The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival returns to Howard University from November 6–8, 2025, spotlighting a new generation of storytellers who continue to shape the future of Black cinema and television.
Now in its third year, the nation’s only film festival dedicated to HBCU-educated filmmakers and content creators is set to deliver an inspiring three-day experience of panels, screenings, masterclasses, and the highly anticipated Film Challenge Showcase.
This year, actress, producer, and entrepreneur Marsai Martin joins the festival as its Creative Ambassador, helping to amplify the 2025 theme — “Elevate Future Storytellers” — which underscores the festival’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and bridging opportunities between HBCU creatives and the entertainment industry.
For more information and tickets, click here.
Powerhouse Panel Lineup
The 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival features a stellar lineup of panels and speakers from across the industry. Leading this year’s conversations are:
- Lynn Whitfield (Greenleaf)
- J. Alphonse Nicholson (Lanterns, Clipped, P-Valley)
- Laroyce Hawkins (Chicago P.D.)
- Felicia Pride, supervising producer of Peacock’s Bel-Air
- Shaye Ogbonna, writer of The Penguin and Fight Night
- Oronde Garrett, M88 talent manager (Taraji P. Henson, Marsai Martin)
- Phil Thornton, producer (Unexpected Christmas, Luther: Never Too Much)
- Datari Turner, film producer
- Tressa Azarel Smallwood, founder and CEO of MegaMind Media
2025 Film Challenge Finalists
Earlier this year, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival opened submissions for its annual National Student Filmmaker Challenge, inviting HBCU students and recent graduates to “speak their truth” through film. The competition encouraged participants to tell minority stories from their unique perspectives across genres—from drama and comedy to documentary and animation.
Across seven categories: Feature, Short, Documentary, Mobile, Family & Faith, Health & Wellness, and the newly introduced Global Impact Film category, entrants competed for cash prizes of $5,000, $2,500, and $1,000, as well as exposure to industry professionals and opportunities for mentorship and distribution.
Their films will be screened during the festival, with winners revealed during the closing ceremony.
- Best Feature Film: Strut The Yard – Destiny Stubbs, Howard University
- Best Short Film: Tobacco Road – Kiara Danae Mangum, Howard University
- Best Documentary: Fight the Stigma – Devin Walker, Morgan State University
- Best Mobile Film: This Is Fine – Syniah Gooden, Howard University
- Best Family & Faith Film: Meet the Family That Stick Together – Taylor Dews, Spelman College
- Best Wellness Film: HIM+ – Chazriq “Chazam” Clarke, Florida A&M University
- (New) Global Impact Film: Two Tickets – Mazen Haj Kassem
About the Festival
Founded by Howard University alumna Sheila Eldridge and produced through her Miles Ahead Entertainment & Broadcasting imprint, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival continues to serve as a creative pipeline for HBCU students pursuing careers in film, television, and digital media.
With its blend of panels, masterclasses, screenings, and networking opportunities, the festival remains a vital platform for emerging voices and established creators to connect, collaborate, and build legacies that last.
For more information and tickets, click here.