Sundance Institute and Hartbeat Name Recipients of ‘Women Write Now’ Fellowship for Black Women in Comedy Screenwriting

thewrap.com:

Sundance Institute and Hartbeat have selected Mayanna Berrin, Kiana Butler Jabangwe and Danielle Solomon as the recipients of the “Women Write Now” fellowship for Black female comedic screenwriters.Logan Browning (“The Perfection”, “Dear White People”), Tika Sumpter (“Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Mixed-Ish”) and Nicole Byer (“Nailed It,” “A Black Lady Sketch Show”) have signed on to direct three short films written by the fellows, which will debut at a special exhibition during the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.Additionally, the fellows have been awarded a one-year first-look deal with Hartbeat, the multi-platform media company founded by Kevin Hart.Browning will partner with Solomon on her project “Hey Boo,” which follows a top Atlanta braider with a tendency to cancel on clients, who must braid her way out of being canceled by one of the biggest social media influencers.

Sumpter is directing Kiana Butler Jabangwe’s “Night Off,” about two new parents who try to enjoy their first night away from their newborn.

Byer will work with Mayanna Berrin on “Power Dynamics,” a story about the relationship between a dominatrix and her client.“The Women Write Now program sets its participants up for success by prioritizing both development and distribution of these short films while also connecting these storytellers to a broader community of industry mentors and allies.” said Michelle Satter, Founding Senior Director of Artist Programs at Sundance. “It’s an all-encompassing approach to artist support and we’re so pleased to be partnering with Hartbeat once again on this incredible and well-deserved opportunity for Black women in comedy.”“As a leading player in comedic entertainment and one of the most sought after creative engines for.