Howard University Hosts 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 2nd Annual HBCU First LOOK Film Festival, held at Howard University, spotlighted the brilliance of Black filmmakers and the transformative power of cinema. Over two days, attendees explored the intricacies of independent filmmaking and the expansive world of studio and network production through panels, masterclasses, screenings, and workshops featuring leading Hollywood creatives.

This year’s festival embraced the theme, A Celebration of Black Cinema and Activism, and provided attendees with a unique opportunity to engage with industry stalwarts. The impressive lineup included Emmy-winning actress Sherri Shepherd, NAACP Image Award winner Naturi Naughton-Lewis, Keshia Knight Pulliam, E. Roger Mitchell, David E. Talbert, Kym Whitley, LaRoyce Hawkins, and Grammy-winning artist Moses “Shyne” Barrow, who discussed his journey as showcased in the Hulu documentary The Honorable Shyne.

Celebrating Young Filmmakers
The HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge attracted over 200 submissions, showcasing the creative talents of students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Winners were recognized at an awards luncheon hosted by comedian Loni Love.

• 1st Place: Young, Black and Gifted by Hampton University’s Promise Robinson (Best Family & Faith Film) — $5,000
• 2nd Place: The Last Summer by Howard University’s Leah Simone Scott (Best Short Film) — $2,500
• 3rd Place: Chad’s Night Out by Morehouse College’s Kimarley Henry (Best Animation Film) — $1,000

Highlights from the Festival
The festival delivered a mix of education, entertainment, and inspiration:

• Masterclasses: Director and playwright David E. Talbert led a packed session exclusively for aspiring actors, while panel discussions like Fluff Your Feathers and School Daze focused on personal branding and authenticity.
• Special Screenings: Opening night featured BET’s Kemba, the true story of Kemba Smith’s fight for justice, followed by an empowering discussion with Smith and executive producer Jawn Murray. The closing night showcased The Honorable Shyne documentary, with Moses Barrow and director Marcus A. Clarke discussing resilience and transformation.
• Career Development: Sponsored by P&G HBCYOU, the Beyond the Lights Career Lounge provided students with mentorship, internships, and career advice.

The My HBCU Joy Awards Luncheon, presented by AARP, honored impactful alumni including actress-director Keshia Knight Pulliam, HBCU Los Angeles founder Stacy Milner, and Move-In Day Mafia founder TeeJ Mercer, who received a surprise award from Sherri Shepherd.

Empowering Conversations
Panels like Clips & Conversation with NBC’s Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Cori Murray shed light on storytelling as a tool for advocacy. Judge Faith Jenkins also inspired attendees with her transition from the courtroom to producing true crime content for Oxygen.

The festival culminated with a visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture, deepening participants’ appreciation of Black cinema and the HBCU legacy.

Howard University’s HBCU First LOOK Film Festival continues to solidify its place as a premier platform for elevating Black voices in filmmaking and storytelling.

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