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Welcome to the start of the 7th annual BlackStar Film Festival! Over the next four days, we'll be screening over 80 films, hosting free panels and two special events including our Opening Reception tonight at Johnny Brendas. Mingle with filmmakers, artists, special guests, cinéastes, and community supporters for a special evening kicking off the 7th Annual Festival. The event will be hosted by Laiya St. Clair as we enjoy the sounds of DJ HVNLEE, Vikter Duplaix, and Mike Nyce. RSVPs for the Opening Reception are currently closed. Don't be discouraged– there may be space for walk-ups at the door! Check out the festival schedule here, or download the printable version to your device. Be sure to tag your festival photos with our hashtag #blackstar2018 to be featured in our daily newsletters throughout the festival!

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 HIGHLIGHTS   BlackStar Embodied: All Levels POC-centered Yoga 10:00AM – Institute of Contemporary Art Each morning, before your first film or panel, please join Jean-Jacques Gabriel for yoga, focused on centering, self-care, and embodied celebration. All levels welcome, supported, and encouraged to grow more sensitive, strong, and mindful. Check out our website for more information.  Family Matters (Shorts Program) 11:00AM – Lightbox Film Center Pictured: Like Fine Silk (Dir. Sandra Manzanares & Ben Mankoff) • Short Narrative | United States, 2017, 8 min. | Philadelphia Premiere Purchase Tickets Beyond Wakanda: The Resurgence of the Contemporary Black Reality & Future (Panel) 11:00AM – Institute of Contemporary Art Blackness has always been light years ahead. Join filmmakers and visual artists who resist and subvert the traditional parameters of science fiction, in a conversation on contemporary black reality, speculative fiction, and Afrofuturism. Panelists: Bryan Oliver Green, Christopher Ortega,M. Asli Dukan, and Rasheedah Phillips. Moderated by Ashley Clark   RSVP 1 Angry Black Man 3:30PM – Lightbox Film Center   Feature Narrative | United States, 2018, 90 min. World Premiere Dir. Menelek Patrice Lumumba (Filmmaker will be present for Q&A)   Other feature narratives screening today: Nigerian Prince   Purchase Tickets Not in My Neighbourhood 5:00PM – Leonard Pearlstein Gallery   Feature Documentary | South Africa, 2018, 86 min. East Coast Premiere Dir. Kurt Orderson (Filmmaker will be present for Q&A)   Other feature documentaries screening today: Douvan Jou Ka Leve, Milwaukee 53206, and Mr. SOUL!   Purchase Tickets Opening Reception 8:00PM – Johnny Brendas Mingle with filmmakers, artists, guests, cinéastes, and community supporters for a special evening kicking off the 7th Annual Festival. RSVP's are closed, but there will possibly be room for walk-ups at the door.  Box Office $12 General Admission $8 Students/Seniors $6 BlackStar Members $6 Lightbox Film Center Members (at LFC events only) Purchase individual tickets to screenings here. Note: Free events require registration Help us ensure you have the best experience possible by reviewing our updated ticketing policy. Membership Expand your access to BlackStar and help to support one of the greatest cultural treasures in the world. An annual BlackStar membership includes exclusive benefits all year round and during the festival.    Ambassadors ($75): Illuminate the countless stories of our communities and families. Incubators ($150): Create space for dialogue among filmmakers, patrons and enthusiasts. Innovators ($250): Transcend traditional standards of storytelling and media representation. Agitator ($500): Transform communities through the power of image and film. Futurist ($1,000): Continue the trajectory toward the sustainability and success of BlackStar. Learn about membership perks and become a member today.  Follow us! During the festival share with us and follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook @blackstarfest and #blackstar2018. Copyright © 2018 BlackStar Film Festival, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 1229 Chestnut Street #183 Philadelphia, PA 19107 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.