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.