Black American Cinema Society (BACS)

BLACK AMERICAN CINEMA SOCIETY (BACS). BACS was founded by Dr. Mayme Clayton in 1976, and serves as the Film Archives of the Western States Black Research and Educational Center (WSBREC), which maintains one of the largest collections of vintage black films and research materials in the United States . The WSBREC exists to preserve and disseminate the unique history and cultural history of Americans of African descent. Black Talkies on Parade is BACS weeklong film festival and celebration of past and present contributions by black Americans to the motion picture industry. This includes an independent and student filmmaker competition with the award-winning films screened at the festival. Cash grants are awarded to the first-, second-, and third-place winners, as well as three honorable mentions. This provides tangible support and encouragement to young filmmakers. Black Talkies on Parade pays tribute to some of Hollywood ’s biggest stars by bestowing the Phoenix Award for lifetime achievement, and two Paul Robeson Pioneer Awards to those who have made noteworthy contributions to the film and entertainment industry. The ultimate goal of BACS and WSBREC is to aid in the promotion of pride, dignity, and intercultural understanding.