The BlackStar Film Festival is back this month to cast a spotlight on the traditions of Black, Brown and Indigenous people from around the world through visual storytelling.
Set to take place July 31 to Aug. 1, the annual fest will host screenings at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Wilma Theater and the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, plus, a variety of parties and events at venues around town.
“In our fourteenth year, we continue to view the festival as an urgent gathering for filmmakers and cinephiles of color,” says BlackStar Founder, Chief Executive & Artistic Officer, Maori Karmael Holmes. “The need in this moment is not only for visionary cinema, but to be in space together around the work—to experience pleasure, rejuvenation and radical care in ways that push us towards action.”
In total, the Festival is set to screen a total of 92 films representing 35 countries. Audiences can expect 20 World, 13 North American, 4 United States, 7 East Coast and 46 Philadelphia premieres for this go-around.
Some highlights to look out for in 2025 include the world premiere of Louis Massiah and Monica Henriquez’s’ TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing’, the North American premiere of Jenn Nkiru’s ‘The Great North’, a special screening of Kahlil Joseph’s ‘BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions’ and the North America premiere of Letitia Wright’s ‘Highway to the Moon.’
All screenings span in what they cover—from ways to use music as a tool of resistance, films that show pathways to thriving amidst political repression and environmental crisis and stories that highlight the importance of long-term, sustainable community building. Essentially, there’s a little something there for everyone.
“We have a collection of films in this year’s program that embody BlackStar’s vision of cinema as a tool for liberation,” said Festival Director, Nehad Khader. “Amidst troubling times, these filmmakers remind us of what is possible.”
2025’s Blackstar Film Festival will also put together a curated slate of events, including the return of BlackStar Pitch. The live competition is open to public attendance and will award $75,000 in production funds to a winning short documentary. Additionally, BlackStar Projects’ Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab, a year-long fellowship program, will award $50,000 in production funds to four local filmmakers developing a short narrative film.
The Festival’s schedule also spans daily panels, conversations with filmmakers and industry leaders, plus, a Friday night concert and celebration at The Barnes Foundation. Audiences can also get updates from the creatives involved through ‘The Daily Jawn’ and its live radio show (co-sponsored by NEON.) Hosted by Maori Karmael Holmes, Rashid Zakat and Anne Ishii, the show presents conversations with featured filmmakers, festival programmers and other special guests.
Locals and visitors alike can also find Blackstar creatives and festival-goers at the opening night party at Cherry Street Pier; the annual BlackStar Bazaar (offering a curated shopping experience that celebrates Black-owned businesses); and this year’s closing night party at STAR|Bolt, co-presented by Visit Philly.
“This year’s entire program has been intentionally curated to meet the moment,”adds Festival Director Nehad Khader. “We can’t wait to welcome our community to Philadelphia to celebrate cinema for liberation.”
All passes and individual tickets for the festival are available online now. Options are priced based on the tier you pick—with Industry, All-Access and Virtual options available.
“Each festival has been very special, but this year’s lineup feels especially epic,” comments Chief Executive and Artistic Officer, Maori Karmael Holmes. “I’m looking forward to communing with filmmakers and audiences, sharing a collective laugh or cry. I think at this moment in time the restorative and liberatory power of cinema is essential.”
For a full picture on what to expect at the 2025 BlackStar Film Festival and to find more details on tickets and passes, visit blackstarfest.org
