Good Homegirl Recap: PAM CUT's 2024 Cinema Unbound Awards
Defying the 'algorithms of mediocrity', PAM CUT hosts 5th annual Cinema Unbound Awards, celebrating groundbreaking artists, storytellers, and creative visionaries reshaping the future
If you weren’t at PAM CUT’s Cinema Unbound Awards at Portland Art Museum on June 21st, you missed a celebration for the books! As an event producer and show-runner for the night, I had the absolute pleasure of bringing this magical evening to life, from cue-calling to managing the script, talent, and many surprises along the way.
Let’s break it down right quick: what does a show-runner do? Think of us as behind the scenes masterminds, making sure the event runs smoothly. I was responsible for making sure every cue hit on time, the script flowed seamlessly, and the talent (aka our stars of the night) were ready to shine! From managing rehearsals to ensuring the show progressed without hiccups, my job was to make sure everyone, from the host to the honorees knew their roles and were ready to deliver.
Now, let’s talk about this 5th annual Cinema Unbound Awards. PAM CUT knows how to celebrate, and this year, they did just that by honoring four incredible creatives who represent what it means to be unbound. Mickalene Thomas, known for her stunning portraits of Black women; Sterlin Harjo, the creative genius behind Reservation Dogs; filmmaker Irene Taylor, who recently dropped I AM: Celine Dion; and Peter Cho and Sun Young Park, the dynamic culinary duo from Han Oak, were all celebrated for their extraordinary talents.
One of the biggest wins for me as a producer was booking the night’s host, comedian and actor Ron Funches! With Inside Out 2 having just dropped, Ron brought hilarious star power, with Portland roots, and then some. He wasn’t afraid to push the envelope with his signature giggle and sharp observational humor, but in true Ron Funches fashion, he kept the vibe light, making sure the crowd stayed both entertained and engaged. It was a huge moment for the night and a proud one for me.
The red carpet was a viiiibe. Guests posed in front of a tower of teddy bears (yup, you read that right!) and served all the looks for Getty photographer Anthony Pidgeon. Inside, the vibes continued with a “bizarre bazaar” theme, where eyes watched from every corner, adding an otherworldly feel designed by co-producer and creative director Jane Edwards. And the food? Let me just say that Peter and Sun put their hearts and souls into it. We were treated to a full culinary takeover that was a feast for both the eyes and the stomach.
Highlights? Honoree Mickalene Thomas had us all feeling empowered as she spoke about her personal journey with the Portland Art Museum, while John Jay introduced Peter and Sun, giving us a heartfelt reminder of why PAM CUT’s mission to push back against “algorithms of mediocrity” is so vital. Irene Taylor was surprised with a video intro from none other than Celine Dion (yes, the Queen herself!), and Sterlin Harjo closed the night with a touching speech about his love for Portland.
Being part of this event may have been a responsibility, but it was truly an honor. The Cinema Unbound Awards celebrate creators who push boundaries and redefine storytelling… kinda like me! PAM CUT continues to bring unfiltered, unbound creative vision to the forefront, and I can’t wait to see how they continue to uplift the media arts scene.
If you’re ready to create unforgettable events, push boundaries, and make your vision come to life, let’s talk! From producing to storytelling, I’m “that girl” when it comes to elevating ideas into powerful, limitless experiences. Book a discovery call today to chat about copywriting, storytelling, or content creation services that get results. Until then, keep creating, telling untold stories, but most important, stay unbound.
