A celebration to launch the official opening of the 50th Newark Black Film Festival, featuring DJ Skeme Richards, followed by a special opening night presentation of Sing Sing.Â
Join us for a screening of The Wiz, directed by Sidney Lumet. Follow Harlem schoolteacher Dorothy (Diana Ross) as she tries to save her dog from a storm and is miraculously whisked away to the urban fantasy land of Oz. Rated G, this film is perfect for all ages. Free, registration required.
Join us for screening of short film, Behold a Lady, followed by the screening of iconic throwback Eve's Bayou as we celebrate and honor director, Kasi Lemmons.Â
Join us for a screening of Ruby Bridges, directed by Euzhan Palcy. When six-year-old Ruby is chosen to be the first African-American to integrate her local elementary school, she faces the harsh realities of racism for the first time. Rated PG, this film is an important and moving story for all ages.
Join us for a screening of Songs from the Hole, directed by Contessa Gayles. This documentary visual album follows an incarcerated musician's journey for healing and peace as he comes of age behind bars. Experience his powerful story and stay for a Q&A with director, Contessa Gayles and producer richie reseda.
Join us for a screening of Toll, directed by Carolina Markowicz. This film follows Suellen, a toll booth attendant who helps a gang of thieves steal watches to afford sending her son to a gay conversion workshop. The film is in Portuguese with English subtitles. Stay for a Q&A following the screening.
As we celebrate 50 years of the Newark Black Film Festival, join us for a dynamic curation of radical short documentaries made by and for Black communities across the United States. These films, collectively created by community entities, confront local power, preserve histories, and effect change. Following the screening, enjoy a panel discussion featuring MacArthur prize-winning filmmaker Louis Massiah, moderated by Yvonne Michelle Shirley.
Join us for a screening of Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted, directed by Isaac Gale, Ryan Olson, and David McMurry. This documentary follows cult musician Swamp Dogg and his housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty as they transform their suburban LA home into an artistic haven and navigate the turbulent music business. Stay for a Q&A with Swamp Dogg, Moogstar, and Dr. Jeri Williams.
Join us for a special screening of Rob Peace, directed by Chiwetel Ejiofor. This film tells the story of an inner-city Newark kid who attends Yale but ultimately succumbs to harsh economic realities and the demons of his past. Stay for a Q&A with special guests following the screening.
Join us for a screening of Family Tree, directed by Jennifer MacArthur, and the short film It Takes a Village, directed by Joshua Kissi. Family Tree explores the connection between Black land ownership and sustainable forestry through the experiences of two North Carolina families. It Takes a Village is set in 1965 and follows a father as he prepares his son for manhood through a traditional rite of passage. Stay for a Q&A following the screenings.
Join us for curated selection of short films: To the Girl that Looks Like Me directed by Ewurakua Dawson-Amoah, Harlem Fragments directed by Cameron Tyler Carr, City of Dreamz directed by Imani Celeste, Love Taps directed by Derrick Woodyard and Underwater Projects directed by dream hampton. Followed by a Q&A session.
Join us for our final screening at the 50th Newark Black Festival, of Seeking Mavis Beacon directed by Jazmin Renée Jones.