The Virginia Black Film Festival

The Virginia Black Film Festival celebrates its third year as a partnership with Visit Williamsburg.  The theme of the event is “Black Excellence; Past, Present, & Future” part of the city’s celebration of Black History Month. 2026 is the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and Virginia is the center of it all!  Exceptional films will be showcased and awarded in multiple categories, including special subcategories for international films, student films, and historically significant films! 

VBFF is a star-studded event with multiple educational and networking opportunities for independent filmmakers, cinephiles, students, and industry professionals. Previous celebrity guests include Clifton Powell, Tim Reid, BK Fulton, Jesse Vaughan, and Kemba Smith. The 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient is Keith David. Notable early selections include Food for the Soul, starring Marcus Scribner (Black-ish) and Karen Obilom (Games People Play), “History Half Told is Untold” (Let Freedom Ring Foundation), Rise of the Legion (Norfolk State Marching Band), and “Displaced from the Birthplace of America” (The Village Initiative). Panel discussions will include Film Production, Film Distribution, Music Licensing, and Stage Combat.

To purchase tickets, please visit: https://virginiablackfilmfestival.com/

Parking near Merchants Square is recommended. If you plan to park at the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center, please check the bus schedule.