The Black August Film Festival will be from August 14-16, 2026, at the Flintridge Center in Pasadena. The festival welcomes socially impactful films from around the world.
Black August is an annual commemoration and prison-based holiday to remember Black freedom fighters and political prisoners and to highlight Black resistance against racial oppression. It takes place during the entire calendar month of August.
Black August was initiated by the Black Guerilla Family in San Quentin State Prison in 1979 when a group of incarcerated people came together to commemorate the deaths of brothers Jonathan P. Jackson (d. August 7, 1970) and George Jackson (d. August 21, 1971) at San Quentin State Prison.
Last year, 50 films from 22 different countries were screened, and over 400 people attended in support of the filmmakers.
In 2026, we plan to show 70 films at different venues.
There will also be added vendors and events during the weekend of the festival.
Best Feature Film
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Film
Best Short Documentary
Most Historical Film
Best Foreign Film