Philadelphia’s BlackStar Film Festival will mark its 15th anniversary Aug. 6–9, screening 91 films from more than 30 countries. For Washington, D.C., film lovers, the celebration is easily within reach — whether by a short train ride up the Northeast Corridor or a roughly two-hour drive up I-95.
Founded in 2012 by Maori Karmael Holmes, BlackStar spotlights the visual and storytelling traditions of Black, Brown and Indigenous artists from around the world. The festival has grown steadily each year, selling more than 20,000 tickets in 2025.
This year’s lineup includes 22 world premieres, 10 North America premieres, four U.S. premieres, 13 East Coast premieres and 34 Philadelphia premieres. Among the highlights is the North America premiere of Haile Gerima’s “Black Lions – Roman Wolves.” World premieres include “The Store” by Dr. Fahamu Pecou, “Old Man River” by Iyabo Kwayana, “Tenants of Lenapehocking in the Age of Magnets” by Louis Massiah, “The Keeper” by Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes, and “Treasure Island” by Miryam Charles.
“For fifteen years BlackStar has endeavored to bring both new films and a small selection of repertory ones to Philadelphia that not only meet the moment we are in, but deepen our collective understanding of it,” Festival Director Nehad Khader said. “With this festival lineup we have continued that tradition.”
Screenings will take place at three venues along South Broad Street: the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts at 300 S. Broad St., the Wilma Theater at 265 S. Broad St., and the Suzanne Roberts Theatre at 480 S. Broad St. All three sit within walking distance of one another, making it simple for attendees to move between films.
The festival extends well beyond the screen. An opening-night party will be held at Frankie’s Summer Club, followed by a Friday concert at the Barnes Foundation, a Saturday industry mixer at Leo, and a closing-night party at the Barnes Foundation.
“Since our first festival in 2012, BlackStar has blossomed into a complex, challenging and ever-changing celebration of filmmaking and its power to connect us,” Holmes said. “We continue to provide a vital and urgent gathering for filmmakers and cinephiles of the global majority, just as we chart new directions forward for the medium.”
Visitors from the D.C. area, home to one of the nation’s largest Black populations, can reach Philadelphia in under two hours by rail or by car via I-95. Those planning an overnight stay can book through several official partner hotels. The Hyatt Centric offers rooms at $205 a night, and the Cambria Hotel lists rooms at $169 a night. YOWIE is extending a 15% discount to festival guests, and additional partners include The Bellevue Hotel, ROOST Midtown and ROOST East Market.
The 2026 festival is presented with major support from Open Society Foundations, along with other sponsors and community partners. More information about passes, tickets, and programming is available on the festival’s website.
