The 2026 Seattle Black Film Festival Presented By LANGSTON

The 2026 Seattle Black Film Festival honors and highlights the soundscapes that have carried our communities—on screen and beyond it. Get ready to experience movies that pulse with Black music, creativity, and resilience. Prepare to take in the sounds and vibrations, absorb them in community, and carry that feeling with you wherever you go next.

The annual Seattle Black Film Festival (formerly the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival – LHAAFF) is a major season program of LANGSTON, showing provocative films and works about the Black experience from independent filmmakers.

For more than twenty years, the festival has been bringing stories and experiences by and about Black people to the big screen in the heart of Seattle’s historically Black neighborhood. Housed at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, the festival features film screenings, hands-on workshops, panel discussions, and in-depth chats with filmmakers, industry professionals and local community leaders.

As Seattle grows as a seat of activism, progressive ideology, innovation and technology, the Seattle Black Film Festival is a hub for filmmakers and audiences to exchange ideas with Black film as a catalyst for discussion.
The event is the culmination of a year’s worth of community-building through a series of smaller events and partnerships that provide audiences with unique cinematic and cultural opportunities, resulting in the community-wide film festival. The festival focuses on established names and emerging talent in Black media and connecting audiences with filmmakers and filmmaking through interactions in and outside the theater.

Films are selected from entries screened by panels and curated from current and vintage offerings. The festival takes pride in showcasing independent film celebrating Black brilliance, from emerging and established filmmakers in Washington and around the world. This unique film festival connects filmmakers and the community.

VOLUNTEER

Interested in volunteering? Sign up by April 23. We’ll follow up with more details about your role and available shifts to sign up for.

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LANGSTON is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization, founded in 2016 with the purpose of spearheading programs at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. We lead innovative programs and foster community partnerships that center Black art, artists, and audiences while honoring the enduring legacy of Seattle’s Black Central Area. For more information, visit our website at

Info: Take a look into the human psyche of characters and people navigating the quiet battles, desires, and revelations that shape who they are. We present: Interior Frequencies: a dynamic collection of short films that tune into the emotional, psychological, and spiritual landscapes shaping how we love, struggle, heal, and become. Moving between poetry, humor, dream logic, and raw personal testimony, these films explore anxiety and desire, faith and shame, family ties and chosen identity. Youth reflect on life beyond confinement, lovers wrestle with internalized voices of judgment, and families confront truths that reshape what belonging means. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/welcome

Info: ALL I'VE GOT & THEN SOME is an audacious debut feature that follows a day in the life of lovable Rasheed, an unhoused stand-up comedian who lives in his car, bonds with a girl who lives two cars down, and moonlights as a ride-share driver in Los Angeles. Moving from Atlanta on “the adrenaline of dreams,” aspiring stand-up comedian Rasheed has a heart of gold. He showers at the gym, gets free haircuts, and sneaks “continental breakfasts” at a hotel; however, Rasheed never lets himself, or us, down, saying that every day is “the best day of his life.” Buy tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule/

Info: Step into the beginning of the 2026 Seattle Black Film Festival with an Opening Night Reception designed to set the tone for an unforgettable celebration of Black cinema. Walk the LANGSTON Purple Carpet in the outfit you’ve been waiting for an excuse to wear. Then enter a room alive with filmmakers, creatives, and culture-shapers. Enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and moments worth capturing, with photo-ready experiences woven throughout the evening, before taking your seat for the opening night screening of TCB – The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule/

Info: Opening Night Film: TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing is a biography of the influential writer, filmmaker and cultural worker, who with humor and deep insight, inspired a generation of artists to dedicate themselves to community empowerment. The film is structured as a series of lessons on cultural organizing, gleaned from Bambara's life and shared by her friends, colleagues and students. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule/

Info: Slip past the velvet ropes and into something a little more tight-knit. The Seattle Black Film Festival 2026 Reunion Mixer is an after-hours link-up for the real ones: SBFF alums past and present (back when you knew it as the Langston Hughes African American Film Festival). This is where the night loosens its tie, and the alums kick back, catch up, and toast to the legacy. Enjoy curated late-night snacks and drinks after the screening of TCB - The Toni Cade Bambara School of Organizing. And tucked inside the vibe? A special presentation of the festival’s new archival material. This mixer is a memory vault cracked open just for you. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule/

Info: Come rewind with us and watch Lee Olsen's 1981 Cellar George, starring the legendary Steve Sneed. Cellar George stands as a landmark in Pacific Northwest and American public television history—a searing, soul-deep exploration of identity, struggle, and redemption that captured the heart of a generation. Produced by KCTS 9 PBS Seattle in the early 1980s and honored with multiple Emmy Awards, this groundbreaking film showcased the extraordinary talents emerging from Black Arts West, Seattle’s pioneering Black theatre collective. At its center was a breakthrough performance by a young Steve Sneed as George, a man grappling with inner demons and the weight of systemic oppression, yet searching for truth and self-definition in a turbulent world. Under the deft pen of celebrated screenwriter Aki Lorens, the story transcended its time. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: CYCLE pierces the silence surrounding police violence in America through the killing of Ty’rese West, an 18-year-old Black teenager whose death at the hands of police occurred without cameras, witnesses, or public scrutiny. In the absence of visual evidence, his case slipped quietly out of view—mirroring a broader pattern in which accountability depends on what can be seen. The film follows the aftermath of an unseen death: closed courtrooms, shifting official narratives, and the toll of pursuing answers within opaque systems of power. Rather than relying on the virality of a moment, CYCLE examines how silence functions within institutions, and how families are left to carry truth forward when justice fails. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule/

Info: Grown-up, Seattle-born Alice wanders through Wonderland’s forest. Lost, she yells for help. The Mad Hatter appears. Once she’s over his attractiveness, Alice reveals Hatter’s fairy godmother’s warning: they’ve been allotted three days to fall in love, or Wonderland will disintegrate along with Hatter’s mental stability. Hatter’s only response is to offer breakfast. Alice finds herself dining at the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Much to her delight and Hatter’s alarmed confusion, Alice magically conjures new clothes and lace gloves to go along with this fantasy-come true. Their conversation grows more absurd until Alice reminds Hatter they only have two days left for Wonderland to accept her. After they leave to find Leonard, the mouse chef, Wonderland gives a tiny indication that Alice is Hatter’s true love. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Join us for an intimate and inspiring conversation with one of the industry’s most accomplished supervising sound and ADR editors. From shaping the emotional texture of iconic films to navigating a powerful, decades-long career in sound, Bobbi brings a wealth of knowledge, craft, and candor to the stage. This is your chance to hear firsthand what it takes to build a sustainable career in the film industry. Whether you’re an emerging filmmaker, a seasoned creative, or just deeply curious about the magic behind the screen, this conversation will pull back the curtain on sound, storytelling, and staying power in the industry. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Immersive viewing & listening experience. Silent disco headphones will be provided to guests for this screening! Journey with Jalisa on a sensory expansion of poetry into.a physical world of movement and ancestry. On this journey, she communes with water spirits, ancestors at the Tree of Life, Maame in the bath, characters in a book, and her grandmother and other ancestors at home and at the altar. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: As night falls on the heart of Atlanta, obsessive director John Cuffee is on a mission to complete his short film. When John and his crew are implicated in a crime instead of turning themselves in to the authorities, he decides to finish his film at any cost. Each passing hour blurs the line between fervor and madness, as artistic ambition clashes with reality endangering himself and everyone around him. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: A woman begins receiving letters from a distant relative hinting at family secrets and rituals. These are things she does’t want to know or engage in. But like any mystery, she’s involved whether she wants to be or not. Reluctantly, she tumbles down a rabbit hole of research in search of a tree that may hold special powers. Her search for the tree is just the beginning of reconnecting with her family present, past, and future. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: For creatives seeking to elevate their ability to obtain financing, attach talent, and secure distribution, this workshop will equip artists with the tools, structure, and confidence to craft and deliver a compelling pitch that advances their work to the next level. Participants are invited to come prepared with a summary of their project. Workshop Structure: Crafting the Logline using examples from film and television - Building a clear and effective elevator pitch - Practicing the pitch with live participant feedback - Pitching best practices and final takeaways. Your workshop leader: Sasheen Artis is a three-time Emmy award-winning producer with over 25 years of experience in the industry. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Residents at Echo Glen Children’s Center reflect on what they miss about being “out.” Created through the SHARE screenwriting program at the juvenile detention facility in Snoqualmie, Washington, this short combines images and poetry from students at Echo Glen High School with voiceover performances by students from Renton High School - a collaboration designed both to protect Echo students’ identities and to build an emotional bridge between youth who might otherwise never connect. SHARE creates two unique experiences: one for the incarcerated students and another for the audiences of their work. Students create a deeper connection with themselves, have their voices and stories valued, and both they and the audience get to connect to each other in profound ways. In the end communities see incarcerated youth as more than their incarcerated label, creating an environment that can give them a better chance to succeed once they return home. Tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Zadie is an independent florist who is privately suffering from fibroids but is determined to take her career to the next level. When a dream job arrives, Zadie searches for help in order to control her morphing body but the unwanted growths threaten to take over. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Join us Saturday, May 2nd at 7:30 PM for a Spotlight Conversation with the legendary Seattle Jazz Hall of Famer, Gary Hammon. Co-presented by ARTE NOIR, this Spotlight Conversation honors the life, legacy, and enduring impact of Gary Hammon, a visionary artist, mentor, and cultural force whose influence continues to shape generations. Centered around the documentary Pass the Baton: The Gary Hammon Story, this conversation offers an intimate look at Hammon’s artistic practice, community work, and the philosophy that guided his life. Moderated by ARTE NOIR Executive Director Jazmyn Scott, the discussion will reflect on Hammon’s legacy through storytelling, archival insight, and community memory—exploring what it means to “pass the baton” across generations of Black artists and cultural workers. This will be a powerful evening of reflection, remembrance, and inspiration. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Featuring Pass the Baton: The Gary Hammon Story by Joshua Nucci and Georgio Brown; do angels pray? by Nathan Abia Lawer-Yolar; Waste Time: A Complicated Love Story by Olivia Thomas (LIVt); What Should We Call This, Call Us? by Khali Watson and Jarred Isaac; land.scapes notes on exile by Berette S Macaulay; I, myself am the sun by Naomi White; HOPE by Jamal Ademola and Salome Agbaroji; and Songs of Black Folk by Justin Emeka and Haley Watson. Order tickets at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Working with Melany Bell, participants will discover an immense appreciation for the abstract, beautiful world of acting. While addressing any anxiety associated with public speaking. We will build skills in: Public Speaking, Oral Presentation, and Applied Critical & Abstract Thinking. Our goals are to make authentically inspired, Acting Art for film to theater, take away a daily Vocal & movement warm-up, & non-sectarian meditation. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: In societies that often demand toughness and encourage isolation, these films reveal the quiet power of care, vulnerability, and connection. Tenderness Is a Revolution gathers stories of people finding healing through friendship, community, and unexpected moments of grace. Across generations and geographies, these characters discover that gentleness can be transformative, and that choosing compassion for ourselves and for one another can be a radical act. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Facilitated by "Dark and Tender" team, Aaron Johnson and Ben Wilson, join us for an experiential workshop easing into the practices introduced by The Chronically UnderTouched (CUT) Project in the "Dark and Tender" short films, to dismantle the Black Brute archetype and barriers for platonic closeness. We'll do some singing, co-writing, and co-listening as on-ramps to what's possible. Agenda: Opening - Grounding meditation + intros; Merging to main content; Wrap up - basic physical practices (pairing up, small group); Closing - song or meditation. LANGSTON strives to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for Black people and all races and ethnic backgrounds, dedicated to cultivating an inclusive space. All genders, sexual orientations, and identities are respected. For this workshop, everyone is welcome, and Black masculine folks are centered. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Co-presented by Youth Film Collective, these films are made by and for our young people! RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Right after the When the Young Call the Rhythm Youth Shorts Block, join us for a hands-on youth workshop where we’ll create a film together. In this session, you’ll work alongside professional filmmakers Tiffany Bennett (Founder and Executive Director of Youth Film Collective) and Lindy Boustedt (Founder and Director of First Sight Productions and founder of SHARE), and other young people to write and share something you wish adults truly understood about you. Together, we’ll explore how to bring your ideas to life on screen and film them using the same simple, powerful approach used in real-world storytelling projects through the SHARE Screenwriting Project. (You’ll even see two SHARE films in the shorts block!). No experience necessary. Just your voice. This workshop is intended for youth of all ages. RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Pull up to Métier Brewing Company, Seattle's beloved Black-owned brewery, for the Seattle Black Film Festival Closing Night Kick-Back! ✨ This is our final function celebrating a week of bold storytelling, Black brilliance, and unforgettable cinema. Tap in with filmmakers, creatives, and festival fam over craft brews and good music, as we toast to the stories, the moments, and the magic we made together. The night will be soundtracked by DJ JusMoni, keeping the vibes high all evening long, and delicious bites from Lil' Brown Girl will be available for purchase. Whether you’re debriefing your favorite film, making your next creative connection, or just outside for the culture, this is where we close the 2026 festival out. Hosted by community leader, media personality, and We Live in Color host Deaunte Damper (@dampeyalife1) | @metierbrewing, @dampeyalife1, @saffroniaa, @lilbrowngirl_seattle | RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Info: Teaching America explores the battle around the teaching of African-American studies from inside the classroom, focusing on the transformative journeys of the Arkansas students, teachers and families who are part of the very first, inaugural classes of students taking AP African-American Studies nationwide. How to Build A Liibrary - In 2018, Shiro (writer) and Wachuka (publisher) quit their jobs to restore a derelict colonial library in bustling downtown Nairobi. Horrified at the condition of the historical, state-owned building, they successfully lobbied city officials to take-over management of the junk-filled library. With zero experience in building, the pair find themselves with a mammoth task ahead. But with an undying passion for books, and a unique flair for glamour, instagram, and finding funds where least expected, they activate an army of homegrown artists, intellectuals, tech developers, architects and writers, all energized to...RSVP at https://sbff26.eventive.org/schedule

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, 104 17th Avenue South, Seattle, United States

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