The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) was founded in 1998 by entertainment writer and publisher Tanya Kersey with a mission to support and elevate Black filmmakers at every stage of their career. Committed to Black creative excellence, HBFF has played a pivotal role in discovering and launching both independent and established industry talents.

 

Often referred to as the “Black Sundance,” HBFF has earned a reputation as one of North America’s premier film festivals, with the support of Hollywood luminaries such as Antoine Fuqua, Bill Duke, George Tilman Jr., Sidney Poitier and John Singleton, along with leading industry executives and tastemakers.

 

Following a six-year hiatus due to the global pandemic and the passing of our founder, HBFF proudly returns to Hollywood, California October 15-19, 2025. This highly anticipated relaunch promises an immersive, dynamic celebration of Black cinema, providing invaluable learning, networking, and career-advancing opportunities.

 

Since its inception, HBFF has become a vital hub for Black creatives in Hollywood—a place where African American filmmakers connect, share their work with mainstream Hollywood, and showcase the depth, diversity, and brilliance of Black storytelling. 

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A Global Showcase of Bold, Brilliant Black Storytelling

The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) presents a dynamic and diverse slate of feature films, short films, student films, documentaries, and web series from both emerging and established filmmakers—not just from the United States, but from around the world. Our lineup is a powerful reflection of Black creativity, culture, and storytelling, offering audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience that spans genres, themes, and perspectives.

 

At HBFF, we do more than just screen films—we create a platform for discovery, celebration, and industry recognition. Whether it’s a bold feature film from an award-winning director, a thought-provoking documentary shedding light on untold stories, an electrifying web series redefining digital content, or a visionary student film marking the rise of a new talent, each selection is chosen for its originality, impact, and artistic excellence.

 

Our mission is to amplify these voices, connect filmmakers with Hollywood decision-makers, and introduce audiences to compelling stories that deserve to be seen. 

 

HBFF 2025 is where the next generation of groundbreaking filmmakers meets the industry and the world—ushering in fresh narratives, visionary artistry, and the future of Black cinema.

 

And just as we elevate filmmakers, our HBFF Storyteller Competition offers screenwriters the same opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Writers of narrative features, short films, and television pilots compete for industry recognition, with top scripts receiving professional feedback and culminating in a Live Staged Reading attended by filmmakers, executives, and festival guests. This showcase ensures that undiscovered, game-changing stories get the visibility they deserve, opening doors for the next generation of screenwriting talent.

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In addition to a compelling slate of films and our Storyteller competition, our Infotainment Conference offers an impressive lineup of panels, workshops, and conversations covering a wide range of industry topics, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for all festival attendees. 

 

HBFF is more than a festival—we are a launchpad for creatives, a champion of Black storytelling, and a bridge between fresh talent and Hollywood’s biggest opportunities.