The Black Arts Alliance is hosting the 22nd yearly North Carolina Black Film Festival. This four-day judged event will take place from April 10th through April 13th in Wilmington.
Here’s what you should know regarding the North Carolina Black Film Festival.
What does the North Carolina Black Film Festival entail?
The North Carolina Black Film Festival, organized by the Black Arts Alliance Inc.—a nonprofit entity classified as a 501(c)(3)—is an annual event spanning four days. It showcases independently made movies directed by Black artists through both jury selection and invitation. This festival highlights works centered around themes such as Black life, urban culture, and Black history, including short and documentary films. Awards in various categories will be presented via trophies.
What's happening?
Thursday, April 10
The festival kicks off with its opening reception — CineMixer on April 10 at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Center located within Cape Fear Community College, situated at 703 N. Third Street in downtown Wilmington. This event features live performances by Village Minded, as well as appetizers, concluding with two musical documentaries: "ARP - African Rhythms Power," helmed by director Nelson Shongo Leoni, and "The Jazz Photographer" directed by Cedric D Ingram.
Friday, April 11
The celebrations will resume on April 11 starting at 5 p.m. at Jengo’s Playhouse located at 815 Princess Street. A selection of short films, documentaries, narrative pieces, and full-length features will be screened throughout the event. Among these feature films is “Ghetto Children,” helmed by director Zac Manuel, which tells a coming-of-age story documenting the lives of three childhood buddies who find themselves adjusting to adult life under the significant influence of their renowned dads' backgrounds (Juvenile from Cash Money Records, B.G., and Soulja Slim). Another featured film is “Cotton Candy Bubble Gum” directed by J Pinder. This movie follows 21-year-old Carter through his humorous journey into maturity with all its intricacies. Additionally, there will be an exclusive community viewing of “Life in My Eyes” beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Boseman's Shoes situated at 4127 Oleander Drive.
Saturday, April 12
Film screenings will occur on Saturday starting at Jengo’s Playhouse at 10 a.m., where the Black Girls Film Camp presents a selection of short films between 10 and 11 a.m. This camp aims to address underrepresentation by nurturing future storytellers among Black girls and giving voice to their narratives. At 11 a.m., Isiah Donté Lee, recipient of the 2025 Visionary Award in Cinematography, will conduct a Cinematography 101 session at Vue21North located at 1002-B Chestnut Street. From noon onward, an array of both short and full-length movies will be showcased. The family film segment runs from 1:20 to 3:05 p.m., offering content suitable for all ages within the household.
At 6:10 p.m., the festival plans to present the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award in Animation to renowned film producer and animator Bruce W. Smith. During this event, he'll showcase key moments from his career, such as the Oscar-winning animated short "Hair Love." Following this presentation, there will be a casual conversation between Bruce and Sandra McClammy, who is known as The Midday Miss from Coast 97.3 FM and serves as the operations administrator for the North Carolina Black Film Festival. Afterward, attendees can watch "Our Movement Starts Here," which was helmed by directors John Rash and Melanie Ho. This documentary delves into how a small town rallied against a hazardous waste site established by the State of North Carolina back in 1982, sparking what would become a significant environmental justice campaign.
Sunday, April 13
The festival will conclude with an award ceremony presenting the 2025 Visionary Award in Cinematography to cinematographer Isiah Donté Lee on April 13 at the Cameron Art Museum located at 3201 S. 17th Street. Additionally, accolades will be awarded for top documentaries, shorts, and features during this event. The final screening will showcase "Minnie Evans: Draw or Die," helmed by director Linda Royal. This documentary delves into the remarkable journey and unparalleled artistry of one of the most significant African-American artists from the 20th century.
Tickets
To purchase tickets, get passes, and see the full festival schedule, check out www.BlackArtsAlliance.org .
Cheryl M. Whitaker reports on community news for the StarNews. You can contact her at [email protected].
The article was initially published in the Wilmington StarNews. NC Black Film Festival: All You Need to Know About the Movies and Tickets