Film Events

Now in its fourth year, the WOCAF's schedule of films and music attracts a diverse audience of women and men. Each year, films from Africa, America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia and Europe are showcased. Last year WOCAF introduced a music performance as part of its bill. Founded in 2005, The WOCAF Festival - produced by Iyàlódè productions in collaboration with the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History-is the only festival of its kind in the Southeast of the USA that is dedicated to showcasing the music and films by and about women of color. The festival's mission is to be at the forefront in promoting the leadership capabilities of women of color media makers; expand dialogue on social and women's issues; and promote positive empowering images of minorities in the media.

For more information, visit wocaf.org or call 404.730.4001 ext. 210 or 303.

The Not So Open-Open Mic

Every Thursday at The Sanctuary in Atlanta, Georgia

From the creators of The Twisted Tongue $500 Poetry Slam…The Not So Open-Open Mic is the spot for people who are serious about the art of spoken word! Come see some the best and brightest in the country right in your own back yard. Come be part of history in the making!!!

When: Every Thursday
Where: The Sanctuary
Address: 138 Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303
Time: Doors Open at 8:30 p.m.
Damage: $7 general admission / $10 with full buffet

For more information, please contact Tommy Bottoms at 678-768-7940 or at www.myspace.com/tommybottoms1. Tell them you heard about the event through the Urban Mediamakers.

What Is The Secret To Networking?

Networking can be easy for those that are outgoing, but for those that are a bit shy, networking can be difficult. Here are a few pointers, that will help you when you attend networking events.

• Always bring business/personal cards. Whether they are printed by a commercial printer, and designed and printed from your home computer, business cards are a must if you want to effective network.

• Don't just stand in a corner and look around. When you come to networking events, don't just stand around wishing someone would approach you. Without talking, you can catch a person's eye contact, and with a smile and a hello, you have just begun a conversation with someone you didn't know.

• Introduce yourself. If you're outgoing, help someone that's not by introducing yourself to that person. Sometimes just breaking the initial ice will open up a person to conversation.

• Bring a friend with you. If you're not sure how to networking, bring a friend with you so you won't feel alone. As a team, you and your friend can approach others to network.

• Follow-up after the networking event. Within a week of the networking event, make sure you send an e-mail or call the contacts that you've made during the networking event. The sooner you connect, the easier it is for a contact to remember you.

• Join organizations such as the Urban Mediamakers. By joining organizations such as the Urban Mediamakers, you can meet new friends and potential collaborators.