The 2023 BlackStar Film Festival is set to take place on August 2-6 with online and offline screenings in Philadelphia, and 3 films from our production assistance program will premiere:
- FIRE THROUGH DRY GRASS (dir. Andres “Jay” Molina and Alexis Neophytides): young, Black and Brown disabled artists documenting their pandemic experiences under the danger they feel in the face of institutional neglect. (World Premiere)
- GOING TO MARS: THE NIKKI GIOVANNI PROJECT (dir. Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster): a journey through time and space to uncover the enduring influence of world-renowned poet Nikki Giovanni. (Philadelphia Premiere)
- INVISIBLE BEAUTY (dir. Bethann Hardison and Frédéric Tcheng): the pioneering career of Bethann Hardison, the former model, agent, and activist who has had an indelible influence in the fight for diversity and representation. (Philadelphia Premiere)
In addition, WMM filmmaker Lisa Cortés will screen her new film THE SPACE RACE co-directed with Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, which explores the experiences of the first Black astronauts and their burden of breaking barriers. Making its North American premiere is Michèle Stephenson and Joe Brewster’s new film, BLACK GIRLS PLAY: THE STORY OF HAND GAMES, a Blackstar award nominee. which offers an illuminating look at the influence that hand games played by Black girls has had on the American creative landscape.
Check out the full festival lineup here. Congratulations filmmakers!
