bcchtx film festival 2026

The Inaugural FestivaL

April 17–19, 2026 | Houston, Texas

Three days celebrating Black stories, filmmakers, creativity, and community.

Watch Official Recap

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

In April 2026, Black Cinema Club HTX brought its commitment to Black storytelling to a new stage with the inaugural BCCHTX Film Festival.

Over three days, filmmakers, creatives, industry professionals, and film lovers came together across Houston to experience independent films, conversations, workshops, networking, and community-centered programming.

The inaugural festival was more than a weekend of screenings. It created a space for Black filmmakers to share their work, audiences to discover new stories, and Houston’s creative community to connect around a shared love of Black cinema.

And this was only the beginning.

2026 BY THE NUMBERS

3 DAYS

of film, conversation, and community

4 films

featured throughout the festival

400+ attendees

across festival programming

12 EVENTS & EXPERIENCES

including screenings, panels,

workshops, and celebrations

2026 OFFICIAL SELECTIONS

fresh frames

A special screening of Heart of Sunshine, directed by Joy Ofodu, featuring Houston native Madison Jade and Giovonnie Samuels (All That, Freedom Writers, Bring It On: All or Nothing), followed by an engaging conversation on navigating the entertainment industry as an emerging creative.

space city shorts

Our First Showcase of Houston's Finest Short Films

Moderated by Shannan E. Johnson
Script Consultant, The Professional Pen

Heavy is the Head

Director: Chap Edmonson

Ree's Destiny

Director: Steven Mosley

Starflame's Curse

Director: Marvin Oris

FEATURED GUESTS

The inaugural BCCHTX Film Festival welcomed filmmakers, actors, writers, producers, educators, and creative professionals who shared their knowledge, stories, and experiences throughout the weekend.

2026 Programming

Day 1 | Opening Night

Scenes & Soundtrax: Boomerang
In partnership with The Press Players Club, the inaugural festival kicked off with an unforgettable evening of music, film, and community, setting the stage for a weekend celebrating Black cinema.

Day 2 | Film & Education

A full day of curated film screenings, educational sessions, workshops, masterclasses, and engaging conversations designed to inspire, educate, and connect filmmakers and film lovers. The day concluded with the Black Cinema Club HTX Anniversary Party.

Day 3 | Industry House & Creative Sessions

The festival closed with a day dedicated to collaboration, career development, and creative growth. Programming included CREATE-a-thon, Houston Hittas, Center Stage, and the Film Grant Ceremony, bringing together industry professionals, emerging filmmakers, and the community while celebrating the launch of the Black Cinema Club HTX Academy.