The Cinema Systers Film Festival Fans Highlight Lesbian Filmmakers

  Famous lesbian filmmakers is a phrase you rarely hear. Yet they are hard-working, gifted individuals who deserve more exposure and accolades.  They've earned it! Their films are well-received in film festivals and small LGBTQ communities, but their visibility in mainstream media is sorely lacking. 

Many lesbian films are documentaries that reveal lesbian history, struggles, and victories.  These works should not gather dust on a shelf but be shared, discussed, and utilized as tools to promote understanding, acceptance, and pride.

Over the next few weeks, CinemasSystersFilmFestivalFans.com will be highlighting some gifted lesbian filmmakers who have contributed greatly in this realm but have been overlooked or underappreciated.  

The first person we are showcasing in our series of talented lesbian filmmakers is B. Danielle Watkins.

Danielle is an award-winning writer and highly respected filmmaker.  Her accolades include Best Director and recipient of the Audience Choice Award.  She was named 'Enterprising Woman' by Tagg Magazine and was featured in the Los Angeles Times.  She is the owner and CEO of her production company, 'Dream N 1 Productions.'  Her talents are many and she has earned the right to top our list of esteemed lesbian filmmakers. 

 

Danielle's journey to stardom began at 9 years old when she was inspired to write poems and short stories. In 4th grade, she won an award for a story she had written for an assignment.  By the time she turned 15, she had improved her writing skills.  

Unbeknownst to family members, Danielle submitted her work to The Famous Poets Society.  She was elated when it was chosen to be published in their "Poetry Gems" Collection.  This unexpected honor reinforced Danielle's confidence in her abilities and self-worth. 

It wasn't long before she discovered she had a story that needed to be told. She set her mind to the task and words magically jumped out of her head and onto the paper.  She'd always had an active imagination and creative writing came naturally for her.

Due to her creative gene and self-discipline her first book, 'No Other Man: A Three Part Tragedy' was born. It was well received and catapulted her into the limelight.  As a young adult, she achieved a milestone that is a struggle for many, and unobtainable for others.  She became a published author.  

She read every review and found value in each, whether positive or negative.  She believed that unflattering reviews sometimes provide constructive criticism which can help hone one's skills. 

She enjoyed the exhilarating feeling that comes with creating something from deep within your soul and sharing it with the public. Initially, she had been apprehensive about publishing a book as she was uncertain how her work would be received.  The fear of failure is powerful but she didn't let it stop her. As a result, she is reaping the rewards.

'No Other Man'drew the attention of a publisher who presented Danielle with an unusual offer.  He dangled a sweet contract in front of her but it was conditioned by writing two more books within a year's time.

Writing one book in a year is challenging for some experienced writers. Two is out of the question for most.  The requirement of two more books in less than 12 months was intimidating for Danielle.  She was both overwhelmed and thrilled at the same time.

She pondered the lucrative offer and weighed the pros and cons.  She had always been self-reliant, a hard worker, and good at meeting deadlines.  This unique offer renewed her confidence in her writing skills.  She was certain she could obtain the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow if she set her mind to it.   

She accepted the challenge and dedicated her time and energy during the next seven months to the task at hand.  There were days she questioned her decision for undertaking such a huge project, yet she persisted.  

Her hard work eventually paid off.  She not only met the deadline, she exceeded it! Her second book, 'Redeye' Book Two in the 'No Other Man Three Part Tragedy' was finished. 

She felt a little relief after completion but knew her work was not done.  While it was rewarding to have written a book in less than a year, she didn't have time to gloat.  One more novel must be written in order to fulfill the contract.  

She ended up writing it in record time.  'Forever Girl' completed her obligation for the three-book series.  Although it didn't take as long, it was well-written and intriguing.

The positive feedback from Danielle's readers reinforced the satisfaction that she was feeling.  Some said her books held their attention from beginning to end. While others disclosed their enjoyment of the suspenseful and romantic interludes.   

Upon completing a novel, writers often have another story swirling around in their minds, waiting to be written.  It was no different for Danielle.  After 'Forever Girl' she put pen to paper again.  Soon another book was born.  She called it 'The Alyse Diaries Volume 1: Curious.'  This too was well received and resulted in a larger fan base.  

Danielle was pleased with her success and fame as an author but wanted more.  She turned her focus to the movie industry and devoted her time and energy to directing and producing lesbian films.

Her gift as a writer was not wasted in this field. In fact, it enhanced it. As of the time of this publication, she has written and directed over 30 short films.  She has even starred in one short and in her 3030 mini-series.    

Danielle's films have been screened by many platforms and film festivals.  One of particular interest is the Cinema Systers Film Festival, located in Paducah, KY.  CSFF  has the distinct honor of being the only lesbian film festival held in the United States.

She submitted her film 'I've Seen Love Die' to CSFF during their inaugural year, 2016. It was one of a select few accepted for screening at the festival. 

Both Danielle and her film were well-received by CSFF's large, diverse audience.  However, she made a startling discovery. She was the only black lesbian filmmaker chosen by the committee to have her film screened.  That fact was somewhat surprising and enlightening.

The knowledge there were no other black lesbian filmmakers at CSSF inspired her to write and produce her highly acclaimed film entitled, 'Parallel The Documentary.' 

Parallel reveals her innermost thoughts and feelings about her experiences at the Cinema Systers Film Festival.  It points out the similarities of her experience at CSFF while staying in the historic Hotel Metropolitan with those of the African American legends who had stayed there when segregation was legal.   

The Hotel Metropolitan, located in Paducah, KY, was established in 1908 by an African American woman. Black people weren't permitted at white-owned hotels, nor allowed to dine at white-owned restaurants. The Hotel Metropolitan was the perfect solution.  It provided safe accommodations for black travelers.   

Danielle's works continued to be chosen for screenings at the Cinema Systers Film Festival in subsequent years.  While there she also devoted time to teaching the art of filmmaking.  Her sessions were always well attended and received positive feedback. 

B. Danielle Watkins never seems to rest.  If she isn't directing, producing, or starring in a movie, she's penning a novel or taking on the demands of coaching others who dream of becoming writers.  She is a visionary, ambitious, and overachiever.  She is undoubtedly one of the famous lesbian filmmakers you should bookmark and follow.

Learn more about B. Danielle Watkins here.  If you would like to enroll in her writer's coaching program, you may do so here.

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If you have favorite lesbian filmmakers you'd like us to feature, please email us at mail@cinemasystersfilmfestivalfans.com or contact us here.