By Carmen Voss, Senior Correspondent
The Charlotte Black Film Festival marked a significant milestone in 2025 as it celebrated its 15th anniversary with the inspiring theme “Creative Grace.” This year’s event paid tribute to the transformative impact of Black storytelling in film and media, recognizing the voices that continue to reshape the cultural narrative through art, resilience, and creativity.
Hosted at the Ayrsley Grand Cinemas in Charlotte, North Carolina, the festival brought together filmmakers, writers, producers, actors, and cinema enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. The atmosphere was electric with anticipation and celebration, as attendees gathered to witness and support emerging and established talent from the African American creative community.
Founded in 2010, the Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF) was established with a clear vision: to uplift and showcase the artistic excellence of Black filmmakers while creating a supportive platform for diverse voices in the entertainment industry. Over the past decade and a half, CBFF has steadily grown in stature and influence, becoming one of the most prominent Black film festivals in the southeastern United States.
This year’s program was rich with variety and cultural depth. Independent film screenings remained the heart of the festival, with over 100 submissions representing 32 states and 13 countries. From poignant documentaries to dynamic short films and thought-provoking dramas, the festival’s curated selections highlighted stories that explored identity, legacy, resilience, and innovation.
Opening night began with a Welcome and Networking Mixer that set the tone for the festival’s inclusive spirit. Filmmakers had the opportunity to connect with audiences, share their creative journeys, and collaborate with other industry professionals. The event was filled with vibrant energy and optimism, emphasizing the communal power of film to bring people together.
The festival also hosted its popular “Red Carpet Vision Awards,” presented under the theme “Bowties and Sneakers.” This unique awards ceremony honored excellence in directing, screenwriting, cinematography, and acting. Attendees arrived in style, blending formal and casual fashion to reflect the fusion of elegance and authenticity the festival embodies.
Another major highlight was “Coffee Conversations: All Black, No Sugar, No Cream,” a two-day series of thought-provoking panels and discussions. These sessions delved into the state of Black filmmaking today, covering topics like representation in Hollywood, challenges in distribution, and the growing influence of digital media platforms.
For aspiring creatives, the festival offered numerous opportunities for exposure and mentorship. Signature events such as “Actors Idol,” “My Beat, Your Movie,” and the “Pitch Me” competition provided emerging artists with platforms to present their talents and pitch their ideas to a panel of industry judges. These initiatives underscored the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers.
This year’s closing event was held at Middle C, where attendees enjoyed live performances, inspiring speeches, and reflections on the festival’s enduring legacy. The atmosphere was celebratory yet forward-looking, as organizers emphasized their ongoing mission to support creative excellence and social impact through film.
In keeping with this vision, CBFF also launched the Micro Film Grant Program in 2025. The initiative offers financial support to African and Latino filmmakers working on short films, animations, or episodic series. The goal is to empower underrepresented artists to produce high-quality, culturally resonant content that can compete on a national and international level.
Throughout its history, the Charlotte Black Film Festival has remained a beacon for underrepresented voices in cinema. By amplifying stories that might otherwise go unheard, the festival continues to challenge mainstream narratives and broaden the horizons of film culture in America. As it looks ahead to the future, CBFF stands firm in its belief that storytelling is not just entertainment—it is a force for transformation, healing, and progress.
With its 15th anniversary behind it and a growing community of supporters and creators, the Charlotte Black Film Festival is poised to inspire even greater impact in the years to come.
