With unprecedented representation of Black and African storytelling, media seems to have a promising feature in non-monolithic narratives.
Black and African representation within media has been made possible, with creatives and audiences equally showing the need for these stories to be told.
In honor of Black History Month, the progression of Black media is one to be celebrated. Whether it’s date night, an interest in local filmmaking, or just a way out of the house, TANTV presents you with Black film festivals to show your support!
The following festivals are all located on the East Coast and in Toronto, Canada:
1. Black History Month Film Festival
Every Saturday this month, the Reading Public Library of Pennslyvania will show a film at 12 pm for Free and provide snacks to those attending. This month features films like MLK/FBI, on Feb 17, Sam Pollard’s resonant film explores the US government’s surveillance and harassment of Martin Luther King, Jr.
And for the last Saturday of February, Summer of Soul, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s debut documentary—part music film, part historical record 2021 American independent documentary film about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
Address: 6721 Bernville Rd, Bernville, Pa
Details: Every Saturday at 12 PM
Price: FREE With Snacks Provided
2. Toronto Black Film Festival
For its 12th year, Toronto, Canada, holds its 6-day Black Film Festival. Starting on Valentine’s Day, the festival continues over the weekend, with options for individual or weekend-long passes.
Toronto Black Film Festival will honor legendary actress Pam Grier and showcase over 80 films from 20 countries.
The festival will host an intimate evening, including a screening of Grier’s iconic film “Foxy Brown” at the Isabel Bader Theatre on February 15, 2024, at 7:30 PM.
Details: Wed, Feb 14 – Mon, Feb 19
Price: Individual – $12, All Access – $149
3. Kuumba Film and Art Festival
With an Afro-Futuristic theme, the Proctor Theatre in New York will hold the 2-day KUUMBA Festival to celebrate Black film and art.
These full-day presentations will feature up-and-coming creatives, produced by The Media team of Hamilton Hill Arts Center, in part with a Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) grant, in association with Super Jermaine Entertainment (Jermaine Wells).
KUUMBA, of the Swahili language, was chosen to “being creative within the context of the national community vocation of restoring our people to their traditional greatness and leaving our community better than we found it.”
Address: 432 State St, Schenectady, NY 12305 (Proctors Theatre)
Details: Fri, Feb 16 – Sat, Feb 17
Price: $25 festival, $35 red carpet
4. Virginia Black Film Festival
Featured on Hampton University’s campus, this 2-day film festival celebrates content through the African Diaspora, with films revolving around Black culture, directors, and lead characters. The festival features an award ceremony with food, live music, and red-carpet interviews for you to enjoy.
Address: 135 Marshall Avenue, Virginia 23668 (Hampton Univerity Student Center)
Details: Fri, Feb 23 – Sun, Feb 25
Price: $20
5. Uncaged Film Festival 2024
Cagedbirds Productions presents a film festival fully dedicated to the intersectional stories of the black queer experience. With over 3 hours of entertainment, Uncaged is held for its second year on Saturday, February 24th, in the Anacostia Arts Center.
Address: 1231 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington DC (Anacostia Arts Center)
Details: Sat, Feb 24 @ 6 – 10 PM
Price: Tickets – $10-$18
Written by: Princess McKey
