DETROIT BLACK FILM FESTIVAL

Presented by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Trinity Films Entertainment Group, The Ford Foundation, RealTimes Media, The Love Building, and The Carr Center Performance Studio. is thrilled to announce the 7th Annual Detroit Black Film Festival (DBFF), set to take place from September 24 through September 27, 2026. This year's festival will showcase an impressive lineup of outstanding films from numerous countries, celebrating the creativity and talent of Black filmmakers and actors worldwide.

We are excited to showcase the remarkable talents and stories represented in this year's festival," said Marshalle Favors , Co-Founder at Trinity Films Entertainment Group. "The DBFF serves as a vital platform for Black voices in cinema, and we can't wait to share these powerful films with our audiences."
The DBFF offers a diverse selection of compelling narratives, ranging from thought-provoking documentaries to engaging stories that honor Black experiences. Audiences can look forward to breathtaking cinematography, powerful performances, and insightful discussions that will enhance the cinematic experience. Over just 7 years, the DBFF has become Michigan's premier film festival, screening over 800 films directed, produced, written and created by Black filmmakers. This year's festival promises to be nothing short of incredible.

Spanning 4 days, the festival will feature screenings, Masterclasses and Workshops, alongside several engaging events, including talkbacks with filmmakers and a “Meet the Filmmaker AfterGlow”. The festivities will kick off with a glamorous Red Carpet Opening Night Reception at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on September 24. The festival will culminate in the Honors and Awards Ceremony on September 27, celebrating the outstanding achievements of filmmakers.

Longest‑Running African‑American Film Festival in Detroit

Detroit Black Film Festival (DBFF)

The Detroit Black Film Festival is the longest‑running African‑American film festival currently operating in Detroit.

The festival has been running for 7 years and is now a major annual event celebrating Black filmmakers from Detroit and around the world. It is co‑directed by Marshalle Favors and Lazar Favors, and has become the city’s signature platform for African‑American cinema.

While Detroit has hosted many film events over the decades, no older, continuously operating African‑American–focused film festival appears in public records, making DBFF the longest‑running active one.

🖤 Why DBFF holds this distinction

• It is the only Detroit‑based Black film festival with a documented multi‑year continuous run.
• It has grown into a major cultural event, with thousands of attendees and hundreds of films screened.
• It is widely recognized in Detroit media as the city’s central celebration of Black cinema -

PASSES & TICKETS can be purchased right here on FilmFreeway

All Access Festival Pass + Taste of Black Spirits Event - $600
Includes:
Masterclass & Workshops
All Movie Screenings
Awards Ceremony
Liquid Forum
Taste of Black Spirits: "COLLECTIVE BEHAVIOR"

Film Workshop $175
Filmmakers Masterclass $200

Taste of Black Spirits: " SINCERELY DETROIT " - $135

Film Festival Screening Pass (3 Days) - $150
Includes:
All Movie Screenings
Honors & Awards Ceremony
This pass does not include any of the Taste of Black Spirits Events

One Day Screening Pass - $35
Includes:
All Movie Screenings for the Day
This pass does not include any of the Taste of Black Spirits Events

Individual Ticket
9/27/26 Films + Honors & Awards Ceremony - $75
Attire - Semi Formal and Casual Chic

From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating narratives, this year's festival promises to showcase a wide range of compelling stories that highlight black experiences. Get ready to be immersed in a world of captivating cinematography, powerful performances, and thought-provoking discussions.

We can't wait to see you at the 7th Annual Detroit Black Film Festival + The Taste of Black Spirits Collective Behavior Tour.

THE DETROIT BLACK FILM FESTIVAL & TASTE OF BLACK SPIRITS TAKE PLACE AT 4 LOCATIONS. CHECK THE LOCATION FOR EACH SCREENING AND EVENT.

Location 1: Carr Center, 15 E. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202
Location 2: Charles H Wright Museum of African American History
Location 3: The Love Building, 4731 Grand River Detroit MI 48208