EMPOWERING ARTISTIC EXPRESSION THROUGH FILM
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC) is a performing arts center, named for Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, and Pittsburgh native, August Wilson. Our programming focuses on exhibiting and celebrating art and expression from Black culture across the African diaspora.
From age-old classics to contemporary work, the Black Bottom Film Festival (BBFF) presented by Citizens, illuminates and celebrates African American cinema and uniqueness of Black people on film. The festival screens short and feature films rooted in the recurring themes of spirituality, race, family conflict, honor, duty and the struggle of the working-class; themes ever-present in August Wilson’s American Century Cycle plays. In particular, the festival celebrates African American filmmaking pioneers and history makers. The BBFF fosters an examination of how Black filmmakers use art to inspire, challenge, confront, and influence American culture. We are pleased to partner with Howard University on programming and educational offerings.
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center believes that creativity is boundless. We invite you to share your creativity on film with us.
Special Guests
Dr. Jacqueline Stewart, President of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and first African American host of Turner Classic Movies
Maya S. Cade, Creator and curator of Black Film Archive and scholar-in-residence at the Library of Congress
Tickets can be purchase at: https://awc.culturaldistrict.org/production/91832/black-bottom-film-festival
Industry Luminary Award
Given to an individual or organization that has championed the rich history of the Black experience in film.
The 2023 Industry Luminary Award will be presented to Dr. Jacqueline Stewart, President of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and host on Turner Classic Films
Juried Film Awards:
Best of Show – Short Film
Best of Show – Feature Film
Best of Show- Documentary