Festival Highlights

Opening Night Ceremony

Join us for a kick-off to the festival with live performances and more on Friday, February 3 at 7pm! This in-person only event will be held at the Hollywood Theatre.  Please visit their website to learn more about Hollywood’s COVID-19 protocols.

Centerpiece Weekend

Centerpiece Weekend takes place on February 17–18 featuring two very special films. Juwaa will screening in-person at Hollywood Theatre and online on Friday, February 17 at 7pm, which will be followed by a performance from local emcees. The second centerpiece film, Neptune Frost will be screening in-person only at Moriarty Auditorium/PCC on February 18 at 7pm.  Learn more about PCC COVID-19 health and safety procedures.

Family Fest

On Saturday, Feb 11th at 2pm please join the North Portland Library’s Black Cultural Library Advocates after the film for a creative family activity. THE BOY WHO HARNESSED THE WIND is based on real events, the film tells the story of William Kamkwamba, a 13-year-old boy living in a small village in Malawi who has a talent for fixing radios and making things out of electronic parts. The library will provide free copies of the book after the film and will co-host STEAM activities along with Jefferson High School students.

Life and Times Documentaries

This year’s documentaries share personal stories of triumph, love, perseverance, and ingenuity. As you navigate our selected documentaries, you will learn about the unique perspectives of students in Central African Republic, a gay couple Kenya, an international superstar musician, and the daughter of Africa’s newest nation. Throughout these five films, we celebrate the resilience of African and Pan-African people and the ways we honor the personal journey.

Closing Night Celebration

A special closing night of festivities, featuring Ghanaian director Nana Mensah’s film Queen of Glory with screening options both virtual and in-person.  Women’s Filmmakers Week Panel hosted by former CFAF Director Tracy Francis, concludes the annual festivities at 7 p.m. Mar. 4 at the Moriarty Auditorium. We will announce this year’s Audience Award winner based on your votes.

After-film Q&A sessions

Join us for live, online Q&A sessions with film directors and other experts. The Q&A’s will be after evening films on Thursdays through Saturdays throughout the festival.

All after-film discussions will be recorded and uploaded to our YouTube channel for later viewing if you miss one.

Let’s Discuss! Community Conversations

Join us for casual conversations about the week’s films through Zoom rooms. Also accessible by phone. Mondays at 7pm throughout the festival.

Register to participate in Community Chats »

 

African In-Person and Virtual Marketplace and Restaurant Guide

Our in-person market place has returned! Support our local vendors during the in-person screening at PCC Moriarty Auditorium or by visiting and shopping at our virtual marketplace and restaurant guide! throughout the festival.

Dinner and a Movie

Check out our African and Black-owned restaurant guide, available throughout the festival, to find great take-out options to enjoy at home or before the screening of your film!