BlackStar Film Festival

05/27/2026

In 2012, when our founder launched BlackStar Film Festival, we had no idea what it would become. In 2020, we became a year-round organization, known as BlackStar Projects, in response to the needs, desires, and ideas that sprung out from our artist communities. We started and , organized exhibitions, and held seminars that allowed us to explore more liberatory worlds.⁠
⁠
As our programs, platforms, and artist communities continue to grow, it became increasingly important for our visual identity to grow alongside them, creating greater cohesion across the many ways people experience BlackStar. For the 15th year of the festival and our 7th year as a year-round organization, we felt it was time to refine our visual language in a way that both reflects the breadth of our work and allows the work of our community of artists to shine. ⁠
⁠
Read about our new design, crafted with , at the link in our bio. And explore it further on our website, blackstarprojects.org

05/13/2026

Passes are officially on sale for our 15th annual BlackStar Film Festival! We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate this major milestone. Get yours (at our early bird rate) at the link in our bio. 🎉⁠
⁠
We’ll be back on Broad Street in Philadelphia and online around the world from August 6-9.

04/10/2026

“We’re constantly reflecting upon and building the tools… to make cinema, to make art, to tell the truth beyond the systems that oppress us.” – Sahar Driver

Take a look back at 2026 William and Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar hosted in partnership with . Thank you to everyone who joined us from across the country. This gathering truly feels like solace in the midst of the crises around us.

You can support work like this by becoming a BlackStar member. As part of our membership program, you will receive priority registration for the Greaves Seminar and BlackStar Film Festival, discounts on in-person and virtual events, and more. Learn more at blackstarfest.org/support

Video by Xenia Matthews ().

02/13/2026

Today is the final day to register for our William and Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar!

The Seminar is our annual gathering for Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists working in cinematic realms. This year's events will take place from March 6-8 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA.

Learn more and register today: https://www.blackstarfest.org/seminar/2026-seminar/

02/11/2026

Registration for the William and Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar closes on Friday!

Explore the program and secure your spot at our annual gathering for Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers working in cinematic realms.

This year's events will take place March 6-8 at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California:

The William and Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar is a gathering for Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists working in cinematic realms. The Seminar will take place March 6-8, 2026, in-person only, at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA.

02/09/2026

We’re daydreaming about escaping the cold and connecting with artists of color from around the country at the William and Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar this March 6-8 in Palo Alto, California. ❄️☀️⁠
⁠
Registration closes this Friday, February 13! Secure your spot and explore more of the programming at the link in our bio or visit blackstarfest.org/seminar

02/04/2026

Proud to announce the dates of our 3rd annual Confluence Film Festival!

This month-long environmental film series is held each April in celebration of Earth Month, with screenings every Thursday evening. Presented in partnership with BlackStar Film Festival, cinéSPEAK, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Foundation and the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival, Confluence 2026 showcases films that speak to this year's theme, “Seeding the Future.”

With feature-length films, shorts and documentaries appropriate for adults, the festival is both a call to action and a loving reminder that we don’t have to simply react to the climate crisis; we can actively shape a more just and sustainable future. Rooted in tradition, wonder and possibility, Confluence invites audiences to imagine what’s next. Experience this powerful film program, hear from filmmakers, community organizations and advocates, and learn how you can support and imagine climate resilience for the next seven generations.

Tickets will be on sale March 5!

01/23/2026

We’re hiring for several seasonal roles to support us before and during the 2026 BlackStar Film Festival! Think you’d be a good fit or know someone who fits the bill?

Openings include: Web Manager, Festival Support Specialist, and Tech Production Coordinator.

Learn more about the roles and apply by February 19 at blackstarfest.org/opportunities.

01/14/2026

We are excited to announce that the keynote speakers for the for our Greaves Filmmaker Seminar is Michèle Stephenson (GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT, TRUE NORTH)!

Grounded in a Black Atlantic lens, she crafts form-defying narratives of resistance and healing, centering a Black radical tradition and the lived experiences of the Black diaspora.

Don’t miss her talk and other powerful programming at the Seminar this March 6-8 at Stanford University. Register by February 13:

The William and Louise Greaves Filmmaker Seminar is a gathering for Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists working in cinematic realms. The Seminar will take place March 6-8, 2026, in-person only, at Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA.

01/08/2026

We are excited to kick off the year with a big announcement, film submissions for our 15th annual BlackStar Film Festival are officially open! 🎉 Filmmakers are invited to submit their short and feature-length films of any genre for consideration.

Films must be directed by a person who identifies as Black, Brown, and/or Indigenous and tell a story of Black, Brown, and/or Indigenous experience. Our early deadline is February 1.

Learn more and submit:

Films must 1) be directed by a person of African descent or who otherwise identifies as Black, Brown or Indigenous, and 2) feature persons of African descent, or tell a story of Black, Brown or Indigenous experiences.