Celebrating Black Creativity: A Recap of the HBCU First Look Film Festival

For the third consecutive year, I had the privilege of attending the HBCU First Look Film Festival—a vibrant annual celebration dedicated to showcasing Black creativity, culture, and cinematic excellence. Each year, this festival highlights emerging voices while honoring the trailblazers who have paved the way in film and television. With thought-provoking panels, celebrity appearances, and inspiring showcases, the festival consistently underscores the importance of HBCU storytelling. Here’s a detailed recap of my experience, featuring the standout moments that made this year particularly unforgettable.

Kicking Off in Style

This year, the HBCU First Look Film Festival returned to Howard University with a twist: it started a day earlier, kicking off on Thursday instead of the traditional Friday–Sunday schedule. This change set an energized tone for the weekend, emphasizing the celebration of Black storytelling and HBCU creativity.

The opening day featured an acting masterclass led by the talented Lauren E. Banks, a proud Howard alum. Known for her roles in City on a Hill and Lawmen: Bass Reeves, Banks attracted a full room of eager students and fans who were keen to learn from her journey. Her insights into the acting world served as a significant inspiration for aspiring performers in attendance.

That evening, I attended the highly anticipated Cafe Mocha 15th Annual Salute THEM Awards, honoring a remarkable lineup of trailblazers like Marsai Martin, Lynn Whitfield, and Ryan Coogler. The awards celebrated contributions in various sectors, highlighting just how influential HBCU culture is across industries. Coogler’s presence felt particularly poignant; he received the inaugural ‘I Aspire Global Impact Award’ in partnership with the Chadwick Boseman College of Fine Arts. His acceptance speech, rich with personal anecdotes about his work with Boseman, created an emotional atmosphere that reminded us of the impact of HBCU heritage.

Day Two: Inspiration in Every Dialogue

The second day of the festival carried forward that same momentum with powerful conversations and industry insights. It began with a festival luncheon featuring Marsai Martin as the 2025 Creative Ambassador, in a conversation moderated by The Breakfast Club’s Loren Lorosa. Martin spoke candidly about navigating the challenges of growing up in the industry while showcasing her evolution into an executive producer and storyteller. Her confidence radiated optimism for the future of Black entertainment.

Panels dominated the day’s schedule, each focusing on unique pathways into the film industry. One notable discussion was led by Tressa Azarel Smallwood, who shared crucial insights into the power of independent filmmaking and ownership. Another panel focused on breaking into the global film market, offering attendees valuable strategies for expanding their creative reach beyond the U.S. I spotted familiar faces, including proud Morehouse College alumnus Dasan Frazier, engaging in the discussions.

The highlight of my day came during the “A Thin Line Between Love & Success” panel featuring the legendary Lynn Whitfield and Keith Robinson. Their exchange was rich with wisdom on longevity and discipline in the film industry. I seized the opportunity to ask Ms. Whitfield about her intentional choices in portraying dynamic Black women on screen. Meeting her was a dream come true, especially given her legacy at Howard University.

The evening culminated in a NOLA-inspired mixer presented by ESPN, complete with live music from the Howard University marching band and, without exaggeration, the best beignets I’ve ever had. The night was capped off with a screening of Above the Tide, followed by an engaging talkback session highlighting the film’s impact.

Day Three: Celebrating Achievements

As the final day unfolded, it was time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of student filmmakers. The Grand Prize winner this year was Chazriq Clarke from Florida A&M University for his poignant film Him+. The narrative explored life after a recent Morehouse College graduate learns he is HIV positive, tackling themes of stigma and resilience. The lead actor’s performance garnered praise from Loni Love, reinforcing the film’s powerful message.

Additionally, awards were given to outstanding projects, such as Destiny Stubbs’ Strut The Yard, which claimed second place, and Taylor Dews from Spelman College with Meet the Family That Stick Together. The festival also hosted the My HBCU Joy Awards, recognizing impactful creators like Dasan Frazier and J. Alphonse Nicholson, who contributed to panels throughout the weekend.

A landmark announcement came when festival founder Sheila Eldridge revealed an exciting partnership with Tubi. This collaboration will soon launch a dedicated channel showcasing over 100 films from HBCU filmmakers, expanding visibility and opportunities for creators across the nation.

The day was filled with insightful sessions on the future of film and media, including an engaging discussion on how AI and animation are reshaping production. Notable figures like Lauren E. Banks and filmmaker Kelley Kali participated, offering essential advice for emerging filmmakers navigating funding and distribution.

One of my favorite moments included a candid conversation with Datari Turner, who shared invaluable insights into the realities of being an independent creator in today’s evolving landscape. He emphasized the importance of resilience and creating spaces for Black voices in the industry.

The festival concluded with a screening of Unexpected Christmas, produced by Norfolk State University’s Phil Thornton, marking a fitting close to a weekend steeped in storytelling, representation, and creative brilliance.

This year’s festival was my favorite yet, with Ms. Eldridge and the entire team continuously elevating the experience. It is spaces like these that are not just meaningful but essential, reminding us of the power of HBCUs in cultivating talent and recognition for Black creatives. The anticipation for what next year will bring has already begun!