Photo source: Instagram / Blackstarfest
One of the nation’s most prominent film festivals for Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmakers, the BlackStar Film Festival is returning to Philadelphia this July. This annual one-of-a-kind festival has come to be recognized as a significant celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of the African diaspora. This event not only celebrates the works of Black artists, but also of global communities of color.
Often referred to as “the Black Sundance,” BlackStar transforms Philly into a lively spot where art and commerce intersect, helping to boost Philadelphia’s Black economy and culture, while also offering a great platform and opportunities for Black businesses.
It was founded in 2012 by Maori Karmael Holmes as a one-off event to showcase Black films that hadn’t been screened in the Philadelphia area.
“I had just moved back from Los Angeles and felt like there was a gap in Philly for these particular works. And I started collecting films that hadn’t been shown in the area that had been made in 2011 or 2012, and very quickly had a list of 30 films, so I pivoted to making this a film festival,” Holmes told the New York Times.
Over the years, it has grown into one of the most respected festivals of its kind, attracting filmmakers, scholars, media executives, and cultural curators from all over the world.
Since its inception in 2012, the festival has showcased over 400 films from nearly 20 countries and five continents. Each year, feature films, documentaries, shorts, panels, workshops, and live performances are exhibited, bringing to light the perspectives of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).
Now in its 14th year, the festival will take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, with in-person film screenings at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, the Wilma Theater, and the Suzanne Roberts Theatre.
This year, it is set to showcase a total of 92 films representing 35 countries, including 20 World, 13 North American, 4 United States, 7 East Coast, and 46 Philadelphia premieres.
The organization also hosts screenings, exhibitions, seminars, and other programming throughout the year and produces a journal of film and visual culture.
Photo credit: Facebook / BlackStar Film Festival
How BlackStar Boosts Black Businesses
When Black cultural events come to various cities, they generate a lot of revenue that significantly boosts the local economy. When the BlackStar festival comes to town, thousands of people worldwide will be drawn to Philadelphia. While it is first and foremost about storytelling, we cannot deny that it has a great impact on the city’s Black economy.
Econsult Solutions was commissioned by BlackStar Film Festival to quantify the economic impact of its annual operations. The report highlighted its operational activity and the substantial visitor spending it attracts. In 2024 alone, the festival attracted over 17,000 attendees from over 40 countries, injecting millions of dollars into local businesses.
Here are ways the festival helps Black entrepreneurs and businesses in Philly thrive:
Hospitality and Tourism
Thousands of attendees fly in from all parts of the world for this event, and they would need somewhere to lay their head and good food for the duration of their stay.
The festival partners with Black-owned hotels, caterers, and creative agencies to meet these needs of the attendees. Restaurants, boutiques, service providers, and others get to see a spike in sales and visibility, which means more revenue for these businesses. This ensures that the economic impact is intentionally distributed within the community.
Opportunities for vendors
Philly is a hub for Black-and Brown-owned businesses selling unique handmade goods and products. The annual BlackStar Bazaar offers a curated shopping experience that celebrates community by supporting local creators. It is an avenue for Black entrepreneurs and independent artisans selling art, apparel, accessories, décor, and more to showcase their products. By doing so, they can gain direct access to a culturally aligned audience ready to support their business.
Empowering local logistics and technical support
Attendees need to move from their hotels to the venue of the event; that is where transportation comes in. From private car services offering comfortable and reliable transfers for VIP guests and speakers, to shuttle services moving attendees to and fro, or even local taxi and ride-share drivers benefiting from the increased footfall, the event creates a consistent revenue stream for those in this line of business.
The festival’s extensive programming also requires a wide array of services like technical support. Every screening, every panel, every live performance requires expertise. This means contracting these out to Black-owned businesses, providing crucial procurement opportunities and boosting the economy.
Networking and collaboration
The festival brings together creatives, industry professionals, and funders from across the globe. Black entrepreneurs can find new clients, collaborators, and investors here. Networking events, mixers, and informal gatherings are an opportunity for entrepreneurs, whether filmmakers, artists, or service providers, to connect, pitch ideas, and potentially secure funding.
Media exposure and partnerships
With coverage from outlets like Black Enterprise and Metro Philadelphia, the BlackStar Film Festival gives local talent and Black-owned businesses national and international media attention. Those featured during the festival often experience long-term brand growth, thanks to this visibility.
According to a report by Pew Research Center, Philadelphia has one of the highest percentages of Black residents among major U.S. cities. However, Black-owned businesses represent only a fraction of the city’s economic output. Festivals like BlackStar are helping to change this narrative.
BlackStar Film Festival may come around for a season, but its impact on the community is experienced year-round.
