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  • BlackStar Film Festival 2017!

    • BlackStar Film Festival

    "By Indie Means Necessary," is the motto for the highly anticipated four-day festival known as BlackStar. Derived from the famous Malcolm X "By Any Means Necessary" speech, the BlackStar Film Festival, now in its sixth season, aims to promote all things blackness though film and visual media. 

     

    Often referred to as the "black Sundance," the popular festival celebrates films from across the African diaspora with all featured filmmakers being of black or African descent, a demographic often not represented in mainstream film.

    The prestige and importance of the event is evident; previous years have seen visits from acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee, esteemed civil-rights poet and activist Sonia Sanchez, and political writer Yaba Blay, with this year seeing the return of Academy Award nominated director Ava DuVernay (SelmaThe 13thQueen Sugar) as she's honored with the 2017 Richard Nichols Luminary Award. This year's festival will showcase over 60+ films in venues across the University City area from August 3-6.

     

    Attending BlackStar this year? Let us know all about it on TwitterFacebook and Instagram @Phillyfunguide!

     

    For more information on the BlackStar FIlm Festival, including the full schedule of events, head to their official website.

    Don't miss any of these featured events from the festival! 

    BlackStar Opening Reception - August 3rd

     

    Mix, mingle and network with one of the biggest rooms full of black artists, trailblazers, and supporters this side of Sundance! This year's Reception will be celebrating the opening of the Lossless exhibit, an artistic movement celebrating and exploring the black body and representation, at the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery (through Sept 8th). Music will be provided by DJ Lushlife, followed by a special performance by Terence Nance and Norvis, Jr.

    BlackStar Dance Party - August 4th

     

    Head to Johnny Brenda's on Friday, August 4th for the official Festival Dance Party! Jam out to tunes from DJ Lean Wit It (Ugly Bass Media, Philly), DJ Foxx Boogie (CTRL Freaks, Philly), and DJ Laylo (A Party Called Rosie Perez/Afrikando, NYC) until midnight at this completely FREE event! 

    6th Annual BlackStar Awards - August 5th

     

    One of the most special events of the festival, the Awards ceremony is to honor the work of black filmmakers, producers and directors that oftimes go unnoticed. This year's ceremony will feature musical performances from Danni Cassette, Cakes da Killa, Jacqueline Constance, DJ Jovi Baby, and Pharoahe Monch. All are welcome to attend!

    Check out these other great film-related events and screenings in the city! 

    QUICK VIEW
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    2023 Media Film Festival
    Media Arts Council
    March 30th, 2023 - April 1st, 2023
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    FILM
    Philadelphia Jewish Film and Media’s Lindy SpringFest
    Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival
    March 25th, 2023 - April 1st, 2023
    QUICK VIEW
    MUSIC
    TakTakShoo
    Opera Philadelphia
    November 19th, 2021 - November 19th, 2024
    QUICK VIEW
    FILM
    Toshiro Mifune Retrospective
    Japan America Society of Greater...
    April 7th, 2023 - April 29th, 2023
    QUICK VIEW
    FILM
    SSMN @ MAC Presents: An '80s Chinese Wuxia Fantasy!
    Media Arts Council
    April 7th, 2023
    QUICK VIEW
    FILM
    Film Class For Youth - MYFI Now Enrolling
    Media Arts Council
    February 22nd, 2023 - April 26th, 2023
    QUICK VIEW
    FILM
    SSMN @ MAC Presents: An '80s Taiwanese Thunderbolt!
    Media Arts Council
    April 20th, 2023
    QUICK VIEW
    FREE
    Everyday Futures Fest
    DaVinci Art Alliance
    April 1st, 2023 - April 30th, 2023
    QUICK VIEW
    FILM
    Out of the Past (1947)
    Athenaeum of Philadelphia
    May 1st, 2023
    QUICK VIEW
    MUSIC
    Star Wars: A Galaxy of Music
    The Kimmel Cultural Campus
    June 23rd, 2023 - June 25th, 2023

    Want to know when your favorite events are 1/2-price? Then sign up for our weekly Funsavers email! 

    Spend your summer out at one of these great festivals! (Photo Credit: Philadelphia Zoo)
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