BlackStar Film Festival

BlackStar Film Festival Celebrating Black, Brown and Indigenous artists globally. For press inquires, please email [email protected]

BlackStar uplifts the work of Black, Brown and Indigenous artists working outside of the confines of genre through film screenings, exhibitions, an annual film festival, a filmmaker seminar, a film production lab, and a journal of visual culture.

08/09/2026

Recharging and reflecting at our Reel Reflections, art journaling workshop and wellness session on Saturday. So many beautiful creations came from this space. ✍🏽💛

08/09/2026

The renown Dr. Leslie King Hammond shares some of her wisdom with us ahead of the Philadelphia premiere of A LIFE IN ART: THROUGH THE EYES OF LESLIE KING HAMMOND.

This moving documentary, directed by Ben Baker-Lee and Rassaan Hammond, is still available to stream in our virtual program, check it out and soak in some of her knowledge. Link in the bio✨

08/08/2026

We had to stop Dammy Twitch on the red carpet ahead of the United States festival premiere of CALL OF MY LIFE.✨

We asked Dammy what guides him and what advice he would pass on to aspiring filmmakers.

08/07/2026

Opening Night Party in two words: A vibe.💫

08/06/2026

We meet the legendary Julie Dash (DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST) on the red carpet ahead of the Philadelphia premiere of her new short film HOMEGOING.

We asked her what advice she would give to aspiring filmmakers.

08/06/2026

Day one at the festival!! Did you know that everyday we start the morning with our talk show, The Daily Jawn?

A rotating set of co-hosts including Rashid Zakat, Noura Erakat 🍉, Denise Beek, Maori Holmes and Tremaine Johnson chat with featured festival filmmakers and other special guests. Attendees can expect energy, insights, and lots of laughter.

Meet us there at 11AM, in the lobby of the Kimmel Center! TDJ show is free and open to the public. Check out the full festival schedule at the link in our bio.

08/05/2026

Join us Sunday, August 9 at 6:30PM for this special Philadelphia premiere, VARIATIONS ON A THEME. Tickets at the link in our bio 🔗⁠
⁠
In this feature narrative directed by Jason Jacobs and Devon Delmar, an elderly goat herder in the mountains of Namaqualand, South Africa, falls victim to a scam promising long-overdue reparations for her father’s World War II service. As she waits for money that will never come, the disruptions of her 80th birthday threaten to strip away the last of her independence.⁠
⁠
Check out the full BlackStar Film Festival schedule and get your individual screening tickets or all access pass at blackstarprojects.org/festival.⁠
⁠

08/05/2026

A highlight from our “Noctidial” shorts program, HOW TO HIDE IT! ⁠
⁠
A moment of weakness after a humiliating breakup leads a young Muslim woman to play a forbidden lottery ticket. Her chance at escape becomes a spiritual crisis. While her coworker dreams of riches, she’s certain Allah is watching and waiting.⁠
⁠
You can catch this short and three others that tell the story of a single day in our “Noctidial” shorts program on Sunday, August 9 at 2pm The Wilma Theater. Tickets at the link in our bio! ⁠
⁠
Thank you to our screening partner for this program Collective Climb.⁠
⁠

08/03/2026

Join us Saturday, August 8 at 11:30AM for ’s PALESTINE 36. This important and timely film is screening in-person only, tickets available at the link in our bio. ⁠
⁠
It’s 1936. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest. But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising against Britain’s 30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.⁠
⁠
Thank you to our screening partners Runners for Justice in Palestine - Philadelphia, Jewish Voice for Peace Philadelphia, and ! ⁠
⁠
You can view the full BlackStar Film Festival schedule at the link in or bio or by visiting blackstarprojects.org/festival⁠
⁠

08/02/2026

Join us Saturday, August 8 at 2:30PM for MICKEY! Tickets available at the link in our bio. ⁠
⁠
Filmed over ten years, Mickey la película ✨ explores her transition process with ૮꒰ ˶Ó ˕ Ò˶ ꒱ა ⚧️, the filmmaker who grew up alongside her in conservative Sinaloa, Mexico. Through digital archives, artistic reenactments, and deeply personal encounters, the film moves between tenderness and rage, transforming memory into an act of freedom. An exploration of self-perception and a non-punitive confrontation with the past.⁠
⁠
This powerful documentary will also screen in our virtual program beginning Saturday, August 8 at 4:30pm. Get your tickets and explore the full BlackStar Film Festival program at blackstarprojects.org/festival! ⁠
⁠

Address

320 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA
19102

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when BlackStar Film Festival posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to BlackStar Film Festival:

Shortcuts

Share