Sisters in Cinema

Sisters and Cinema is a Chicago based non-profit with an inclusive mission to create a world where all Black women, girls and gender nonconforming media makers have equal opportunities to create and thrive.

Our mission is to center and celebrate Black girls, women, and gender-expansive media makers. We provide programs designed to educate, raise visibility, support, and serve our communities.

Starting in 1991 with limited knowledge of African American women directors, Yvonne Welbon conducted dedicated research, leading to the creation of an extensive database and the launch of Sisters in Cinema as an online resource in 1997. The project evolved into a doctoral dissertation, a documentary, and the Sisters in Cinema Archive—a significant collection of African American women’s media production. This grew into a non-profit with a mission to celebrate Black girls, women, and gender nonconforming media-makers.