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2026
A photo from a past BlackStar film festival of four people dancing together. They are smiling.
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 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.
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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@blackstarprojects.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 of three BlackStar Film Festival employees standing arm-in-arm and smiling. They all have on pink BlackStar Film Festival t-shirts.
Volunteer
Volunteer applications are now closed. 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. The application deadline was June 15.
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.

Thank you to our Festival Sponsors & Partners

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A black logo for Hyperallergic Media.A black logo for Visit Philly.A black logo for FotoKem.PECO logo in blackA black logo for NEON.Urban Outfitters logoA black logo that says "Open Society Foundations"A black logo for Eventive.A black logo for Netflix.

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