2025 HBCU FirstLOOK Film Festival

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The HBCU First Look Film Festival’s HBCU Joy Luncheon presented ‘I Aspire25’ awards to acclaim directors from @proctergamble #WidenTheScreen and #QueenCollective who are impacting the next generation of student filmmakers.

Grateful to partners like P&G who share our vision. The memories speak for themselves! #ElevatingFutureStorytellers

From childhood moments to the college milestones that shape us, P&G has always shown up, helping students level up, find community, and live their best campus experience.

This year, Howard University student ambassadors as part of The HBCYOU Program walked the SaluteTHEM Awards Red Carpet at the legendary Howard Theatre to kick off the HBCU First Look Film Festival. 💙💜 #ElevatingFutureStorytellers #HowWeHBCYOU

TODAY is the DAY. Submission Deadline: December 1st, 2025 🎬

We’re so excited to partner with Tubi and Filmhub to spotlight the exceptional work of young Black storytellers; your films will be showcased in a dedicated HBCU First Look Film Festival collection on Tubi for three months!!

Talk about #ElevatingFutureStorytellers?! Link in bio for more info!

Director and Filmmaker Ryan Coogler spoke of his brotherhood with Chadwick Boseman while accepting his Global Impact Award at the 15th Annual SaluteTHEM Awards. This award was presented in partnership with the Chadwick A. Boseman School of Fine Arts (@hufinearts). He spoke of Chadwick’s time at Howard and how that helped shape what would come of their work.

The HBCUFLFF was honored and delighted to share this space and learn from Ryan and Chadwick’s time together. 💜

One of ours. May his name live forever. 🌟

Chadwick Boseman posthumously received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame today. Honored by those he loved, Chadwick’s legacy has been further cemented into the hearts and minds of the world.

While accepting his Global Impact Award, Director and Storyteller Ryan Coogler shared with us the impact that Chadwick had on his life. He talked about the time they shared while filming Black Panther and how Chadwick understood the impact the movie would have based on his time at Howard. Part of the intention of the HBCUFLFF is to create pathways for the future Chadwick’s of the world to succeed, prosper, and stand in their light.

We send our love, respect, and admiration to his family, colleagues, and partners in storytelling. 💜

From Howard to the world … 📽️🌍

This past weekend, the absolute legend and proud @howard1867 alumna, Debbie Allen was awarded an honorary Oscar. Her contributions to the culture and to Black storytelling are miles and decades long - it is because of her vision and prophecy that we have some of cultures biggest and brightest gems. As we work to #ElevateFutureStorytellers, the HBCUFLFF remains grateful to Miss Allen and the roads she’s paved for our imaginations to succeed.

This is a win not only for Howard but for HBCU’s all over. 🏆

A week later and we’re still all about #ElevatingFutureStorytellers 💜

A major congratulations to all of our Film Challenge Finalists with a shoutout to our Top 3 contenders and our First Place Winner! Check them out below:

🏆: “HIM+” by Chazriq “Chazam” Clarke (@ala.chazam)
🥈: “Strut the Yard” submitted by Destiny Stubbs (@strut_theyard)
🥉: “Meet The Family That Sticks Together” by Taylor Dews (@lindea.christine)

Make sure to head on over to @tubi for the chance to WATCH all of our finalists films!

You asked “who all gon be there?” … We tried to tell you!

A weekend full of #ElevatingFutureStorytellers and we spent it in GREAT company. There were panels full of stories, laughs, lessons, and all the things you need to know! A few familiar faces and some new ones too - next year, it could be ✨YOU✨.

Roll Call:

@juliangoodenfilms / @lesliesmall11
@marsaimartin
@mslynnwhitfield
@oronde
@keithsings
@jmedia_
@laurenebanks
@phillionaire1911
@j_fonz
@datariturner
@laroycehawkins
@lewistpowell
@brookehartjones
@corimurray
@directherbmonet
@dasan.frazier
@directedbykevin

And that’s an OFFICIAL WRAP on festival weekend of the 2025 HBCU First Look Film Festival!!!! 🎬

Celebrating our filmmakers and “I Aspire” honorees during the “MY HBCU JOY” Luncheon was the perfect way to bring this year’s festival to a close.

We want to send a tremendous and heartfelt THANK YOU to all partners, panelists, attendees, and supporters. Our Founder, Sheila Eldridge created this festival with the intention of celebrating Black stories and young Black filmmakers, while building a direct pipeline from HBCU’s to the tv+ film industry and we hope that as we’ve entered our 3rd year - we’ve done just that. #ElevatingFutureStorytellers

Stay tuned as we continue to roll out major announcements, event recaps, talent interviews, and more!

Day 1 down and there’s more to come!

We hit Howard’s campus for the 3rd YEAR in a ROW and we brought some heavy-hitters (as we usually do 😌). Come hang out with us tomorrow for another day of #ElevatingFutureStorytellers!

See ya then ✌🏾

From a small screen to the world 🌏

They might know a lil somethin about taking it worldwide and they’re giving you the major keys! Join us in a convo featuring filmmakers and content creators as they discuss breaking into the industry across global platforms. Moderated by Barbara Chirinos (@b_esme6009) feat. DaSan Frazier (@dasan.frazier), Gregory Maurice (@gregmauriceofficial), Oronde Garrett (@oronde), and Kevin Wilson Jr. (@directedbykevin).

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

TODAY’s the DAY! We’re here at thee Howard University inside the Blackburn University Center! 🎞️

Make sure to check out our events planned for the next two days! Presented by our amazing partners and collaborators! And download our app for the full weekend schedule + need-to-know updates!

Walk-ins are welcome, and if you haven’t already, click the link in bio to get your tickets! See you soon! ✌🏾

T-minus ✌🏾 days away from 2025 Festival Weekend!

We’re coming back to thee Howard University for the annual HBCU First Look Film Festival! We’re so beyond excited to bring it back to where it all began. We’re #ElevatingFutureStorytellers - Tell a friend to tell a friend!!

Link in bio for tix! If you don’t believe us, listen to @marsaimartin 🤭

Big impact doesn’t always need a spotlight. 💪🏾

When we say #ElevatingFutureStorytelling, we mean in every way possible. Join us during this “Hidden Figures” convo feat. Jamila Mustafa (@jmedia_) and Lauren E. Banks (@laurenebanks) - moderated by Ronda Rocha Piere (@rondaracha) as they discuss being powerhouse female execs redefining leadership and quietly changing the game from the inside out.

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

Where new voices rise and new narratives begin.

We’re elevating the next generation of storytellers — because the future of film starts with the voices we uplift today. Join us during our Opening Plenary Lunch where we’ll celebrate and uplift the legendary and game-changing Marsai Martin (@marsaimartin) in a conversation about her commitment to elevating the future of storytelling. Moderated by “The Breakfast Club’s” Loren LoRosa (@lorenlorosa), come ready to be in community and discussion!

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

For filmmakers who refuse to wait for permission! 📽️

From budget hurdles to industry gatekeeping — this panel explores how indie filmmakers push past barriers and bring their stories to life! Check out this Fireside Chat featuring independent filmmaker, Datari Turner (@datariturner) and moderated by our guy, thee Phil Thornton (@phillionaire1911) where they discuss how independent filmmakers navigate obstacles and elevate their craft. Come ready to take notes!

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

BoOoOoO … or …. BOO! 👻

We’re celebrating some of our fav Black spooky classics. In no particular order … here’s some of the flicks we’re runnin back this Halloween.

1. Queen of the Damned (2002)
2.) Bones (2001)
3.) Eve’s Bayou (1997)
4.) Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
5.) Tales From The Hood (1995)
6.) US (2019)
7.) Disney’s The Haunted Mansion (2003)
8.) Blade (1998)
7.) Twitches (2005)
9.) Ma (2019)

What’s your fav spooky movie?? Tell us in the comments! 🎃

Twenty years later, the story still echoes. 🎺

More than a film — it’s a story of survival, strength, and the power to rebuild. Join us for a networking mixer, followed by a screening with our partners at ESPN (@espne60) of Julian Gooden’s (@juliangoodenfilms) film: Above the Tide. Featuring a talkback moderated by our friend and Newscaster, Wisdom Martin (@wisdommartintveee) where they discuss what it means to rebuild, reconnect, and rise after Hurricane Katrina and the journey of telling this story.

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟✨

You heard EM! Two things to add to your calendar! 🗓️

Festival weekend is FAST approaching! Don’t say we didn’t tell you! The HBCUFL Film Festival is bringing BIG things this year, all in the name of #ElevatingFutureStorytellers!

And while you’re at it, go support #UnexpectedChristmas!

Secure your tickets today. Link in bio for more info!

Rule #1: Stay ready so you don’t have to get ready!

Join us in a convo featuring the ultimate go-getters: Brooke Hart Jones (@brookehartjones), Lewis T. Powell (@lewistpowell), and B. Monet (@directherbmonet) where they explore the intersection of innovation and storytelling! Hittin like a BOOMERANG, this panel is all about how AI and animation are reshaping the future of film and production as a whole. You don’t want to miss it!

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

When we talk about #ElevatingFutureStorytellers - this is what we’re referring to. It has been at the core of the HBCUFL Film Festival to create a pipeline and pathways for HBCU students to HBCU Alumni and industry experts.

Sometimes, it’s about helping those near you to tell the story that needs to be told. Sometimes it’s about community.

We’re so honored and elated to be able to welcome the presence of Ryan Coogler as we celebrate and highlight him as our Global Impact recipient at the 2025 SaluteTHEM Awards happening on Nov 6th. @ The Howard Theater. This awards dinner will kick-off our Film Festival weekend as we proceed in uplifting Black films and showcasing emerging #HBCU filmmakers.

Click the link in bio for tix! 🎟️✨

Source: @proximitymedia

Unlock your potential, one scene at a time. 🎬

An acting masterclass for artists ready to elevate their craft. Join us for an acting masterclass featuring the one and only Lauren E. Banks (@laurenebanks) in partnership with the Chadwick Boseman School of Fine Arts (@hufinearts). For those chasing truth in every scene — this acting masterclass is your stage to grow, learn, and transform.

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

An icon. The smoothest crooner. No further intro necessary. Round of applause for: Thee Lynn Whitfield + Keith Robinson. 👏🏾

Join us in a fireside chat as we get into building longevity and success in acting from two of culture’s greats. Moderated by Cori Murray (@corimurray) as we take notes from THEE Lynn Whitfield (@mslynnwhitfield) and our guy Keith Robinson (@keithsings), this panel explores what it truly takes to build a successful, enduring career in acting. Talent is only the beginning. You want to be here.

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

From vision to visibility. 🎬

We’re talking distribution! Join us in conversation all about the Hollywood Shuffle of finding the right partners, investors, and distribution strategies to bring your story to screen. Featuring our girl, Filmmaker Kelley Kali (@iamkelleykali), Producer + Writer, Imani Robinson (@imaniniarobinson), and Showrunner Shaye Ogbonna (@shizzleobizzle)! Behind every great film is a smart deal.

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨#ElevatingFutureStorytellers

Breaking barriers and building legacies. ✊🏾

Join us in conversation as these storytellers share their journeys across media, production, and storytelling. Moderated by Kevin Marable of The BlkScript (@theblkscript), this panel features our friend + Actor LaRoyce Hawkins (@laroycehawkins), everybody’s fav J. Alphonse Nicholson (@j_fonz), and the ultimate triple-threat storyteller Leslie Small (@lesliesmall11). This panel explores the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Black men across the media landscape. Only at the HBCU First Look Film Festival!

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

The ONLY WAY is the ‘Megamind Way’! ✨

MegaMind Media Founder and CEO, Tressa Azarel-Smallwood (@ceoazarel) is joining us at the 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival! Leading one of the most successful independent film and production companies, Tressa’s giving insight on building a foundation as an independent filmmaker! Get your notebooks ready! 📝

Click the link in our bio for tix. 🎟️✨

RUN IT BACK no Turbo ‼️

The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival enjoyed kicking off our Fall HBCU College Tour at the one and only Virginia State University (@officialvsutrojans)🧡💙.

We enjoyed engaging with the students and providing a panel with Urban One Founder and Chairperson, @iamcathyhughes on elevating your mentorship.

Tag your #HBCU and tell us who got next! 👀

#ElevateYourMentorship #ElevateFutureStorytellers

#ICYMI Congratulations are in ORDER for our 2025 Film Challenge Finalists! 👏🏾

Announced by our Creative Ambassafor @marsaimartin, we are elated to recognize, highlight, and #elevatefuturestorytellers with these HBCU filmmakers! We will be screening their films and announcing the winner at this year’s HBCU First Look Film Festival - taking place at Howard University, Nov 6-8th!!!

Click the link in our bio for tix! We hope to see you there!

The cat is officially out of the bag … Congratulations to the 2025 HBCUFL Film Challenge finalists!

With the help of our 2025 Creative Ambassador @marsaimartin - we’re happy to announce those who have made it to our final selections within their designated categories. The winner will be announced festival weekend! All roads lead to Howard!

Show our finalists some love! #ElevatingFutureStorytelling

This could be you, but you playin. Did you get your tix yet?!

Festival weekend is FAST approaching! Don’t say we didn’t tell you!The HBCUFL Film Festival is bringing BIG things this year, all in the name of #ElevatingFutureStorytellers!

Attendee’s will have the opportunity to choose from Masterclasses to Finalists Screenings to Career Development Panels and more. We can promise you that you don’t wanna miss out!

Secure your tickets today. Link in bio for more info!

Where vision meets legacy - they didn’t just see the future, they helped build it. 💪🏾

A major shoutout to the many icons on our “I Aspire” 2025 list. See below for more:

• Dollie S. Bishop: President of Production & Creative Dev. @ The Black Effect Podcast Network – Winston Salem State University
• Oronde Garrett: Talent Manager, Film + TV Producer – Virginia State University
• Felicia Joseph: Senior Vice President of ABC Ent. Group – Hampton University
• Shaye Ogbonna: Creator/ Showrunner – Howard University
• Floyd Rance III: Co-Founder of MVAFF – Howard University
• Nyle Washington: Senior Award Series Publicity and Talent Relations Manager – Hampton University

We’re giving flowers where it’s due as we pour into the future. 💐 #ElevatingFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

We’re officially WEEKS away from festival weekend! Did you get your tix yet?!

Hittin Howard’s campus for the 3rd year in a row!!! The HBCUFL Film Festival is bringing BIG things this year, all in the name of #ElevatingFutureStorytellers!

Attendee’s will have the opportunity to choose from Masterclasses to Finalists Screenings to Career Development Panels and more. We can promise you that you don’t wanna miss out!

Secure your tickets today. Link in bio for more info!

Trailblazers. Trendsetters. Gamechangers. All powered by HBCUs. 🎓🔥

Our “I Aspire” list is 25 strong - and our honorees are only just a few of the undeniable legacies that have made their way out of HBCUs. See below for more of our honorees:

• Brooke Hart Jones: Founder of HBCyoUKidz - Hampton University
• Chris Paul: NBA Player + Philanthropist - Winston Salem State University
• Loren Lorosa: Journalist, Podcast Host, & Radio Personality - Delaware State University
• Tasha McCaskiel: Founder of Black Girls in Media - North Carolina A&T University

We’re sending flowers where it’s due as we pour into the future. 💐 #ElevatingFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

An important message from our 2025 Creative Ambassador, @marsaimartin!

You’ve heard it here, folks - this year, we’re #ElevatingFutureStorytellers and you surely don’t want to miss it! Hit the group chat, save the date, and come hang with us at Howard University on Nov 6th - 8th!

Click the link in bio for tix 🎟️

Lights, camera, legacy. A round of applause for these filmmakers puttin on for their HBCU’s. 👏🏾✨

We aspire to be as great as the honorees on our “I Aspire” 2025 list. See below for more:

• B. Monét: Write & Director – Spelman College
• Kelley Kali: Director, Write, & Producer – Howard University
• Kevin Wilson Jr.: Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker – North Carolina A&T University
• Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd: Director & Casting Director – North Carolina A&T University

We’re giving flowers where it’s due as we pour into the future. 💐 #ElevatingFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

She ain’t no divahhhh - but she is 😉

HBCUFL is excited to announce our media partnership with The Divah Files (@thedivahfilez), an online magazine and hub for #HBCU students and Alum! ✨

The Divah Filez services all 142 institutions of higher learning with promotional events, internships, on-campus reporting and more.

Check back here for all things HBCUFL Film Festival as we near festival weekend: Nov 6th-8th! 🎬

#ElevateFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

YOU HEARD HER! 🗣️

The ONE and ONLY Chairwoman and Founder of Urban One Inc., @iamcathyhughes, is inviting YOU to the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival to ‘Elevate Your Game’ 🙌🏾.

We’ll see you in November! 😉

#hbcufirstlookfilmfestival #elevatefuturestorytellers #ElevateYourMentorship #hbcupride #hbcu #filmfestival #howarduniversity #urbanoneradio #cathyhughes

Calling ALL WSSU Rams!! Up next - The HBCU Tour is headed your way! 🐏

Coming through with mentorship, lessons, networking, opportunities and some words of advice! Did we mention it’s FREE?

Featuring the iconic Cathy Hughes (@iamcathyhughes), HBCUFL Founder Sheila Eldridge (@wearemilesahead), + Dollie S. Bishop (@dolliesierra) this will be a convo you’ll want to take notes on.

All roads lead to the Student Center - see you soon! 🗓️ #ElevateFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

From the yard to the big screen—HBCU’s create some of the biggest stars. 💫🎬

Our “I Aspire” list is nothing short of inspirational - 25 strong and only just a few spanning generations of HBCU greatness. See below for more of our of honorees:

• Ashley Calloway: Actress, Talent Manager, & Producer – Spelman College
• Dasan Frazier: Actor & Content Creator – Morehouse College
• David Banner: Rapper, Actor, & Producer – Southern University
• J. Alphonse Nicholson: Actor – North Carolina Central University
• Tati Gabrielle: Actress – Spelman College
• Tramell Tillman: Emmy-Award Winning Actor – Jackson State University

We’re giving flowers where it’s due as we pour into the future. 💐 #ElevatingFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

The legacies of HBCU’s and the depiction of Black culture on TV is a large part in the foundation of some of our favorite storytellers. We saw ourselves, our families, friends, and futures in the words and make believe worlds of some of our favorites.

The 80’s changed Black TV and it’s our job to carry the torch forward. #ElevatingFutureStorytellers

Repost from @hbcualum / 📽: @worldchannel YT

Save the date Trojans! The HBCU Tour is headed your way! 😏

We’re hitting the yard with mentorship, lessons, networking and as always … opportunities. Did we mention it’s FREE? Come hang and check us out!

Featuring the iconic Cathy Hughes (@iamcathyhughes) + HBCUFL Founder Sheila Eldridge (@wearemilesahead), this will be a convo between mentor and mentee on how to build thee ultimate legacy.

Don’t say we didn’t tell you! See you soon! 🗓️ #ElevateFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

What did @issarae say? THAT. Always.

A special shoutout to one of our “I Aspire” honorees and Jackson State alum, @tramell.tillman 🙌🏾 We love to see it!!! Still making history and pushing boundaries.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners! 🏆 #ElevatingFutureStorytellers

School is BACK and so are WE 🙌🏾

Kicking off our THIRD annual HBCU Tour, we’re hitting the yard with mentorship, lessons, networking and as always … opportunities. Did we mention it’s FREE? Come hang and check us out!

Featuring the iconic Cathy Hughes (@iamcathyhughes) + gamechanging Dollie S. Bishop (@dolliesierra).

Don’t say we didn’t tell you! Save the dates 🗓️ #ElevateFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

We stand with our partners in solidarity for the safety and protection of our HBCU’s during this time.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

#REPOST: @hbcugo.tv 💜

“Storytellers dream it. Actors live it. Aspiration is the bridge between the two.” 🎭✨

As we roll out our 2025 “I Aspire” list - here’s to the ones who chase the light, who lend their voice to the voiceless, and who remind us what it means to feel. We’re recognizing some of the greatest collaborators of our time and the foundations that made them. See below for our first round of honorees:

• Anika Noni Rose: Actress & Tony-Award winning Singer - Florida A& M University (FAMU)
• Anthony Anderson: Actor, Producer, Television Host – Howard Univeristy
• Loni Love: Comedienne, Actress, Television Host & Author - Prairie View A&M University
• Brian Tyree Henry: Emmy & Tony-nominated Actor, Morehouse College
• Lynn Whitfield: Emmy-Award winning Actress & Producer - Howard University

We’re giving flowers where it’s due as we pour into the future. 💐 #ElevatingFutureStorytellers

Join us at the 3rd annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival as we’re #ElevatingFutureStorytellers.

November 6th-8th, 2025
Register now 🎟️ Link in bio

Did you get your tix?! As of tomorrow, we are 2️⃣ months away from festival weekend and we have so many announcements in store! Don’t say we didn’t tell you 🫢

Come hang with us at the 3rd annual HBCU First Look Film Festival! This year, we’re #ElevatingFutureStorytellers.

November 6th-8th Save the date!
Link in bio. 🎟️

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HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Launches 2025 Tour With Cathy Hughes To ‘Elevate Mentorship’

Award-winning actress, producer Marsai Martin to serve as Creative Ambassador for the 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival November 6–8, 2025

Secure your spot today for the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship: 2025 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit

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About the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival & College Tour

The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival & Tour is an innovative annual HBCU initiative that focuses on Diversity and Inclusion opportunities that brings together HBCU students with HBCU graduates who are creators and leaders in film, TV, and broadcast industries.

The College Tour with on-site interactive engagement, social media messaging and a digital platform, we will showcase cinematic creative content works from the next generation of filmmakers, while providing hands on career development opportunities.

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HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Launches 2025 Tour With Cathy Hughes To ‘Elevate Mentorship’

Award-winning actress, producer Marsai Martin to serve as Creative Ambassador for the 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival November 6–8, 2025

Secure your spot today for the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship: 2025 HBCU Entrepreneurship Empowerment Summit

Get the Latest

About the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival & College Tour