Passes
2026
A photo from the 2025 BlackStar Film Festival opening party. A spirit tunnel has opened on the dance floor, a person in a wheelchair is going through it, they are holding a paper fan in the air. Those on the sides have paper fans as well, raised in celebration.
Celebrating 15 Years of Cinema for Liberation • August 6‑9

BlackStar Film Festival is an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the global majority—showcasing films by Black, Brown, and Indigenous people from around the world.

Join us as we celebrate our 15th anniversary. Events will take place in person in Philadelphia and online around the world.

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Latest News
A collage of film stills from the 2026 BlackStar Film Festival.
(Press Release)
Jun 2, 2026
BlackStar Projects Announces Lineup for 15th Annual BlackStar Film Festival
BlackStar Film Festival returns with 91 films from more than 30 countries, alongside conversations, performances and community gatherings throughout Philadelphia.

Get Involved

A photo of three BlackStar Film Festival employees standing arm-in-arm and smiling. They all have on pink BlackStar Film Festival t-shirts.
Volunteer
Get a behind-the-scenes look into festival operations, network with like-minded individuals, and have fun while supporting our work to champion filmmakers of color.
Exterior facade of Yowie hotel. Pedestrian walks by as car drives past.
Hotels & Venues
Book your festival stay at one of our partner hotels. Discounts and room blocks available.
Advertising
An advertising partnership with BlackStar Film Festival offers authentic visibility, brand alignment with a one-of-a-kind cultural institution, and direct support for emerging and established creatives.
Schedule a call with partnerships consultant, Jeanette@blackstarfest.org, to discuss BlackStar advertising opportunities.
A photo from a past BlackStar Film Festival of Storycorp tabling. There are people gathered around smiling.
Sponsorship
Align your brand with visionary artists, reach a global audience, and be part of a movement for joy and liberation.
A photo from the Director's Brunch at BlackStar Film Festival. There is someone in the middle walking and smiling, others around them are seated in tables and applauding.
Stay up-to-date
Be the first to hear big announcements about submissions, tickets, programming, and more via BlackStar News, our monthly newsletter.
A photo of a crowd watching a film, masks on, at BlackStar Film Festival inside the Kimmel Center.
Submissions
Film submissions are now closed. Filmmakers were invited to submit their short and feature-length films of any genre for consideration. The late deadline was April 1.

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