Spelman College Film Students Gain Recognition and Immersive Filmmaking Experiences

Three Film Students Are Highlighted for Their Work in Documentary and Narrative Filmmaking

Spelman College celebrates the success and experiences of three documentary filmmaking majors. Rising seniors Lydia Scott, Maya Raines and Kennedy Benion have been honored as scholarship recipients or were honorees presenting their work at respected film events. These students have all been recognized for their artistry, dedication and passion for the art of film and its many moving parts.

Scott earned first place at the 2nd annual HBCU Film Festival hosted by Emory University. She was honored for her documentary film “Memory Keepers” (2025). The Festival celebrates the stories, histories and cultural contributions of historically black colleges and universities through student filmmaking.

“Lydia’s work demonstrates the power of documentary filmmaking to preserve memory, culture and community,” said Anjanette Levert, senior lecturer in the documentary film program. “It’s exciting to see Spelman documentary filmmakers receive recognition for telling stories that matter.”

Along with the Atlanta native’s achievement as the second Spelman student to earn this win, Scott continues her work serving as the vice president of Spelman Film Fusion, the College’s film and digital media club; she organizes screenings, produces events and supports student productions that engage students across the Atlanta University Center Consortium.

Benion’s short documentary “Legacy in Motion” was recently screened at Africa and Diaspora Film Day — a major cultural celebration of African and diasporic storytelling through film, conversation and community engagement. The event was held at the Auburn Avenue Research Library as part of the Atlanta Film Festival’s 50th anniversary celebration. The Huntsville native produced several short documentary films, highlighting the Spelman Swim Team and another featuring Morris Brown College. In 2023, Benion earned the Best Producer Award for her short film narrative “Home” at the On the Set Film Camp.

“Through Kennedy’s lens, an unlikely story was told about Morehouse’s Lacrosse Club. We saw on screen what it means to come up against physical barriers like the opposing team, but also against those challenges that crop up when you are creating something,” said Levert. “In all ways, that’s what it means to be a filmmaker. I’m proud of Kennedy’s tenacity and what she has produced.”

Raines has been named the 2026 recipient of the Black Women Film Network (BWFN) Scholarship, earning a $1,000 award during the annual BWFN summit at the Loudermilk Conference Center in Atlanta.

Hosted by BWFN, the summit is a signature Women’s History Month event that celebrates, empowers and connects Black women working in film and television. The annual gathering features workshops, panels, fireside chats and networking opportunities designed to support career growth for creatives of color.

Raines was recognized alongside an accomplished group of honorees, including S. Epatha Merkerson, Felicia Pride, Danielle Brooks, Angela Cannon, Sheila Ducksworth and Vanzil Burke, placing her among a distinguished network of industry leaders and creatives.

“Being recognized by the Black Women Film Network meant a great deal to me because it affirmed that the stories I want to tell have value and deserve space in this industry. As a young Black woman pursuing film, it was incredibly inspiring to be surrounded by women whose work has shaped television, film and culture in such meaningful ways,” Raines said.