Screening Blocks 5 through 10 – Ogden Hall (Hampton University)

The Virginia Black Film Festival celebrates its second year as a partnership with the City of Hampton with over 60 films in competition, accomplished guest speakers, and a co-located Black Business Expo designed to all designed to make Black filmmakers and Black entrepreneurs more visible and accessible to the community and to each other. VBFF is a family-friendly community event with several events which are free and open to the public, including a Juneteenth Beach Party (Paradise Ocean Club) a Juneteenth Concert, a Black Business Expo and other networking events.  Proceeds from this year’s event support scholarships for HBCU students through the Black Arts Foundation (501c3) which has established a $50K scholarship endowment for Hampton University Students in the Arts.

In addition to the over 60 films in competition, VBFF will host the world premiere of the action movie “Blowback” starring acclaimed actor Clifton Powell, NAACP Image Award nominee and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for last year’s VBFF.  The film can only be seen in festivals until August when Imani Films / Maverick Entertainment will release it on major nationwide platforms such as Peacock, Apple TV +, Tubi, Pluto, and others.  VBFF will also host special screenings for films uniquely aligned to our mission. “Wade in the Water” by Cathleen Dean explores the complex history of segregated beaches in America.  “The Decision” by Morgan Avery McCoy explores the origins of Hampton University and the critical decision to attend and HBCU.

The VBFF 2025 Visionary Award recipient is media mogul BK Fulton, CEO of Soulidifly Productions and original founder of the Moviepass.  The award recognizes exceptional accomplishments in both art and business.  The 2025 VBFF Lifetime Achievement Award recipient is actor and film director Tim Reid, best known for his roles in Frank’s Place, That ‘70s Show, Sister Sister, Simon & Simon, and WKRP in Cincinnati.  Other distinguished speakers include Grant Housley (Paramount Pictures), Bill Stephney (Boomerang, Do the Right Thing), Trent Garrett and Jacob Young (Next Generation Storytellers), Fatima Cortez Todd (widow of the late Tony Todd), Ebonee Pope (Enjenuity Media), Dr. Karen Ward, Dr. Debra Haggins (Hampton University), and film professor Rel Dowdell (Hampton University). VBFF founder, actor and director Bryan G Thompson will discuss the evolution of his Hampton-based film company Imani Films, which has produced over a dozen successful films in association with media giant Maverick Entertainment, including the romantic comedy “Valentine’s Date”. Maverick Entertainment will evaluate the films at VBFF 2025 for potential distribution deals.