HBCU First Look Film Festival

04/01/2026

Our founder Sheila Eldridge is featured in Billboard! Learn more about the brilliant woman behind the HBCU First Look Film Festival and why she’s had staying power in the entertainment industry while remaining unapologetically pro-HBCU!

Sheila Eldridge talks about working with En Vogue and the importance of giving back to the HBCU community.

02/17/2026

The HBCU First Look Film Festival celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the iconic film “Love & Basketball” with an empowering panel during NBA All-Star Weekend featuring the movie’s star Sanaa Lathan & director Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Hosted by CNN’s Laura Coates, the panel also included WNBA star Candace Parker, sports host Cari Champion & broadcast legend Jayne Kennedy Overton.

Thanks to our sponsors, VIP attendees & everyone who supported this endeavor.

We’re particularly grateful to Michelle Fisher of ABC7 in Los Angeles for this amazing story on the event.

01/05/2026

"Sinners" and "Black Panther" filmmaker Ryan Coogler talks about how his relationship started with the late, great Chadwick Boseman during an interview that exclusively happened as a kickoff to the HBCU First Look Film Festival. See what he told writer Ronda Penrice for The Hollywood Reporter.

Before Coogler was even signed on to direct the Marvel Studios project, the star slipped into a 'Creed' event to get a feel for the filmmaker.

12/31/2025

The music industry lost a true legend today, Grammy-nominated Gospel maestro Richard Smallwood has died.

Richard graduated cm laude from renowned Howard University with a dual B.A. degree in classical vocal performance and piano, in addition to graduate work in the field of ethnomusicology.

Smallwood was a member of the Celestials, the first gospel group at Howard University. The group was the first gospel act to appear at Switzerland's Montreux Jazz Festival. Smallwood was also a founding member of the university's first gospel choir.

While best known for Sunday Morning anthems like “Total Praise,” “Center of My Joy,” “Trust Me” and “Angels;” Smallwood’s songs soared beyond the church when Whitney Houston recorded his song “I Love The Lord” for “The Preacher’s Wife” movie, and Destiny’s Child remade “Total Praise.”

The HBCU First Look Film Festival sends our prayers to his family, friends, fans, music collaborators and everyone in the HBCU community he impacted. 🙏🏿

12/04/2025

Taking it back to the 2024 HBCU First Look Film Festival when Kym Whitley stopped by to encourage our aspiring filmmakers and students. We love Kym and thought she did a great job hosting HBCU Honors on BET this week.

11/30/2025

We’re still showing gratitude to MacKenzie Scott for her graciousness towards HBCU’s! We’re THANKFUL that you’ve been so generous to the colleges and universities that are the foundation of our HBCU First Look Film Festival!

Info from HBCU Buzz & Essence!

11/23/2025

We’re so proud that our founder Sheila Eldridge has struck a partnership for our HBCU First Look Film Festival with Tubi. It’s a great opportunity for HBCU filmmakers. 🎬🎥🎞️ We salute you Sheila!

Lights, camera, HBCU! During Howard’s 2025 HBCU First Look Film Festival, alum and festival founder Sheila Eldridge announced a groundbreaking partnership with Tubi to launch an “HBCU First Look” channel featuring 100 films by HBCU students and alumni. Premiering in February 2026, the channel will showcase works from film challenge winners like Destiny Stubbs’ documentary STRUT the Yard and include a revenue model so student filmmakers share in the proceeds. Eldridge’s vision is to build a pipeline connecting emerging storytellers with industry professionals and encourage alumni to give back through mentorship.

Read More On The Dig: https://thedig.howard.edu/all-stories/howard-alum-sheila-eldridge-lands-partnership-tubi-launch-channel-dedicate-hbcu-filmmakers

11/23/2025

Are you ready for “Girl’s Trip 2?” Well, Tiffany Haddish says they are supposed to start shooting next summer. More details via People.

Tiffany Haddish shared an update on filming for 'Girls Trip 2' at the PEOPLE and InStyle Drive-By F1 Party on Friday, Nov. 21, and teased the 'exotic' location she and costars Regina Hall, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith will be jetting off to next.

11/19/2025

Hosted at the HBCU First Look Film Festival in Washington, DC. “Black-ish” star Marsai Martin was the Ambassador of this year’s festival, where aspiring creatives from HBCU’s from all over the country gathered.

Always a privilege being able to inspire the next generation of entertainment professionals; while getting to see and connect with some of my peers!

11/18/2025

The philanthropic support of HBCU's from MacKenzie Scott is beyond inspiring. We at the HBCU First Look Film Festival love to see her supporting our institutions. 🖤 Thanks for amplifying this Good Morning America!