On Wednesday, December 10th, the Entertainment Media Coalition Committee and the Allisance of Women Directors and BDAI Host Directing Bold Moves: The Voices of Black Women in Action Filmmaking held a much needed conversation with black women in action film. Held at the The Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles.
The in dept and informative panel was moderated by multi talented writer, director ad actress Millena Gay and included trail blazers Morenike Joela Evans, Natascha Hopkins, Faye Baker.
The ladies provided valuable information on getting into the stunt business and well as the pit falls one will encounter working in the profession.
About the moderator and panelists
Millena Gay an award-winning producer, director and actress whose dynamic career spans nearly three decades. A native of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Millena graduated from the University of Virginia’s pre-law program, but a transformative and title-winning performance as Sojourner Truth during the Ms. Black World Pageant shifted her trajectory toward the arts.
Morenike Joela Evans is an Emmy-Nominated Director, Writer and Creative Producer known for her calm leadership, clear vision and positive vibes on set. Shes passionate about directing stories for TV & Film that are compelling, provoking and have heart;
Natascha Hopkins is a multifaceted Hollywood stuntwoman, actress, producer, and entrepreneur, recognized as a distinguished member of Who’s Who in America and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Born in Germany and raised across Saudi Arabia and Texas, she earned her B.A. in Psychology from Texas Woman’s University, where she was an All-American gymnast, team captain, and recipient of multiple leadership awards;
La Faye Baker is a trailblazing stuntwoman, coordinator, and visionary whose groundbreaking career has helped reshape opportunities for women in Hollywood action films. In 1999, she made history as the first Black woman to coordinate a major production with HBO’s Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, starring Halle Berry
Carrie Bernans is a proud mom, 2 time SAG Award–winning and 1 time SAG-nominated actress, stunt performer, and philanthropist with over 9 years of experience and 100+ credits spanning film, television, video games, and motion capture. She’s brought power and purpose to global hits like Marvel’s Black Panther, Avengers: Endgame, and X-Men, as well as acclaimed gaming franchises. Beyond the screen, Carrie serves as a Peer Group Leader with the Television Academy, helping to advocate parents and caregivers in entertainment. As the founder of the CB Seed Foundation, she has empowered more than 1,200 families through programs focused on youth development, financial literacy, and community uplift. With heart, hustle, and hope, Carrie continues to inspire others to rise, create, and lead with resilience.
