HBCU First Look Film Festival

The 4th Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival returns to Howard University for three days of screenings, master classes, Clips + Conversations, networking and interactive experiences that bring together HBCU filmmakers, creators and some of entertainment’s most influential voices across film, television and digital media. 

Inspired by this year’s theme, “How to Be the Next,” the Festival explores what it takes to create work that stands the test of time, encouraging today’s creators to think beyond the moment and develop stories that resonate for years to come. 

Past festival participants, speakers and honorees have included President Barack Obama, Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Ryan Coogler, Lynn Whitfield, Marsai Martin, Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter, Naturi Naughton, Loni Love, J. Alphonse Nicholson and LaRoyce Hawkins, among other notables. 

The Festival’s impact extends beyond the event itself. Last year, HBCU First LOOK launched a partnership with Tubi that resulted in the placement of 22 student films on the streaming platform, expanding the reach of HBCU storytelling while introducing student filmmakers to a national audience. 

WHEN: 

Thursday, November 5 – Saturday, November 7, 2026 

WHERE: 

Armour J. Blackburn University Center Howard University 2397 6th Street NW Washington, DC 20059 

WHO: 

HBCU students, filmmakers, writers, directors, producers, content creators, educators, entertainment executives, media professionals, alumni and supporters of Black creative excellence.