Editor's note: Brandon Towns is one of three recipients of the Sundance Institute's Roger Ebert Fellowship for Film Criticism for 2018.

In the age of #Oscarsowhite, black film and television are increasingly on the rise with shows like "Insecure," "Atlanta," and "Grown-ish," or major blockbusters like Marvel's "Black Panther." Like the golden age of the '90s, African-American and other minority creators have taken center stage with unique and interesting content. They're telling authentic stories taken from their community, thoughts, and experiences. Sundance provides a breeding ground for these talented individuals to cultivate their voices and an audience to listen.

Brandon Towns

Brandon Towns is a Chicago-based film critic who has contributed numerous reviews and essays to RogerEbert.com over the years. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Advertising with a minor in Photography from Bradley University in 2020. In 2018, he was one of three recipients of the Sundance Institute's Roger Ebert Fellowship for Film Criticism.

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