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4th Annual HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival Returns

The highly anticipated 4th Annual HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival (HBCUFLF) is returning to Howard University this November 5-7, featuring STARZ as the inaugural presenting sponsor. This year’s theme, “How to Be the Next,” aims to create an immersive experience that connects students and emerging creators with influential HBCU alumni from various fields.

During the three-day festival, participants will have the opportunity to engage in film screenings, master classes, and interactive sessions, benefiting from firsthand industry insights. The festival will highlight the importance of talent development among HBCU alumni actors, filmmakers, and producers. Festivities will also include the highly anticipated Salute THEM Awards, recognizing outstanding new talents from the HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge, with winners receiving a cash prize and internship opportunities.

Honoring Emerging Talents

Among the highlights of the festival, actors and content creators Laya DeLeon Hayes and DaSan Frazier have been named the 2026 I Aspire Ambassadors. They will host the awards luncheon where finalists, selected from over 450 entries, will be celebrated for their creative achievements. The luncheon will also honor the 2026 I Aspire 25, which acknowledges notable HBCU alumni in fields like filmmaking, entrepreneurship, and storytelling. This year's illustrious honorees include notable names such as Michael Strahan, Eva Marcille, and Jamila Mustafa.

The festival emphasizes its mission to nurture a diverse pipeline of talent through key partnerships with various entertainment, media, and brand entities. STARZ will showcase its commitment to diversity by hosting programming discussions during the festival, reflecting its efforts to create opportunities for women and underrepresented audiences.

Special Programming and Panels

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, ANDSCAPE will present a retrospective look at its significant contributions to sports and culture storytelling. Additionally, the festival will feature renowned figures like producer Autumn Bailey-Ford, who will discuss the global dynamics of film production, and actress Nicky Micheaux, who will lead a master class on vertical storytelling. Grammy-winning producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will also join the discussions, emphasizing the pivotal connection between music and film.

The festival has included various creator-focused sessions, which will see participation from industry professionals such as Alexis Powell, media personalities Jamila Mustafa, and the independent filmmaking duo the Vanzant Brothers. Actor Kennedi Reece, regarded as an emerging star for her role in CBS's Beyond the Gates, will also take part in a panel discussion focused on women's leadership in film.

Encouraging Wellness and Creativity

Innovatively, this year, the festival will host Black Girl Vitamins to provide a wellness and career activation program that underscores how physical health can promote sustainable careers in creative fields. TV One will contribute to the festival with an experience designed to prepare participants for the red carpet environment.

A Student-Led Initiative

This year's festival reflects a unique approach where 12 Howard University students are actively involved in its production, allowing them to lend their voices to the programming and interactive elements presented. Sheila Eldridge, the founder of HBCU First LOOK, stated, “HBCU First LOOK was created to build a pipeline that turns exposure into experience.” This initiative emphasizes students' importance in taking charge of their futures.

Event Logistics

The HBCU First LOOK Film and TV Festival will be held at the Armour J. Blackburn University Center, located at 2397 6th Street NW, Washington, D.C. For those interested in joining this celebration of diverse talent and storytelling, further information, registration, and updates are available on their official website.

Don’t miss the chance to witness the next generation of filmmakers and creative thinkers drive change in the industry. Follow the festival on social media @HBCUfirstlook and use hashtags like #hbcufirstlook and #BeTheNext to join the conversation.