Sep 302 min read

FACTS Fest 2024

FACTS (Film, Arts, Culture, Tech, Symposium) FEST 2024 took place from September 5th to 8th. It was a dynamic multi-day event that showcased talent from Pennsylvania’s York, Lancaster, and Dauphin counties. The festival featured five events, including a film festival, music performances, a career symposium, and a red carpet event. Designed to resemble South by Southwest (SXSW), FACTS FEST aims to elevate the region’s cultural and artistic presence, collaborating with industry leaders and venues to create a world-class experience.

Founded by Johntrae Williams, who has over 25 years of experience in both film and community service, the festival was inspired by a vision to use film, arts, culture, and tourism to enhance community exposure. In turn, this provides access and experiences for artists and creatives to build community. His plans include presenting the festival annually in larger cities and continuing to grow its presence.

My role as the FACTS Festival Red Carpet Host was to provide a “pre-Grammy party” feel to the experience, allowing artists and guests to participate in interviews, photos, and video opportunities prior to the artists’ performances. The event space was located at the beautiful Whitaker Center in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, complete with red carpets, a DJ, AI photography stations, and a host of other vendors that made the evening look and feel like a Hollywood event. The project was managed by Dimitra Geneva Solutions, and her team was excellent, along with the FACTS Festival staff. Both are Black-owned businesses; they were professional, organized, and amazing to work with.

Black creatives play a vital role in shaping culture, art, and innovation across the globe. By fostering strong networks and building supportive communities, these creators can access more opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and investment. This kind of collective growth fuels economic development by expanding access to diverse markets, enhancing the visibility of Black-owned businesses, and increasing representation in various industries. When Black creatives succeed, they not only uplift their communities but also contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic economy for everyone. As a content creator, podcast host, and event host, I appreciate these types of events, as they make space for creatives in this rapidly evolving industry. They allow for new professional relationships and social media growth, which can contribute to significant financial opportunities as well. We look forward to and champion more incredible events, such as the FACTS Festival and others that foster and promote Black excellence. Please check their website for more information: www.factspa.com.