HBCU First Look Film Festival

10/14/2026

Senator Raphael Warnock Secures Nearly $100 Million In Funding For HBCU STEM Programs!

Among the colleges that will benefit include:

Clark Atlanta University
Delaware State University
University of the District of Columbia
Florida A&M University
Morgan State University
Jackson State University
Fayetteville State University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Prairie View A&M University
Texas Southern University

Thank you Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock for working to support our HBCU’s!

The Georgia Senator and Morehouse College graduate announces a $97.1 million award that will support multiple STEM programs through the Department of Defense, including at North Carolina A&T State University.

10/08/2026

And the category is … ✨VISIONARIES✨

Meet the HBCU alumni who had the VISION to imagine what’s next, challenging convention, and pushing entertainment and television forward with bold ideas and bigger dreams.

To see what’s possible before the world catches up … They don’t just follow culture.
They shape it. Define it. Move it forward.

Their vision becomes our inspiration. Their impact becomes our blueprint. And their journeys remind us that the future belongs to those bold enough to see it - then build it. 💪🏾

HBCUFL

“Hampton provided a safe haven for my creativity to truly take route. The standard of excellence expected of us wasn’t just about passing classes, it was about walking into any room in Hollywood or New York and knowing our worth. … My time by the sea built the grit and the vision required to do what I do today.” - Jeresa Featherstone (Jeresa Featherstone) 👗✨

“Our vision is our voice and our voice shapes our story. It’s up to us to preserve these special gifts and to fight to ensure that the value is never underestimated.” - Chelsea Maloney, (Chelsea) 🎞️

“ Your beginning, does not define your destination we came from Dublin, Georgia, with our big dreams, strong faith, and a belief that there was something greater ahead. Our HBCU experiences taught us to lead, to persevere, and to create opportunities… Not just for ourselves, but for others.” - The Burke Brothers (1/2) 📽️

Burke Entertainment

“To the next generation of storytellers: believe in your vision, and then tell the story.your greatest success will not only be the story you tell, but the lives you inspire and help along the way.” (2/2) - The Burke Brothers 🎥

Vanzil Burke

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney/ via Alexis Powell, (Alexis)

10/06/2026

🚨 ONE MONTH OUT! 🚨

The countdown to HBCU First LOOK is officially ON! This year, we’re bringing together the talent, stories, conversations, and experiences you don’t want to miss - all on the journey of !

And we’re still rolling out this year’s talent … 👀 So if you haven’t secured your spot yet, now is the time.

🗓️ Nov. 5–7 | Howard University | Washington, D.C.
🎟️ BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW and get ready to see WHO’s next. Link in bio.

10/02/2026

Alright ya’ll, it’s been about a week … (and) Season 2 news?! You know we LOVE to see it!

But the real question is … DID ya’ll see some familiar faces??👀

We’re SO proud to see HBCUFL “I Aspire ’25” honorees Kennedi Reece, Jade & Jadah, and DaSan Frazier (our 2026 Ambassador 🤭) represented in this new chapter of Black storytelling. Their involvement is a powerful reflection of what we believe: HBCU talent deserves to be seen, celebrated, and given access to platforms that carry Black stories across the globe.

Congratulations to these young storytellers as they pursue their dreams and reach new heights! We’re not just watching A Different World. HBCUFL is working to help shape what’s NEXT. 😉

10/01/2026

🚨 BREAKING NEWS! 🚨

We’re excited to announce Laya DeLeon Hayes and DaSan Frazier as the 2026 I Aspire Ambassadors for HBCU First LOOK! 🎬✨

The two rising stars will headline this year’s festival and host the Salute THEM Awards Luncheon, celebrating the next generation of HBCU storytellers under this year’s theme, .

From screenings and master classes to immersive experiences, we’re creating space for HBCU talent to step into what’s next - both in front of and behind the camera.

And with 450+ Film Challenge entries, $8,500 in awards + an internship opportunity, and the reveal of our I Aspire 25 honorees, there’s plenty more to come.

Stay tuned. This is . 🔥

09/24/2026

And the category is …. ✨ENTREPRENEURS✨

Meet the HBCU alumni entrepreneurs who are building businesses, creating jobs, shaping culture, and carving out new lanes across entertainment and television.

They built what didn’t exist yet.
They turned vision into ownership.
They created the opportunity instead of waiting for it.
They didn’t just enter the industry.
They built within it.

Their vision is the blueprint. Their businesses are the legacy. And their journeys remind us that sometimes, the next move isn’t finding a seat at the table, it’s building your own. 🫰🏾



“I’ve learned that the real power isn’t in holding the spotlight, rather it’s an opening doors, and saying, “you belong here“.” - Agnes Moss (Agnes Moss) 🎞️

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou/ shared by Sharifa Daniels, BLEXMedia (Blex) 📺

“My personal philosophy is to have the audacity. Audacity means choosing yourself on purpose, before you have full permission, full proof, or full comfort.”- Dr. Donnisha Davis (graffitidiva/ FlixMate App)

“Bring your whole self. That’s the magic. That sounds crazy, but it’s true… That’s what’s gonna set you apart from everybody else. I felt like I made an impact. Once I decided to be me unapologetically … Find a way and use your voice.” - Bobby Carter (DJ Cuzzin B) 🎼

09/23/2026

HOW TO BE THE NEXT starts here. 📍

Our festival always brings out the BIG names, BIG conversations, and BIG moments—and this year will be no different!

Buy your tickets NOW and secure your spot before you miss what’s next. And trust us… you’ll want to be in the room. Stay tuned for this year’s headliners. 🔥

🗓️: Nov. 5–7 | Howard University | Washington, D.C.
Link in bio for tix!

09/16/2026

⏰ LAST CALL ⏰

Your campus. Your community. Your voice. Your opportunity to be part of what’s next.

Join our Student Ambassador Program and help bring HBCU cinema to your campus, amplify the stories that matter, and rally your community around the celebration.

‼️Application Deadline: THIS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18.‼️

Don’t sit this one out. Step up. Show up. BE the next.

09/16/2026

And the category is …. ✨STORYTELLERS: (Part 1)✨

Meet the HBCU storytellers who have helped to push the needle forward in entertainment and television - using their voices, vision, and lived experiences to create what didn’t exist before.

They didn’t just tell stories. They gave us new ones to see ourselves in.

Their work is the inspiration. Their impact is the legacy. And their journey is a reminder that the next great story can start with YOU.

For the storytellers dreaming it. Creating it. Bringing it to life. 🎬✊🏾



“When opportunities find me, they always find me working. Consistently creating, and putting in the effort has taken me further than anything else.” - Nakia Stephens, Nakia Stephens ✍🏾✨

“My mantra is that I can go back home at any time. I have a degree, I am smart, and I am honest. I care about my career and what I do, yet I know my lane and where I desire to go.” - Tone Bell, Tone Bell 🎭

“Purpose is an essential element of you. It is the reason you are on the planet at this particular time in history. Your very existence is wrapped up in the things you are here to fulfill. Whatever you choose for a career path, remember the struggles along the way are only meant to shape you for your purpose” - Chadwick A. Boseman (reiterated by Kennedi Reece, Kennedi Reece) 🎞️✨

“The best advice or encouragement I’d give to anyone pursuing their dreams is to honor the four P’s: planning, patience, persistence, and prayer.” - Randy Huggins, Randy Huggins 🎬📺

09/09/2026

HBCU STUDENTS — THIS ONE’S FOR YOU. 📣

Want to help put your campus on? Join our HBCUFL Student Ambassador Program and become a voice for HBCU cinema in your community.

Help us spread the word, rally your campus, engage your community, and bring even more students, storytellers, and supporters together to celebrate the power of HBCU film.

Your campus. Your community. Your voice.

Apply now. Link in bio! ✍🏾