2025 HBCU FirstLOOK Film Festival

April 15th - Norfolk State University

April 24th - Howard University

May 7th - Bowie State University

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As we close out the last day of Women’s History Month, we’re showing love to the women who paved the way and built their own lanes.

This past February, we celebrated Women, Black History, and the Power of Storytelling. In more ways than one, these three categories coincide often. This year, we’re teaching you all about #HowToBeTheNext - but it’s important that we recognize and celebrate the ones who did it first!

What stories are you going to tell to make a change? Submissions for this year’s festival are officially open - link in bio! ✍🏾

#HBCUFL #BlackFilmFestival #WomensHistoryMonth #LoveandBasketball25Years

It’s about that time folx! Open Submissions are HERE … are you ready for your chance to be the NEXT? 🎬

The 2026 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF) is ready once again with a focus on giving you the skills necessary to take the tv&film industry by storm! This year’s theme is: How To Be The Next!

For submissions visit www.hbcufirstlook.com or www.FilmFreeway.com for rules and qualifications.

Head on over to our site for more info. 💜 #HBCUFL #HBCU #FilmFestival

Just another wonderful stop on the “How To Be The Next” tour! 💫

Thank you to the staff and students of Winston Salem State University (@wssu1892) for such a warm welcome and panel discussion. Moderated by Howard alum, Alana McClellan and featuring a screening of Filmmaker Eric Yates (@hxkageyates) “The Midnight Marauder”. We had such a great time and hope to see you all again soon at this year’s festival in November!

Stay tuned for our next tour stop announcement and recap! Coming to an HBCU near you! 😉 #HBCUFL #HowToBeTheNext

1,2 … 1,2,3 - RELEASE EM! 🙌🏾🏆✨

We’re elated to extend our most sincere and joyous congratulations to the cast & crew of SINNERS for their major wins last night at the 98th Annual Academy Awards! Our Friend of the Festival & 2025 Global Ambassador, Ryan Coogler took home the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay - followed by Autumn Durald Arkapaw for Cinematography and Michael B. Jordan for Actor In a Lead Role!

Let this be a reminder to tell the stories that you want to tell and do it with your friends! You never know where it can lead you. ✨

🖼️: @justralphy

Spelman, what a way to kick off our “How To Be The Next” tour! One of one, thee only one! 🩵🤍

Joined by our friends over at FVSU, we held panel discussions featuring industry professionals, a screening of two of our winning films from last year’s festival AND a screening of Andscape’s “Hoops, Hopes, & Dreams”!

We’d like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for all of our panelists, our moderators, and the VP of FVSU - who arranged for students to be present. This stop officially kicked off our “How To Be The Next” College Tour and we cannot wait to officially share where we’ll be coming next! 👀

See ya soon! 🎬

We’re 1️⃣ day away from the first stop of our HBCU Tour! Spelman, we’re OTW! 🩵🤍

Make sure you join us tomorrow, March 5th as we launch the 2026 “How to Be the Next!” college tour - a national mentorship and career development initiative presented in collaboration with ESPN’s Andscape!

This event will feature a panel discussion with industry professional, Gregory Maurice, a screening of @andscape “Hoops, Hopes & Dreams”, and last but not least - a screening of the winning films from the 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge now featured on the HBCU First LOOK Tubi channel. 🎬

Register for your spot at the link in bio! We can’t wait to see you there! 💜

#hbcu #hbcupride #blackfilmmakers #HBCUFL

Did you RSVP yet?! Join us THIS Thursday, March 5th at @spelman_college, as we hit the FIRST stop of our “How To” HBCU Tour! After our panel, we’ll be screening: Hoops, Hopes & Dreams! 🏀💫

This short documentary traces the untold story of how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights Leaders used basketball to mobilize a generation of young voters.

More announcements coming soon - if you haven’t clicked the link in bio yet … what are you waiting for???

#HoopsHopesDreams #MLKDay2026 #Andscape #HBCUTour #HBCUFL

The HBCU Tour is sooo back and we’re starting off for the very first time at thee Spelman College! 🩵🤍

Join us next week, March 5th as we launch the 2026 “How to Be the Next!” college tour - a national mentorship and career development initiative presented in collaboration with ESPN’s Andscape!

Presented by Andscape, the event will feature a screening of Andscape’s “Hoops, Hopes & Dreams” and will also showcase the top three winning films from the 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge now featured on HBCU First LOOK Tubi channel. 🎬

Register for your spot at the link in bio!

Movie night just got a little more fun! Have you checked out our HBCU First Look x @tubi curation yet??

Click the link in our bio for our curation link, get comfy on the couch, grab your popcorn and watch some movies. Let us know in the comments section which films you’ve seen and which ones are on your list to watch next! 🍿

#HBCUFL #HBCU #BlackFilmmakers #ElevateFutureStorytellers

#ICYMI Tell a friend to tell a friend! We’re on @tubi showcasing HBCU filmmakers and their independent films!

We meant it when we said #ElevateFutureStorytellers and just wait until you see what we have in store for you this year!

Click the link in our bio for our curation link, get comfy on the couch, grab your popcorn and watch some movies!

#HBCUFL #HBCU #BlackFilmmakers

A celebration for every woman indeed!

Our friends at @blackgirlvitamins showed up and showed out! They pulled up ready to provide high-quality vitamins that support the needs of Black women, while empowering and supporting their health journey! And it didn’t just stop when our event ended.

Click the link in their bio and get yourself some goodies with (discount code: LOVEBASKETBALL) 🏀🫶🏾✨

Don’t say we didn’t tell you - Go get yours!

We couldn’t have done it without you! 🏀💜

A continued “Thank You” to: everyone who turned out, our panel full of legendary women, our wonderful partners and sponsors, and those who provided such great coverage of our event!

@cnnpr granted us the gift of @thelauracoates who moderated our panel with such class and truly did such an amazing job navigating and integrating the world of sports and media!

@tntsports helped us bring the young legend @candaceparker to our stage, showing us the impact Love & Basketball has had on an entire generation of women in sports! A special shoutout to the TNT Sports Unrivaled Tournament (@unrivaledbasketball ) ! 🏀✨

@warnerbrosentertainment and @visiteastpoint gave us their unwavering support!

And to bring it home (literally) - @owntv supported us in keeping the conversation going as they aired the film this past weekend as we all celebrated its 25th anniversary within culture.

What a way to kickoff Allstar Weekend!

#HBCUFL #WomenInSports #LoveandBasketball25Years #HBCUFilmFestival #AllstarWeekendFun

In the name of love, we’re cozying up on the couch with some of our favs! ❣️

• Love & Basketball (2000)
• The Photograph (2020)
• Brown Sugar (2002)
• Entergalactic (2022)
• Love Jones (1997)

What’s one of your fav love stories? Let us know in the comments! #ICYMI @owntv will be screening Love & Basketball this weekend so make sure you grab your popcorn, blanket, and loved ones to catch it! 📺

Earlier today, we hosted “Women in Sports: 25 Years of Love & Basketball — A Cultural Tribute + Conversation”, an afternoon reception and panel discussion celebrating the enduring legacy of Love & Basketball and the powerful role women athletes play as cultural storytellers.

Presented by CNN, TNT Sports, Black Girl Vitamins, Visit East Point, and OWN, this special event brought together leaders across sports, media, film, and culture to reflect on Love & Basketball as a cinematic classic—and to explore how women in sports continue to shape narrative, visibility, and influence on and off the court.

What a time … what a time! A true Celebration of women in sports as we highlighted the past while acknowledging the magic of women in sports today. 💜

#HBCUFL #WomenInSports #LoveandBasketball25Years #HBCUFilmFestival #AllstarWeekendFun

Did you know? Former President Barack Obama and our Forever First Lady, Michelle Obama joined us during our FIRST year at our screening of RUSTIN in partnership with @netflix!

What a way to kick off our inaugural festival! Both Michelle and Barack spoke to the importance of HBCU’s and the work that we, at #HBCUFL are working to do.

The visual embodiment of Black History, through and through. 💜

Movies have the power to change perspectives, evoke empathy, and inspire action. From pen to paper, then camera to screen - it is the responsibility of storytellers to screenshot the world and our lives as we know it with intentions of not soon forgetting. Let these films inspire you:

• If Beale Street Could Talk (2018) Dir. Barry Jenkins
• Do The Right Thing (1989) Dir. Spike Lee
• When They See Us (2019) Dir. Ava DuVernay
• The Woman King (2022) Dir. Gina Prince-Bythewood
• Judas and the Black Messiah (2021) Dir. Shaka King
• Fruitvale Station (2013) Dir. Ryan Coogler

The proof of history and such films reminds us that we’re no strangers to injustice, inequality, and discrimination. Your pen, your camera, your story is your contribution to the world around you. #ElevateFutureStorytellers

We are sending our most heartfelt and pride-filled CONGRATULATIONS to our 2025 Global Ambassador, Ryan Coogler and his SINNERS Team for making history as the first film with 16 Oscar nominations!!! 🏆

As he attended our #HBCUFL festivities this past year, he poured into the students of Howard University and everyone in the room as he accepted his speech at our SaluteTHEM Awards. Ryan spoke to the importance of telling our stories, building community, and what it means to leave a legacy as he reminisced on his brotherhood with the late Chadwick Boseman.

We would be remiss if we didn’t also acknowledge and give flowers to our Friend of the Festival, 💐Ruth E. Carter💐 for her nomination as part of the SINNERS Production ensemble with her contributions to the films Costumes - who ALSO made history with her nomination.

What a testimony to behold as we work towards #ElevateFutureStorytellers and #ElevateMentorship. As Issa Rae once stated, “We’re Rooting for Everybody …” - you finish it!

Did you hear?! HBCUFL is coming to @tubi!! 📺

Debuting this February content dedicated to highlighting HBCU filmmakers starring some of our very own finalists + film challenge winners thanks to Filmhub will debut on Tubi. Tapping into our festival theme of #ElevateFutureStorytellers, films will reflect diverse narratives from documentaries, short films, and more. Stay tuned.

Will you be tuning in?? Check us out! #hbcuforlife #IndependentBlackFilms
#elevatehbcufilmmakers

“All of us have stories … stand tall in it, no matter what comes your way.” - (@lewistpowell)

As we celebrate Rev. Dr. King’s legacy today and the many resilient ways in which his family has pushed his stories forward, we lean into what resilience looks like today in our storytelling.

#ElevateFutureStorytellers 🤝🏾 #ElevateMentorship is built on a similar foundation of pushing forward Black stories, our legacies, and our truths.

How will you honor Rev. Dr. King’s legacy today? What stories will you push forth and uplift?

Class is in session w/ Lauren E. Banks ✍🏾

We got not one but TWO Masterclasses with @laurenebanks about how to show up and show out authentically in your storytelling. As we #ElevateFutureStorytellers, it’s important to lean on what you know and let it inspire you. Whether you’re a: Director, Writer, Actor, Editor and more - “Honor your truth.”

#HBCUFL #hbcufirstlookfilmfestival #blackexcellence #storytelling #hbcupride

The thing about stories told through TV & Film is that they allow us to connect to a world that we may not otherwise have experienced. Through the many lenses of his story told, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy has lived on through his messaging and his work.

It is the epitome of #ElevateFutureStorytellers + #ElevateMentorship. On his birthday, we celebrate and honor his work, his legacy, and his strides through this medium of storytelling.

• MLK/X (2024)
• SELMA (2014)
• King (1978)
• Boycott (2001)
• Our Friend Martin (1999)
• (Special Mention) RUSTIN (2023)

We are THRILLED to congratulate our ‘25 Global Ambassador, Ryan Coogler and his team on their major WINS for SINNERS in categories Cinematic + Box Office Achievement / Best Score at the 2025 #goldenglobes 🏆

Breaking records and making the theater an experience again, this team is nothing short of phenomenal and we’re elated to congratulate and support them! #ElevateFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

“We belong in every room we walk in…”

HUGE congratulations to @TeyanaTaylor on winning the Golden Globe for Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role at the #goldenglobes 🏆

Her win serves as a testament to betting on yourself and taking up space! Something we know a bit about and support in full. #ElevateFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

New year, new projects, new stories to be told.

Friend of the HBCUFL festival, @laroycehawkins always comes through with a word! Start of a new year means new ways to lean into the vision.

What ways of working are you keeping in 2026? ✍🏾✨ #ElevatingFutureStorytellers #ElevateFutureStorytellers #ElevateMentorship

Won't stop in 2026!
A major thank you to The @hollywoodreporter for their feature on the HBCUFLF and our 2025 Salute THEM Awards 'I Aspire' Global Impact honoree Ryan Coogler. His relationship with Chadwick Boseman shaped his love and respect for the HBCU culture. Proud to have presented the award in partnership with the @hufinearts Chadwick A. Boseman School of Fine Arts.

As award szn kicks off, HBCUFL is confident and in anticipation for Ryan & his team for what's sure to come🏆

#criticschoice #sinners #hbcuculture #blackfilmmakers

2025, we had a TIME … with more to come in 2026 😌

Here’s *some* highlights from our year:

• We added a new category to our film festival: Global Impact 🌍
• We welcomed thee Marsai Martin as our 2025 Creative Ambassador!!
• We kicked off our 3rd annual HBCU Tour at VSU, WSSU, and Spelman!
• We returned to thee @howard1867 for our 3rd annual Film Festival this past November!
• We honored thee Ryan Coogler, Lynn Whitfield, and more at our SaluteTHEM Awards with @cafemocharadio
• We named the winner of our 3rd annual Film Festival: @ala.chazam 🏆🏆🏆

…. and the list goes on and on! This year was all about #ElevatingFutureStorytellers and we did just THAT! Catch us in 2026 as we continue to create space for Black stories and elevate HBCU culture, all while #ElevatingMentorship.

Happy New Year (and) Thank You from the HBCUFL Team! 🎬

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eurweb: Sheila Eldridge and Tubi Partner to Launch ‘HBCU First Look’ Channel

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

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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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eurweb: Sheila Eldridge and Tubi Partner to Launch ‘HBCU First Look’ Channel

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

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About the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival & College Tour