Effie T. Brown
Effie T. Brown is a prominent advocate for diversity and inclusion in the film industry, currently serving as the CEO and majority owner of Gamechanger Films. Established in 2013, Gamechanger Films made history as the first equity fund dedicated to financing feature films directed by women, addressing critical gender disparities within the industry. Under Brown's leadership since January 2020, the organization has become a catalyst for change, empowering voices often sidelined in mainstream cinema.
Brown, a respected industry veteran, is passionate about producing films that highlight the experiences of marginalized communities, including people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color, while also including men from underrepresented communities. Her vision for Gamechanger Films is to build a collective of creators committed to telling authentic stories that resonate with diverse audiences.
With an impressive resume, Brown has produced acclaimed works such as Real Women Have Curves and Dear White People, and has contributed to major television productions like HBO's Project Greenlight and FOX's Lee Daniels' Star. Recent projects under her guidance include the critically praised Netflix’s Passing, Amazon’s Run Sweetheart Run, and A24’s The Inspection, reflecting her unwavering commitment to representation in film.
Gamechanger Films is poised to make a significant impact in 2024 with an exciting lineup that includes the heartfelt epic sports film about a resilient father Mr. Otim, a climate justice documentary Save Yourself!, the star-studded Sorcerority, co-produced and starring Taraji P. Henson and Gabrielle Union, and Haant, a horror feature steeped in Gullah-Geechee mysticism. These projects aim not only to entertain but also to provoke thought and inspire action.
Effie is an active member of the Producer’s Branch of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Brown also served as Founder and Chair of the Academy Museum Inclusion Advisory Committee and is currently an Honorary Board Trustee for the Academy Museum.