[MEDIA ADVISORY] 4TH ANNUAL HBCU FIRST LOOK FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS TO HOWARD UNIVERSITY WITH “HOW TO BE THE NEXT”

Three-Day Experience Explores What It Takes to Create Work That Endures 

WHAT: 

The 4th Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival returns to Howard University for three days of screenings, master classes, Clips + Conversations, networking and interactive experiences that bring together HBCU filmmakers, creators and some of entertainment’s most influential voices across film, television and digital media. 

Inspired by this year’s theme, “How to Be the Next,” the Festival explores what it takes to create work that stands the test of time, encouraging today’s creators to think beyond the moment and develop stories that resonate for years to come. 

Festival highlights include the announcement of the 2026 HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge winners, recognizing outstanding student filmmaking from Historically Black Colleges and Universities nationwide. Submissions are open through April 28 

Past festival participants, speakers and honorees have included President Barack Obama, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Ryan Coogler, Lynn Whitfield, Marsai Martin, Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, Naturi Naughton, Loni Love, J. Alphonse Nicholson and LaRoyce Hawkins, among other notables. 

The Festival’s impact extends beyond the event itself. Last year, HBCU First LOOK launched a partnership with Tubi that resulted in the placement of 22 student films on the streaming platform, expanding the reach of HBCU storytelling while introducing student filmmakers to a national audience. 

WHEN: 

Thursday, November 5 – Saturday, November 7, 2026 

WHERE: 

Armour J. Blackburn University Center Howard University 2397 6th Street NW Washington, DC 20059 

WHO: 

HBCU students, filmmakers, writers, directors, producers, content creators, educators, entertainment executives, media professionals, alumni and supporters of Black creative excellence. 

MEDIA & REGISTRATION: 

Media credential requests and interview inquiries should be directed to info@hbcufirstlook.com. 

For Film Challenge guidelines, Festival registration, programming updates and additional information, visit HBCUFirstLook.com. 

About HBCU First LOOK Film Festival 

Founded by Howard University alumna Sheila Eldridge, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival cultivates Black creative talent by connecting HBCU students with the ideas, experiences and perspectives defining the future of entertainment. A celebration of Black filmmakers rooted in HBCU culture, the Festival gives students a platform to sharpen their craft, showcase original work and engage with acclaimed filmmakers, creators and executives across film, television and digital media—helping strengthen the pipeline of HBCU talent across the entertainment industry. 

Past festival participants, speakers and honorees include President Barack Obama, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Ryan Coogler, Lynn Whitfield, Marsai Martin and Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter. 

Sponsors and media partners include ESPN, TV One, Urban One, Paramount, Tubi, ANDSCAPE, OCTFME, 3Diamonds Entertainment, Events DC, HBCUGO.TV, the Black Information Network, Howard University, WHUR-FM, SiriusXM Channels 141 & 142, Café Mocha Radio Network and Mocha Podcasts Network.