BlackStar Film Festival Announces Full Schedule for 2026
BlackStar Projects has unveiled the complete lineup for the 2026 BlackStar Film Festival, set to take place from August 6–9 in Philadelphia and streaming globally. This year’s festival features an impressive collection of 91 films from over 40 countries, showcasing independent cinema from the global majority.
Key Highlights of the Festival
The festival will kick off with the world premiere of West Side Familia, directed by Taylor Hosking. This film follows a legendary Puerto Rican biker crew and community elders as they strive to preserve their neighborhood's culture amidst gentrification.
Another notable premiere is Black Lions–Roman Wolves, directed by the acclaimed Haile Gerima. This closing night film presents a five-part epic that explores Ethiopian resistance against Italy’s invasion in 1935, highlighting themes of memory and cultural resilience.
Notable Guests and Discussions
Attendees can look forward to engaging discussions with notable figures such as Sky Hopinka, Michèle Stephenson, and Alile Sharon Larkin. On August 9, Larkin will join a conversation with Melissa Lyde following a retrospective screening of her acclaimed film A Different Image, newly restored in 4K.
Additional Premieres at the Festival
Among the other films featured are:
- Call of My Life by Dammy Twitch, which tells the story of a call center agent reconnecting with her sense of self.
- An Incomplete Calendar by Sanaz Sohrabi, exploring forgotten songs of liberation movements.
- The Store by Fahamu Pecou, a magical bodega that serves as a gateway to ancestral wisdom.
- Treasure Island (L'île aux trésors) by Miryam Charles, focusing on the journey of children navigating their Haitian heritage.
The BlackStar Film Festival is a unique gathering aimed at fostering connection, discussion, and learning within the independent film community. For more information, visit blackstarprojects.org/festival.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Hyperallergic. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
