Join Howard University's English Dept. for this inaugural festival

Celebrating Black Voices and Social Justice

Howard University's Department of English's First Year Writing Program is thrilled to launch our inaugural Black Film Festival. We are dedicated to providing a platform for filmmakers and intellectuals to showcase and discuss their work. With a focus on narratives centered around social justice, cultural empowerment, and the African diaspora, the festival aims to amplify diverse perspectives and celebrate the legacy of influential cultural figures.

Schedule of Events

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2025 - Cramton Auditorium

10am

Red Carpet Opening and Mixer

10:30 - 11:30am

Black In Hollywood by Brandon Miree 

(Run time: 25 min, followed by Q&A)

In this episode of Black in Hollywood, a docu-series that celebrates Black excellence in the lives of creatives working in Hollywood, we learn about Carlton Jordan's journey as a producer and writer in Hollywood, navigating issues like tokenism to establish a successful career. 

12 - 1pm 

The Other Side of Ecstasy by Larry Smith III 

(Run time, followed by Q&A)

1:30 - 2:30pm

Freedom Seekers: Black Seminoles Past and Present by Dr. Anthony Dixon & Zarion Hadley 

(Run time: 25 min, followed by Q&A)

This documentary examines the people who created the first underground railroad and conducted the largest, most successful slave rebellion in U.S. history. 

3 - 5:30pm

Nanny by Dr. Nikyatu Jusu 

(Run time: 1 hr 39 min, followed by Q&A)

In this psychological thriller, Senegalese nanny Aisha pieces together a new life in New York City while caring for the child of an Upper East Side family. She is forced to confront a concealed truth that threatens to shatter her precarious American Dream.

6 - 7pm 

Healing From Silence by HU Professor Dr. Monique L. Akassi 

(Run time: 30 min, followed by Q&A)

This drama follows Nia, a woman grappling with the emotional weight of unspoken trauma. Through quiet reflection and a pivotal conversation with a close friend, Nia embarks on a transformative journey toward healing and reclaiming her voice.

7 - 7:30pm

Musical Intermission with a live performance by Rocky Chatman

7:30 - 9pm

Mile 19 by Howard Clay (Run-time: 1 hour 25 min, followed by Q&A)

On their way to an important business meeting, Linda passes a stalled car on the side of the road. Her intuition and ultimate decision to try to assist the stranger leads her on a journey that changes her life forever.

9 - 11:59pm

Opening Night Celebration

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2025 - virtual via Zoom

12 - 1pm (on Zoom)

Panel with directors, writers, actors, and producers

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 13, 2025 - virtual via Zoom

12 - 1pm (on Zoom)

Making Life Sing In Pursuit of Utu by Dr. Ndirangu Wachanga

(Run time, followed by Q&A)

This documentary explores the life and work of Micere Githae Mugo, one of Africa's leading writers, activists, performers and postcolonial thinkers. A champion for democratic and human rights in Kenya and beyond for close to half a century, she became the first woman dean of any African university.

5 - 6:30pm (on Zoom)

Shutdown by Dr. Simone Drake

(Run time: 1 hr, followed by Q&A)

This documentary film tells the story of a group of passionate Black teens in Columbus, Ohio, in turbulent 1971, who fought for the equality they believed they deserved.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 2025 - Cramton Auditorium

12 - 2pm

Nikki Giovanni read-a-thon-virtual (on Zoom) and in-person (Cramton)

2:30 - 5:30pm - Homegrown: Films by Howard University professors and alumni

2:30 - 3:30 

The Last Battlefront by Anna Reid Jhirad and HU Professor Maha Haddad

(Run time: 56 min.)

This documentary is the first historical film on the right for self-government in Washington, D.C., told through the lives and voices of its citizens.

3:30 - 4pm

Sin Luces  by HU Professors Dr. Shahriar Shafiani and Professor Srikanth Nandigama

(Run time: 18 min.)

Sin Luces follows Jerry, a Mexican American bartender struggling to feel at home in a changing hometown. Through fleeting moments of friendship during a World Cup workday, Jerry comes to face the costs of holding onto a world that feels increasingly distant.

4:30 - 5pm

Somewhere in Brooklyn by HU Alum Brandon Wilkerson

(Run time: 21 min)

A police officer rekindles a romance with a woman he was involved with while undercover during the 2020 quarantine. 

5 - 5:30pm

Q&A with Professor Haddad, Professor Shafiani, and Brandon Wilkerson 

5:30 - 6pm 

Musical performance 

6 - 8:30pm

Going to Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project by Joe Brewster and Michele Stephenson 

(Run time: 1 hr 42 min, followed by Q&A)

This documentary travels through time and space to reveal the enduring influence of Nikki Giovanni, one of America's greatest living poets and social commentators.

9 - 11:59pm

Visions of Freedom Closing Celebration

Free for Howard University students and employees

HU students, employees, & alumni - Register here (Free)

Click here to purchase tickets

Date: February 11 - 14, 2025

Location: Cramton Auditorium

2455 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059

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