PassesAccessibility
2026

Accessibility Statement

A core element of the liberatory world we envision at BlackStar is ensuring that all members of our community can safely and easily access our work. In pursuit of that vision, BlackStar is actively working to increase the accessibility of our spaces in order to right the ignorances of our past and create an environment that is different from the ones offered to us by greater society. In the wake of the many overlapping and converging public health crises, this work takes on even greater significance, because we know that we keep us safe.

We are far from perfect stewards of accessibility and disability justice. As such, we welcome you to make known to us any access needs or considerations not covered here. Please email us at access@blackstarprojects.org if you have any questions or concerns.

What Accommodations are Available?

Wheelchair and Stair-free Venues

Wheelchair and stair-free accessibility at all venues

ASL Interpretation

ASL interpretation at all public events (e.g. panels and post-screening Q&As)

Quiet Space

A quiet space, located in the Rendell Room in the Kimmel Center

Accessible Seating

Accessible seating options

Parent Rooms

Designated parent rooms (also known as lactation rooms)

Gender-Neutral Restrooms

Gender-neutral restrooms at all venues

Complimentary Tickets for PCAs

Complimentary tickets for personal care attendants (PCAs). Contact access@blackstarfest.org with your order number at least 24 hours before the screening.

ACCESS and EBT Card Discount Tickets

BlackStar offers ACCESS and EBT cardholders individual tickets to the virtual festival and in-person screenings for $2.00. To receive the discounted tickets, use the code “26ACCAR” at checkout when purchasing an individual ticket. When arriving for an in-person event, you may be asked to present your ACCESS or EBT card.

Audio Description

These films feature audio description (AD) for blind and low-vision audience members. To access the AD at these screenings, please stop by the info desk to check out an AD listening device.
Film/Program TitleDate/Time/Location
Lamentations shorts programThursday, August 6, 11:30 am, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center
Tenants of Lenapehocking in the Age of Magnets (feature documentary)Thursday, August 6, 5:30 pm, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center
West Side Familia (feature documentary)Thursday, August 6, 8 pm, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center
Finding Your Laughter (feature documentary)Saturday, August 8, 5:30 pm, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center
Quintessence shorts programSaturday, August 8, 8:30 pm, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center
Heredity shorts programSunday, August 9, 4:30 pm, Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center

Wellness Offerings

Wellness offerings throughout the festival.
Wellness SessionDate/Time/Location
Sound Healing & Medicinal TeaAugust 6, 3:00 PM EDT
Merck Arts Education Center @ Kimmel
Acupuncture & Ear SeedsAugust 7, 3:00 PM EDT
Merck Arts Education Center @ Kimmel
Reel Reflections: An Art Journaling WorkshopAugust 8, 3:00 PM EDT
Merck Arts Education Center @ Kimmel
Reiki with JazAugust 9, 3:00 PM EDT
Merck Arts Education Center @ Kimmel

Open Captions

Open Captions are provided for the following screenings. Films not included in this list will have subtitles.
Film/Program Title
66 Days
A Life in Art: Through the Eye of Dr. Leslie King Hammond
Aanikoobijigan [ancestor/great-grandparent/great-grandchild]
After What Happened at the Library
An Afternoon with a Gnawa
An Incomplete Calendar
Angels Pull Your Hair
At the Stage When
Authors Of The Estate
Black Zombie
Buckskin
Communion
Finding Your Laughter
Fist of Mothers
FREE JOAN LITTLE
Free Lyric
Glass Bricks
HomeGoing
How To Hide It
Ish Meets A Mermaid
JESUS IS COMING (to take the Church away)
Mickey
Muoz-Doic Mixtape
Old Man River
PALESTINE '36
Philly Rumba
Potato Salad
Remote Views
Revival 24
Same Water
Scene Not Heard: Women in Philadelphia Hip Hop
Solace
Tell Me When You Get Home
THE KEEPER
The Seeds We Carry
To Run Is To Return
True North
Voicemail
We Are Not Dreaming
West Side Familia
What Will I Become?
When They're Gone
White Musk
Wholesome

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines

We recognize that the risks of COVID-19 and other viruses are still current, and we are committed to protecting all our community members. These guidelines are meant to sustain an environment where all participants are able to joyfully participate.

Masks are required at all indoor events, except when you are actively eating or drinking. Please plan to bring your own mask to the festival; we will have limited masks available onsite. Air purifiers will also be working throughout the venues.

Note: Venues outside the main festival campus may not require masks. While we cannot control their policies, we still request that festival attendees continue masking as part of our community agreement. We thank you for your dedication to protecting our entire community.

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