HBCU First Look Festival: Celebrating Black Filmmakers

From Howard University to Hollywood

A Celebration of Black Filmmakers Rooted in the HBCU Culture

By: Angela Redding | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Beat magazine | October 16, 2024
Graphics: Courtesy of Miles Ahead Entertainment

The second annual screening, speaker, and programming schedule of the HBCU First Look cinema Festival, which aims to inspire the next generation of diversity in cinema, TV, and broadcasting, has been revealed. The event will take place November 8–10, 2024, at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Fostering Connections Between HBCU Students and Hollywood

The three-day event, which is the only film festival in the country to honor HBCU-educated filmmakers, executives, and content creators, features celebrities and “I Aspire” honoree change-makers who are dedicated to fostering connections between HBCU students and Hollywood in support of “A Celebration of Black Cinema x Activism.”

Highlights consist of:

A Conversation on Power, Passion & Perseverance with NAACP Image Award-winning actress Naturi Naughton-Lewis. Moderated by Emmy Award-winning host, comedienne and actress Loni Love, the two will discuss the state of the industry and navigating its landscape.
Masterclass with creator and show-runner Nkechi Okoro Carroll (All American, Found)
Career Development with speaker Keanna “KJ” Rose, a 2024 “I Aspire” 100 honoree, speaker, author and FAMU alum
Screening and Talkback true crime series “Killer Relationships w/ Faith Jenkins“
My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon honoring Keshia Knight-Pulliam, Stacy Milner (HBCU Los Angeles), and TeeJ Mercer (Move-In Day Mafia).
The annual HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, which received over 200 film submissions, will award three winners with internships.
Closing Night at the Movies: ‘The Honorable: Shyne’ Documentary ‘Exclusive’ Clip & Conversations Reception.

Events that celebrate timeless Black film titles include:

STRICTLY BUSINESS: A discussion on independent filmmaking and entrepreneurship with production companies
THE BLACK GODFATHER: A panel on documentary filmmaking, music licensing and supervision
BEAUTY SHOP: From costume design to character makeup, a talk about the glitz and glam of production
DREAMGIRLS: A conversation with today’s young, gifted and Black actresses
SCHOOL DAZE: How to Identify your career niche and market your brand

Purchase Tickets Through the HBCU First LOOK Festival App

Students and movie buffs alike may purchase tickets through the HBCU First LOOK Festival app and www.hbcufirstlook.com. See all social media channels for further details.

Sponsors and Media Partners

AARP, HBCYOU, Howard University Television + Film, Howard University Television (WHUT), Howard University Radio Network HBCU SiriusXM Channel 142, L.A.I. Communications, NBC Universal, TV One, Oxygen, HBCUGO.TV, and the Mocha Podcasts Network are among the sponsors and media partners.