Gabourey Sidibe, Alex Gibney, Sheila Nevins of HBO, John and Stephanie Williams (founders, Reel Works) were all in attendance at Capitale.
Reel Works provides free filmmaking programs for NYC Youth. Using a unique, one-on-one mentoring model, they challenge at-risk youth to tell their stories and have their voices heard. In turn, the students build vital skills of literacy, leadership and self-confidence to create productive futures.
On why she’s such a supporter of Reel Works Sidibe shared:
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“A lot of these kids are from the same type of neighborhoods that I’m from; places like Bed-Stuy. And I wasn’t actually that young when I got into acting. I keep thinking how much more wonderful my life would be if I had the chance to know that something like this was possible at a young age and a place and a program I could call my own. I might have become an actress sooner. “
On her career now, and her role on Empire.
“It’s great to be on an upswing right now, but I expect the other shoe to drop any moment. But whatever happens I’ll still be who I am.”
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“I just go to the set and say my lines – I don’t plan on being the center of attention or some huge cultural moment, but, that said, I realize how powerful it is when I kiss a guy on TV and suddenly millions of people are writing and talking about it.”
“It gives me a chance to speak out about the great work that they do, in terms of working with at risk kids to help them learn how to tell their important stories, but also just as important to get them out to the filmmaking community and I’m going to say a few works tonight to some of the companies that are here. Take a look at these kids, bring them on,” Gibney told The Knockturnal on the red carpet.
