Black Star News

BlackStar News.

The Festival.
Our films for BlackStar 2019 have been announced! You can check out the films that will be screening here.

For its 8th festival, this is BlackStar's largest program yet, with 115 films from 24 countries highlighting black, brown, and indigenous filmmakers. Check out the exciting slate of films.
The BlackStar 2019 trailer is live!
A Few Highlights.
Jezebel (Opening Night Film)
Dir: Numa Perrier

In the last days of her mother's life, 19 year old Tiffany crashes with five family members in a Las Vegas studio apartment. In order to make ends meet, her older sister, a phone sex operator, introduces her to the world of internet fetish cam girls.
The Apollo
Dir: Roger Ross Williams

THE APOLLO chronicles the unique history and contemporary legacy of New York City's landmark Apollo Theater. While uncovering the rich history of the internationally renowned theater that has influenced American music and culture for 85 years, it also examines the current state of race in America.
Selah and the Spades
Dir: Tayarisha Poe

Five factions run the underground life of the prestigious Haldwell boarding school. At the head of the most powerful faction - THE SPADES - sits Selah Summers. By turns charming and callous, she chooses whom to keep close and whom to cut loose, walking the fine line between being feared and loved.
Read.
Did you catch us in the news?
Attend.
July 7
BlackStar Pre-Festival Launch featuring Solace
The Barnes Foundation
Philadelphia • 2:00pm

BlackStar will be hosting its Pre-Festival Launch event at the Barnes Foundation, this year with a screening of SOLACE, directed by Tchaiko Omawale. SOLACE tells the story of Sole, who at 17 years old, is processing the death of her father while adjusting to her new life with her overbearing grandmother in the Ladera Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles. 
August 28
The Roots w/ Blackstar Film Fest and CODA Plus
Hollywood Bowl
Los Angeles

Join us for a special partnership event with CODA Plus at the Hollywood Bowl on August 28, when The Roots and very special guests perform their masterful 1999 album Things Fall Apart in its entirety. LA Phil Digital Archives Manager Selena Chau will set the tone with a deep exploration of the history of jazz at the Bowl, complete with complimentary food and drink. The pre-concert event beings at 6:30pm followed by the performance – Don’t miss this exclusive event! 
Apply.
BlackStar Pitch

Apply by July 14

The inaugural BlackStar Pitch is accepting applications to win $1,000! The pitch will take place on Thursday August 1 from 12pm-2pm. The Pitch will focus on feature documentary projects, and is open to BlackStar alumni filmmakers only. 8 filmmakers will be selected to present on their documentary projects in development or production to a distinguished panel of funders, executives, distributors, and producers, including representatives from Netflix, Firelight Media, MacArthur Foundation, POV, Topic, Cinereach, and more! Learn more and apply here.
Accommodations.

Hotels

BlackStar has partnered with several University City hotels to offer discounts on rooms during your festival stay. All are within walking distance from the festival’s main venue at Lightbox Film Center, and have unique amenities to meet all of your needs. The following hotels are available: 
Support.
Purchase a Festival Pass!

Festival passes are now on sale through July 31 for $225.
 
BlackStar is growing and we need your help!
Individual donations are crucial to our future as an institution. Your gift will ensure that we can pursue our larger objectives and continue supporting the annual festival as the well-regarded experience that is has become. Invest in us, today.
 
Freedom Summer posters available
 
Philadelphia Printworks and BLK MKT Vintage have created the “Freedom Summer” poster, available for purchase online
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