The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is returning to Howard University from November 6–8, bringing together a star-studded lineup of Black creatives and film industry leaders for a three-day celebration of storytelling, culture, and opportunity. The 2025 theme, “Elevate Future Storytellers,” reflects the festival’s mission to create pathways for HBCU students pursuing careers in film, television, and digital media. Organized by First LOOK Entertainment and hosted on the campus of one of the nation’s most iconic HBCUs, this year’s festival honors filmmaker Ryan Coogler, actress Lynn Whitfield, and actress-producer Marsai Martin, making it one of the most anticipated creative events in the HBCU community.
Celebrating Excellence in Film and Storytelling
Coogler, best known for directing Black Panther and Creed, will receive the festival’s inaugural “I Aspire Global Impact Award,” recognizing his trailblazing work and commitment to uplifting Black narratives through film. Lynn Whitfield, an Emmy-winning actress celebrated for her iconic roles in Greenleaf and Eve’s Bayou, will be honored for her enduring contributions to the art of storytelling. Marsai Martin, who serves as this year’s Creative Ambassador, embodies the next generation of Black excellence in Hollywood—using her production company, Genius Productions, to develop youth-driven, imaginative projects that amplify authentic Black voices. Together, their participation highlights how HBCUs continue to produce and inspire leaders who shape global culture.
Inspiring and Empowering the Next Generation
Throughout the weekend, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival will feature masterclasses, screenings, and networking opportunities focused on advancing the presence of HBCU graduates in entertainment and technology. Workshops on topics such as acting, directing, producing, artificial intelligence, and digital storytelling will equip students with tools to navigate the modern media landscape. As noted by The Industry Cosign, the event will also include panels led by casting directors, producers, and executives from major studios, offering firsthand insight into how to transition from the classroom to the film set.
For students from Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, and other HBCUs in the Atlanta University Center Consortium, the festival serves as both inspiration and access point—connecting academic talent with professional opportunity.
Elevating HBCUs in the Creative Industry
The return of the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival reinforces Howard’s position as a cultural and creative epicenter among HBCUs. This initiative follows the university’s continued success in producing leaders in entertainment, media, and public service—other major investments fueling HBCU growth. For Howard and other institutions, events like this are more than showcases—they’re catalysts for visibility, partnerships, and future funding that strengthen institutional pipelines.
Building Legacy Through Creativity
As the festival opens its doors, organizers are focused on sustainability—creating a platform that will continue to grow, amplify HBCU voices, and expand opportunities for future filmmakers. The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival aligns with broader efforts to position HBCUs as incubators for innovation in media, arts, and digital technology. By celebrating alumni achievements and introducing new pathways for students, the festival represents the perfect intersection of culture, education, and impact.