Black Film Festival of New Orleans

Black Film Festival of New Orleans' mission is to support, develop, and showcase Black independent filmmakers through exhibitions, educational programs, and workforce development initiatives. The festival provides free public screenings, filmmaker workshops, mentorship programs, and artist showcases, ensuring accessibility and community engagement. Signature programs include the Level Up Academy, an intensive film training program, and the Classic Black Cinema Showcase, a monthly screening and discussion series celebrating historically significant Black films.

Founded in 2021, the Black Film Festival of New Orleans is a multi-day celebration of independent Black cinema, serving as an incubator for emerging talent and a platform for underrepresented voices in the film industry. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, BFFNO spotlights independent Black filmmakers nationwide while fostering the local creative community in New Orleans. Led by Festival Director Gian Smith and a dedicated team of artists and organizers, BFFNO has grown into a vital cultural institution that nurtures emerging talent, fosters collaboration, and preserves the rich heritage of Black storytelling in New Orleans and beyond.

Testimonials

FROM THE DIRECTOR, Gian Smith, Festival Director

"As a community organizer and filmmaker born and raised in New Orleans, I have found creating this festival purpose-driven and rewarding in all ways. The great artists of New Orleans deserve a soft space for their talents and our audience a reliable home for their interest in black cinema.
We welcome our family across the diaspora to the Crescent City with love and appreciation for their work, and we welcome you to join us for a celebration and exhibition of peak artistic blackness."