Philly Inquirer

From a mermaid’s tale of self-discovery to a Toni Cade Bambara biography, city filmmakers are telling stories that meet the pulse of the times.

Philly Inquirer

BlackStar, in its 14th year, runs July 31-Aug. 3. Before Holmes’ schedule got taken over by the festival, we asked her what a perfect “unfettered Sunday” in Philly looks like for her.

Hyperallergic

Asaph Luccas’s short “LWC (Lazy White Cows)” (2025), another highlight, tells the story of Ster, a young Black student at risk of being “cancelled” after she refers to a White classmate in disparaging terms.

BLEX

Led by Karen Obilom and Marcus Scribner , the romantic dramedy follows Adanma Eze and her fiancé Trey Williams, a couple navigating the messy middle of love.

Surface

With the festival’s dizzying slate of screenings and programming now fully announced, Surface caught up with Maori Holmes to hear more about what this year’s edition has in store for attendees.

Philadelphia Gay News

This year’s festival features a selection of docs, features and shorts by queer filmmakers that depict LGBTQ+ life. Here is a rundown of what to watch from this year’s program.

Press Release

Highlights include a special screening of Kahlil Joseph’s BLKNWS: Terms & Conditions and the 4K restoration of Charles Burnett’s Killer of Sheep, with both filmmakers expected in-person for Spotlight Conversations.