BlackStar Film Festival Returns to Philly


Courtesy of David Evan McDowell for BlackStar Film Festival

Courtesy of David Evan McDowell for BlackStar Film Festival

The fourth annual BlackStar Film Festival premieres in Philly on Thursday, July 30 and will continue until August 2. Audiences can look forward to a weekend of more than 60 flicks made by influential African-American filmmakers.

With films coming from more than four continents, the festival specializes in showing work that’s often overlooked by mainstream media platforms. The theme for this year is the role of costume production and design in films, as well as social justice issues.

The films will be shown at different locations throughout the city, including The International House, The Institute of Contemporary Art and World Café Live.

Notable films will include Muata’Ali Muhammad’s critically acclaimed film, Life Essentials with Ruby Deethe premiere of BaddDDD Sonia Sanchez, Kiara Jones’s Christmas Wedding Baby and dream Hampton’s Treasure: From Tragedy to Transjustice, Mapping a Detroit Story.

Presented by John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the BlackStar Film Festival is the only event of its kind held in Philly and gives filmmakers and fans the opportunity to come together and view influential work. For a full list of films and concurring events, go here.