The International Black Film Festival (IBFF) is proud to announce its 19th annual festival, taking place Wednesday, October 2 through Sunday, October 6, 2024. This milestone marks nearly two decades of providing access and opportunity to filmmakers from around the globe, amplifying unseen, underrepresented, and unheard voices. IBFF stands as a powerful vehicle for truth-telling and preservation of our stories.

The 5-day festival will feature thought-provoking panels, masterclasses, studio and independent films, red carpets, high-profile guests, and more, all showcasing the convergence of Film, TV, Music, and Technology. The IBFF is a premier event for filmmakers, industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and the entire community, celebrating the best in Black cinema and culture.

The art of storytelling is the footprint that connects our past to our present and inspires the future. If we do not answer the clarion call to create, to dream, to believe, then who will speak for us? In 2024 we celebrate, encourage and inspire those that tell our story.

The history, the triumphs, the struggle…who’s gonna tell’em?

The traditions, the legacy, the culture…who’s gonna tell’em?

The truths, the fabrications…who’s gonna tell’em?

The beauty, the laughter, the love, the hate …who’s gonna tell’em?

This year’s theme “Who’s Gonna Tell Them? Breaking Barriers Through Knowing Your Story” underscores the essential need to look beyond behaviors and thinking that keep us confined in our own respective bubbles. IBFF continues to serve as a vehicle that encourages unfiltered storytelling that breaks through barriers, conveys essential truths and inspires change.

The IBFF is proud to be a part of the expanding arts and entertainment scene in Nashville, Tennessee, which has become a hub for artistry, creativity and cultural expression. As the city continues to grow in popularity, IBFF is honored to be a staple in this vibrant community, and looks forward to continuing its legacy for decades to come.

“We are deeply humbled to have been a part of this journey for 19 years, fostering a platform that not only showcases exceptional filmmaking but also engages our community in meaningful ways,” said Founder Hazel Joyner Smith. “Through our festival, we have built a vibrant family of creatives, top industry professionals, and film enthusiasts, all united by a passion for storytelling through film and TV and a commitment to amplifying marginalized voices.”

Events are held across several venues, including Registration & Box Office, Marquee / High Profile Studio and Indie Films & Special Features, Competition Films and Industry Panels in the R. Milton & Denice Johnson Center at Belmont University; Registration & Box Office, Competition Films, Industry Panels & Special Conversations in Laskey Hall at Scarritt Bennett; and Special Events in the A LOFT Host Hotel. Don’t miss the Pre-Festival Registration & Welcome Mixer, IBFF Awards Ceremony, The She Leads Mix and Mingle, IBFF Opening Night Mixer at Analog, and The Brushstrokes & Black Lens Mixer. IBFF will no longer accept cash via the box office, but will gladly accept debit or credit cards for all purchases. For details and event schedules for the 2024 festival, please go to: www.ibffevents.com.

The International Black Film Festival (IBFF), based in Nashville, TN, opened its doors in the fall of 2006, as a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization. A pioneer in the film festival arena, IBFF is the only African-American established and inspired film festival in the state of Tennessee. IBFF’s mission is to “Encourage culturally accurate depictions of all people in film with special emphasis on providing a forum of access for underserved and unheard voices as well as to showcase the artistically rich creativity and diversity found around the globe.”

Operating as a full service industry marketplace, the festival provides a platform that showcases the work of independent filmmakers from around the globe, with a special focus of those from and in Tennessee; provides access to top film industry leaders and networking opportunities; introduces the latest in technique and technology via workshops, master classes, demonstrations and industry panels; affects economic growth and opportunity for its participants and the State of Tennessee; provides a family friendly event for which all communities can participate; connects and build ongoing relationships in all aspects of the business of film; and partners with and provide quality programming to school systems, colleges, universities and civic organizations across the state. Come experience a truly diverse festival that encourages and fosters growth, education, access and opportunity.