THE DETROIT BLACK FILM FESTIVAL & TASTE OF BLACK SPIRITS TAKES PLACE AT 5 LOCATIONS. CHECK THE LOCATION FOR EACH SCREENING AND EVENT.

Location 1: Carr Center, 15 E. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202
Location 2: Marlene Boll YMCA Theater, 1401 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226
Location 3: DoubleTree Hotel, 525 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Location 4: Michigan State University Detroit Center, 3408 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
Location 5: Emagine Theater Royal Oak, 200 N Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067

CHECK THIS LINK FOR THE SCHEDULE: https://tinyurl.com/4twus9vs

The 5th annual Detroit Black Film Festival (DBFF), continues to showcase the voices and stories of Black independent filmmakers nationwide. DBFF is dedicated to screening excellent, high-quality films from seasoned and emerging filmmakers that highlight a spectrum of stories reflecting African American experiences, narratives, and culture.

Thank you to the Ford Foundation for their generous support and to our host venues the Michigan State University Detroit Center, the Carr Center, the Doubletree Hotel and Downtown Detroit Boll Family YMCA.

The 5th annual Detroit Black Film Festival + The Taste of Black Spirits National Conference, "The Cocktail Concierge"

This year's theme - " Cinema & Culture over Cocktails "

All of the festivities take place Wednesday, September 25 - Sunday, September 29, 2024.

Look forward to 5 amazing days.
57 Short and Feature Length Films
View the TRAILERS on the Detroit Black Film Festival FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM pages.

At Taste of Black Spirits festival goers will have the opportunity to sample an array of Handcrafted Cocktails by talented mixologists, Black owned Beer, Wine & Spirit brands from across the world (attendees must be 21+ to participate in this portion of the festival).
Learn more by using this link: https://tinyurl.com/4twus9vs

PASSES & TICKETS can be purchased right here on FilmFreeway

All Access Festival Pass + Taste of Black Spirits Event - $225
Includes:
All Movie Screenings
Awards Ceremony
Taste of Black Spirits: "The Cocktail Concierge" Event

Taste of Black Spirits: "The Cocktail Concierge" - $85
Taste of Black Spirits: "The Cocktail Concierge" Event on 9/28/24

Film Festival Screening Pass (5 Days) - $100
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
9/29 Films + Honors & Awards Ceremony - $45
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 5th Annual Detroit Black Film Festival + The Taste of Black Spirits National Conference, "The Cocktail Concierge"

THE DETROIT BLACK FILM FESTIVAL & TASTE OF BLACK SPIRITS TAKE PLACE AT 5 LOCATIONS. CHECK THE LOCATION FOR EACH SCREENING AND EVENT.

Location 1: Carr Center, 15 E. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202
Location 2: Marlene Boll YMCA Theater, 1401 Broadway, Detroit, MI 48226
Location 3: DoubleTree Hotel, 525 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
Location 4: Michigan State University Detroit Center, 3408 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201
Location 5: Emagine Theater Royal Oak, 200 N Main St., Royal Oak, MI 48067

CHECK THIS LINK FOR THE SCHEDULE: https://tinyurl.com/4twus9vs

It was our honor to screen such unique and powerful stories at this year's festival. We are pleased to announce the 2024 Detroit Black Film Festival awardees:

BEST ARTISTIC FILM
376 Days: Nick Cave Keep It Movin’

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD
Harlem Fragments

BEST SHORT FILM
Neighborhood Alert

DEBUT FILM AWARD
Ryan Hope Travis
Cocoa in the Dark

BEST INSPIRATIONAL FILM
Three (Extra) Ordinary Women

BREAKTHROUGH FILM AWARD
Redemption Road

BEST FEATURE FILM
Albany Road

BEST ACTRESS SHORT FILM
Aunjanue L. Ellis-Taylor

INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD
City of Kings: Atlanta

BEST STUDENT FILM
Spare Me

BEST ACTRESS FEATURE FILM
Lynn Whitfield


CERTIFICATES
FESTIVAL CHOICE AWARDS
Apple Rights
Living Proof: Dr. Khalid's Black History 101 Mobile Museum
4 TO 6 SECONDS
Fighting for Grace
CLUTCH
Roadmarks
Help! I think My Teacher is Racist
Chasing the Night
Jackknife
The Capitalist

Films must be submitted via digital download.
Short films can be up to 45 minutes in length.
Feature Films can be up to 100 minutes in length.
Films must be in English or have English subtitles.

All entries will be viewed by the selection committee. Filmmakers will be notified if selected or not, via email.

Filmmakers retain all of the rights to their film / intellectual property.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anthony T. Green

    What an amazing experience. My wife and aiming truly enjoyed ourselves. And we had the opportunity to see some quality films. 5 stars.

    October 2024
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for the kind words. Continued success to you and your team.

  • Simply awesome festival! The festival experience was outstanding with all of the special events They directors are extremely responsive, kind, and accommodating! The online communication was also exceptional! Basically, this festival is one you don't want to miss! Thank you DBFF for all you do!!

    September 2024
  • Gregory Williams

    A wonderful festival experience! Great interaction with other filmmakers and audiences. The Q&A’s were insightful and encouraging. The festival curators genuinely care about filmmakers and about the Detroit arts community. Honored and grateful to be selected for inclusion. Your compassion and hard work was evident throughout the festival. Our best to all.

    January 2024
  • It was an honor to have my documentary selected in the Detroit Black Film Festival. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

    October 2023
  • Ken Sagoes

    We are honored and deeply grateful that our film “The Secret Weapon: Yesterday IS Today,” was selected to be a part of your festival. The festival is well-organized with great communication. May the festival continue to provide filmmakers a platform that fosters creativity and self expression.

    October 2023