HBCU First Look Film Festival

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HBCU First Look Film Festival

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The HBCU First Look Film Festival helps HBCU students on their journey to be filmmakers & creatives.

10/30/2026

🏆 CELEBRATING THE CULTURE. HONORING WHAT’S NEXT. ✨

Join us for our annual SaluteTHEM Awards Luncheon celebrating the artistry, excellence, and impact of HBCU creators shaping the future of entertainment!

We’re spotlighting the I Aspire 25 honorees and recognizing the visionaries, changemakers, and storytellers moving the culture forward. Plus, we’ll reveal the highly anticipated winners of the 2026 HBCU First Film Festival Challenge! 🎬

Hosted by Laya DeLeon Hayes + DaSan Frazier, this is a celebration of legacy, emerging talent, and the next generation defining what’s possible.

Time to celebrate! 💫

10/30/2026

🎬 CREATE THE VISION. PROTECT THE WORK. ⚖️

Student filmmakers, it’s time to learn the business behind the art! Join us for “Do The Right Thing: The Legal Playbook for Student Filmmakers,” an interactive workshop presented by LegallyBlack®, inc. covering IP rights, legal clearances, distribution deals, and how to get paid for your work.

Featuring Dwayne A. Amos of Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP & Gloria Dorriz of Meyer & Downs, LLP.

Learn how to protect your creativity and play the game smarter. 🎥

10/29/2026

✨ STARZ PRESENTS: HIDDEN FIGURES ✨

What does it really take to build a career in entertainment and make it last? 🎬

Join us for an intergenerational conversation on sisterhood, mentorship, mental health, and navigating the industry while creating opportunities for the next generation of women.

Real stories. Hard-earned lessons. The blueprint for what’s next. 💫

📍NOV. 6TH / 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM

10/29/2026

KICKING FESTIVAL WEEKEND OFF IN GOOD COMPANY! 🎬✨

Join us for an intimate Media Reception bringing together students, attendees, sponsors, and media partners to connect, celebrate, and set the tone for an unforgettable weekend centering HBCU excellence in TV & Film.

📅 Thursday, November 5
⏰ 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM EST
📍 1899 9th Street NE, Washington, DC 20018

📩 RSVP to Danaeya Witherspoon: [email protected]

Please note: RSVP is a MUST. Space is limited.

The weekend starts here. Let’s connect, celebrate, and get ready for what’s next. 🎥

10/28/2026

Community, connection, and storytelling in action. 💜🎬

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Howard for our special community screening of ANDSCAPE’s They Fight! From showing up for powerful storytelling to giving back through book and art supply donations, you helped make this gathering meaningful.

Here’s a look back at a day rooted in the power of community ... and this is only the beginning, stay tuned for festival weekend and all that’s to come! 🙌🏾

10/28/2026

🎬 HOLLYWOOD IS GOING VERTICAL. ARE YOU READY? 📱🔥

The next wave of storytelling is here, and we’re breaking it all down! Join award-winning actress and filmmaker Nicki Micheaux, presented by TV One, for “A New Wave in Hollywood: Vertical Dramas” Masterclass. Get the inside scoop on this evolving format, explore new creative opportunities, and learn how to stay ahead of the curve in an industry that’s always changing. 👀

The future of storytelling is yours to shape. Are you ready to be the next?

⏰ NOV. 6TH | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM

10/27/2026

🎬 ACTORS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU! 👏🏾✨

It’s time to get into character! Join acclaimed actress and Howard University alum Harriet D. Foy for an exclusive acting masterclass where you’ll sharpen your skills, level up your character work, and learn from a true industry vet.

It takes a special kind of actor to play P-Valley’s “Patrice Woodbine” and we have her!

Whether you’re ready to own the stage or bring your next big role to life, this is your moment to show up, lock in, and become the next!

📍NOV. 5TH / 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

10/27/2026

🎬 ACTORS, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU! 👏🏾✨

It’s time to get into character! Join acclaimed actress and Howard University alum Harriet D. Foy for an exclusive acting masterclass where you’ll sharpen your skills, level up your character work, and learn from a true industry vet. Whether you’re ready to own the stage or bring your next big role to life, this is your moment to show up, lock in, and become the next!

📍 NOV. 5TH / 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM

10/23/2026

We’re kicking off festival weekend in PINK! 💗✨

Presented by STARZ, our Opening Plenary Lunch features P-Valley stars Nicco Annan (“Uncle Clifford”) and Shannon Thornton (“Keyshawn”), moderated by Cori Murray of Hampton University. Join us for a conversation on bold characters and powerful storytelling ahead of the show’s December 4 premiere!

💗 Dress code: PINK!

10/22/2026

🎞️ FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS 🎞️

We’re setting the tone for festival weekend with a double screening featuring Rise of The Legion and 93 ‘Til! Join us for a night of powerful storytelling, HBCU excellence, and conversations that bring the stories to life.

Two films. One night. Don’t miss the opening night action! 🔥

🎬 UP FIRST: Rise of The Legion
We’re kicking the night off with Rise of The Legion, representing Norfolk State University! Join us at 7:15 PM for an Opening Night Screening featuring Co-Directors Adrian Woodard and Adrian Woodard II, alongside Executive Producer April Woodard.

It’s a family affair and you want to be there! And we have a little something up our sleeves 🤭

🎥 NEXT UP: 93 ‘Til
The Opening Night Screenings continue at 8:10 PM with 93 ‘Til! Pull up for a special talk-back featuring Producer & Writer, Alterik Miller and Actor, LaRoyce Hawkins. For the culture, we’re taking it back to the 90’s!

All you have to do is say - YES. 😌

🗓️ Nov. 5–7 | Howard University | Washington, D.C.
🎟️ BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW and get ready to see WHO’s next. Link in bio.

Address

225 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA
CA 90210

Website

http://hbcufirstlook.com/

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