Kosinima, Inc.'s "Been Here": Black Women Directors Take The Spotlight In Chicago

NEW YORK - EntSun -- Founded by award-winning filmmaker and Emmy-nominated producer Oluwaseun Babalola, nonprofit organization, KOSINIMA, Inc. (pronounced "Co-Cinema") announces that this September, Chicago audiences will gather for an evening of culture, cinema, and community at "Been Here: Shorts by Black Women Directors," presented in partnership with Kinowerks and CinemaFemme. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 10th from 6–10 PM at Kinowerks (5645 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660).

Guests will enjoy a complimentary West African food spread by Dozzy's Grill, refreshments, and networking before and after the program. The heart of the event is a screening of four powerful short films by Black women directors, some being recipients of KOSINIMA Inc.'s flagship Short Film Grant:

• Pepo Kali, written & directed by Lydia Matata
• In My Garden, written & directed by Zahri Josita Jackson
• Fighting Giants, written & directed by Oluwaseun Babalola
• Unbraided, written & directed by Caroline Renard

"This event is a launchpad for local communities to feel, in-person, what Kosinima, Inc. is about," says KOSINIMA, Inc. founder, Oluwaseun Babalola. "I want you to enter the space knowing that you can feel comfortable and be yourself. Been Here: Shorts by Black Women Directors is a chance to show films the organization has funded and cement the idea that we've always been here, doing the damn thing, regardless of who is looking and celebrating us. We can celebrate us!"

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KOSINIMA, Inc. was born from necessity: the glaring gap in funding, resources, and access for Black creatives in entertainment. More than grants, KOSINIMA, Inc. nurtures a radical shift in mindset, encouraging innovation, confidence, and global collaboration between Africa and its diaspora.

The event is supported by partners committed to elevating underrepresented voices. Kinowerks, a community-driven creative studio built by and for artists, exists to elevate the next generation of storytellers while fostering a space for meaningful connection and lasting impact. Cinema Femme, a platform, magazine, and film festival supporting emerging female and non-binary filmmakers, also joins. Food is sponsored by Dozzy's Grill, known for its authentic West African cuisine.

Tickets are just $15, with discounts available for CinemaFemme members. Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/been-here-shorts-by-black-women-directors-tickets-1612865958499?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

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Follow along at @kosinima, @kinowerks, and @cinemafemme_community on Instagram for updates.