NAACP Image Award Winner Vanessa Williams will screen her Directorial debut “Dense” which aired on Showtime earlier this summer at the 2nd Annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The director will hold a Q&A after the screening, which will give participants a chance to receive beneficial information on succeeding as an independent filmmaker.

Born and raised in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn, Williams’ rise to fame has been an exciting one starring in numerous television shows including Melrose Place, Murder One, NYPD Blue, The Steve Harvey Show, Malcolm and Eddie and Livin’ Single among others. Now a household face, the world has come to know her as Maxine Chadway, a devoted sister, wife and mother on the Showtime’s television series, Soul Food, for which she walked away with the NAACP award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series and three NAACP Image Award nominations.

Williams’ began her theatrical training at age 11 as a singer in the New York City Opera Children’s Chorus. While attending the High School for the Performing Arts, she acquired professional representation and began booking commercials, television, theater and film work. A graduate of Marymount Manhattan College, she holds a degree in theater and business management. An early break came when she landed a recurring role on The Cosby Show playing Jade Marsh, Theo’s overly dramatic scene partner in a school play. Impressing the producers, she was invited back to play Cheryl Loveloy, Theo’s love interest from Barbados and again recurred in that role. Williams was also a favorite in the trend setting film NEW JACK CITY, where she played the gun toting hit-woman Keisha (“rock-a-bye baby”). Her stage credits include the Broadway productions of Death and the King’s Horseman, Sarafina! and Mule Bone.

Williams recently completed her fifth and final season of Showtime’s Soul Food. Vanessa continues as a Celebrity Spokesperson for the March of Dimes and is an active member of Artists for a New South Africa. Staying true to her musical origins, the visionary is also working on songs and poetry for her debut album.

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival organizers are committed to incorporating the work of emerging and independent African American filmmakers into the mainstream. The festival has become an established opportunity for rising artists and industry innovators offering chances to filmmakers to gain the much needed tools they need to launch their careers and build effective strategic partnerships. Log onto www.mvaaff04.com for more information.