Hollywoood Black Film Festival Makes Its Stellar Return To The Film Festival Circuit October 2025
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HOLLYWOOD, Calif. - Californer -- The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) will be making its return to the film festival circuit in Hollywood, CA., this October. Slated to run October 15-19, 2025, the festival will make its home at the W Hotel in Hollywood, and screenings will be held at the Harmony Gold Theater in Los Angeles.

The HBFF last appeared in 2017, a seven-year hiatus due to the pandemic and the untimely death of founder and entertainment guru, Tanya Kersey.  The festival's new executive director, Jacqueline Blaylock (formally Director  of Programming ), talks about the importance of finally bringing the festival back. "The HBFF is more than just a celebration. It is a crown jewel in the world of Black cinema, a living testament to the vision of our founder, Tanya Kersey." Blaylock continues, "Her blueprint laid the foundation for a festival that was not only impactful and relevant, but ever evolving, staying true to the heart of Black creative community."

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Although the festival will have a new advisory board, most of the past staff and directors are returning for the relaunch. Two notables are Tanya's daughters. Brittany and Monique Love who now serve Associate Directors for the festival after years of watching their mom work feverishly to produce such a great event. "Relaunching the HBFF is deeply personal for me. My mother, Tanya Kersey, founded this festival and dedicated her life to creating a space where Black filmmakers could be seen, heard, and celebrated," says Brittany Love. She also explains, "I am honored to carry forward the vision she built, ensuring that HBFF remains a powerful platform for Black storytelling."  Monique Love has similar sentiments, "The HBFF has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I watched my mom pour her blood, sweat and tears into every year's festival. I carry this forward, not only for my mom's legacy, but for the filmmakers who deserve to be celebrated."

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In addition to festival screenings (feature, short and student films, documentaries and web series), the festival will also offer other entities including, The Storyteller Competition (showcases 10 finalists working with a team for script revisions, winning script is awarded a live stage reading), Infotainment Conference (panels and workshops The Pitchaton, Monologue Slam, MarketPlace & Job Fair, and KidsFest (showcase and opportunities aimed at the younger audience).

For more information regarding the festival, visit the website, http://www.thehbff.com or for film submissions, http://www.filmfreeway.com. For interviews with HBFF executives, directors or talent, contact L Group PR, lsmith@lgrouppr.com.