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.