Newark Black Film Festival Will Return For 2025 With New Releases

NEWARK, NJ — The Newark Black Film Festival is returning to the Newark Museum of Art this year, with advance free screenings launching at the end of June and the main festival running from July 16 to July 20.

The annual event is the longest-running Black film festival in the United States, according to a news release from organizers.

A full list of films and activities can be found online at the festival’s website.

The five-day event will feature new releases, as well as encore screenings of popular classics. Highlights this year will include the opening-night film “Ricky,” starring Stephan James and Sheryl Lee Ralph, a special presentation of “Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story,” and a throwback screening of the classic film “Cooley High” with filmmaker Michael Schultz.

New to the festival? Here’s what to expect, organizers said:

“Since its inception in 1974, the Newark Black Film Festival has been a beacon for nearly 900 films, drawing over 200,000 attendees through a showcase of films that explore the intricacies of the Black experience, reflecting diverse narratives and fostering cultural enrichment. The festival has premiered works from young, independent filmmakers such as Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay, and featured influential figures like James Earl Jones and Pam Grier. Each screening, typically followed by a Q&A session with filmmakers and scholars, fosters a rich dialogue and deepens the audience’s connection to the films.”

“This year’s festival promises an incredible selection of narrative features, documentaries, and short films, showcasing the creativity and vision of both emerging and established filmmakers,” said Steven Hyland, manager of film and public programs at The Newark Museum of Art.

“Join us as we highlight the vibrant diversity of voices that capture the essence of the Black experience, engaging and inspiring audiences from all backgrounds,” Hyland said.

The Newark Black Film Festival is a signature program ran by the Newark Museum of Art. Learn more here.

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