The BronzeLens Film Festival (BLFF) concept was originated by the President of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB), William Pate. He believed that with the growing number of films being made in Atlanta and Georgia, a destination festival focused on films made by African Americans would have an audience. Kathleen Bertrand, Sr. VP at ACVB at the time, was charged with doing a feasibility study. After meeting with other existing festivals geared to African Americans, she concluded that there could be a niche for a new festival and began the process of launching what was to become BronzeLens. ACVB incubated BLFF for its launch in 2010 and its next 5 festivals.