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October 10, 2024The 2nd Annual Renaissance Black Film Festival returns to Albany
The Renaissance Black Film Festival is thrilled to announce its return to the Renaissance Hotel in Albany, NY, from October 24-27. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural festival, which received over 80 submissions from seven countries, hosted seven special guests including Morris Chestnut, Gail Bean, and renowned casting director Erica Hart, and screened 23 remarkable films, this year’s festival promises to be even more dynamic and influential.
Led once again by Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of the Palace Theatre, and powered by Patrick Harris Jr. from Collectiveffort, the festival is poised to highlight and celebrate the rich tapestry of Black cinema and creativity. The Renaissance Black Film Festival has quickly become a cornerstone event in Upstate New York’s burgeoning film scene, drawing attention from filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles alike.
“The Renaissance Black Film Festival is not just a celebration of Black stories and talent but a vital platform for fueling the economics needed to support underrepresented voices in the film industry,” said Kevin Johnson. “We are excited to continue our mission of fostering diversity and inclusion in cinema, while also contributing to the cultural and economic growth of Albany and the wider Upstate New York region.”
Patrick Harris Jr. added, “This year’s festival will build on our initial success, bringing even more talent and creativity to Albany. We’re committed to making this event a must-attend for anyone in love with cinema while positioning ourselves as a mechanism for workforce development in the film industry through community engagement.”
Last year, the festival awarded $6,500 to winners from five different states, including the Best Documentary award to filmmakers from Albany. The event also featured the screening of the Sundance award-winning short film “Rest Stop” by Crystam Kayaiza, which was filmed in Albany, and showcased over five films from Lena Waithe’s production company, Hillman Grad Productions.
The festival’s return to Albany coincides with a growing recognition of Upstate New York as a significant hub for film production. Major productions such as HBO’s “The Gilded Age” and “Modern Love” have chosen the region for their filming locations, underscoring the area’s potential as a center for cinematic arts.
Highlights of this year’s festival include:
Expanded Film Submissions: Over 100 films submitted from 15 countries, showcasing a wide range of genres and styles.
Special Guests: Anticipated appearances by acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals. Festival Ambassador Jamal Hill will be arriving fresh off the set of his upcoming feature film that will be released in December on BET. Stay tuned for the announcement of the world premiere date and time during the RBFF. Jamal is more than our festival’s ambassador, he dug into his rolodex to bring some heavy hitters with him to Albany including Larenz Tate. Actor, Producer and one of the stars of the hit series Power where he plays Councilman Tate.
Panel Discussions and Workshops: Featuring insights from industry leaders and opportunities for networking and professional development. Panel discussions will feature insight from Jamal Hill, Larenz Tate, Erica Hart and the incomparable Tressa Azarel Smallwood to name just a few. This year in addition to blessing us with her presence, Tressa Azarel Smallwood is offering a nonbinding, first look distribution deal to the winning feature of this year’s festival (some restrictions apply).
Community Engagement: Initiatives aimed at involving local communities and fostering a love for film among young people. Often residents from the Capital Region move away to pursue their dreams. Such is the case for Sonya Marchand, who will return to Albany during the RBFF to premiere her film Summer of Violence with acclaimed actress, director and screenwriter, Nicki Micheaux with whom she collaborated with on the film.
Distribution: Partnerships with streaming platforms to feature the works of filmmakers connected to the festival
For marketing and press directors at major film publications, the Renaissance Black Film Festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to cover a vibrant event that is shaping the future of film in Upstate New York. The festival’s emphasis on diversity, community engagement, and industry development makes it a significant event on the film festival circuit.
For more information about the Renaissance Black Film Festival, including ticket sales, film schedules, and special event announcements, please visit blackfilmfestny.com
