager, Patricia McLoughlin. “At this moment, there is a lot of uncertainty in our world, but the tireless and extraordinary efforts of the Anthem Awards community provide hope that a better tomorrow is possible. Thank you to everyone doing this work and making an impact.”
Anthem Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Judges for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards include Janine Brady, Managing Director of Communications, Schmidt Futures, Haven Ley SVP, Program Strategy, Investments and Comms., CSO, Pivotal Ventures, Roma McCaig, Chief Public Affairs and Impact Officer, REI Co-op, Wendy R. Weiser, Vice President, Democracy, Brennan Center for Justice, Brett Peters, Global Lead, TikTok for Good, TikTok, C.D. Glin, President, PepsiCo, Aurora James, Activist and Fashion Designer, Fifteen Percent Pledge, Michelle Waring, Steward for Sustainability and Everyday Good, Tom’s of Maine, Trovon Williams, Sr. Vice President of Marketing & Communications, NAACP, and Singleton Beato, Global EVP, Chief DEI Officer, McCann Worldgroup, and many others.
This year marks the 2nd Annual Anthem Community Voice Celebration to uplift the work of Anthem Finalists. Supporters can celebrate Firelight Media’s work online from October 15th to October 31.
All Finalists are also in the running to win a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Anthem Award selected by Anthem judges. All Winners for the 4th Annual Anthem Awards will be announced on Tuesday, November 19th, 2024.
