Actor Omari Hardwick talks about 'Real to Reel' film competition supporting black filmmakers

Actor Omari Hardwick, who stars as James "Ghost" St. Patrick on hit Starz show "Power," is spreading the word about the Real to Reel film competition.

Hardwick, along with last year's winner Janlatae' Mullins spoke about the competition and the importance of celebrating the works of black filmmakers.

The winner gets a private film screening in Miami and $10,000 to help further their filmmaking dreams.

More and more black filmmakers and actors are being recognized and celebrated, especially with the success of films like "The Black Panther," "Selma," and "Moonlight," but Hardwick says he wants his work to be noticed not just because he is a black actor, but recognized as a good film or show regardless of his race.

"When my voice is being recognized and being honored by people who don't necessarily look like me and Ava [DuVernay] and Ryan [Coogler] I'm sure I speak their same sentiments. It's kind of cool to be hip in Hollywood at this moment. As long as that hip is not just a fad," said Hardwick.

Janlatae' Mullins, who like Hardwick, is from Atlanta, won the 2017 competition for her film "Soul Fire."

"I think that's the most exciting thing about this competition is that it does open a door and give people of color an opportunity to create an amazing work and they applaud that, but the greatest opportunity that it gives is that people of color are able to create films and work with other people and create a message that applies to the whole world, and people on national level are able to see that. That it's not just a black story or white story. It's a human story," said Mullins, echoing Hardwick's sentiments.

She shares her experience with winning the competition:

"To be around other filmmakers of color, that are inspired to make sci-fi and dramas and musicals and all of these breadths of art, it's inspiring. So it's just been a great journey," she said.

Applicants to the film competition must be at least 21 years old. Entries must be submitted by May 8, 2018. Voting for a winning submission is from May 11 through May 21, 2018.

Winners will win $10,00 and a VIP trip to Miami Beach June 13 to June 17, 2018.

Official rules can be found online.