Charlotte Black Film Festival 2026 Schedule
Official Selection Laurel

Charlotte Black Film Festival 2026

Official Film Schedule | June 5–6, 2026 | Ayrsley Grand Cinema

Friday, June 5, 2026

Venue: Ayrsley Grand Cinema | 9110 Kings Parade Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273

Theater 1: Main Stage

Youth Day10:00 AM

Teaching America and Panel Discussion

Panel / Youth Day Program

A youth-focused opening program and discussion designed to educate, inspire, and connect students through film and civic storytelling.

Panel
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Block 1: Pure Passion (Youth)11:30 AM
The Sight Unseen
Poster Coming Soon

The Sight Unseen

Runtime: 40m

Category: Documentary, Experimental, Short, Student

A visually driven youth-centered narrative exploring hidden perspectives, emotional truth, and the power of perception.

Director: Shawn Antoine II
Producer: Shawn Antoine II, Korstiaan Vandiver, Sultan Ali Jr., Tim Mendonca
Writer: Shawn Antoine II, Sharon Wilson-Antoine
Cast: Jared Kemp, Sharon Wilson-Antoine, Sean Gullette, Sherrell Johnson, Lathan Ava, Mister Fitzgerald, D. Malik Beckford, J Nycole Ralph, Chris Alec Stevens, J.P. Darang, Aaliyah Benson, James Skylar Bailey, Thierno Diallo, Myles Walker, Christopher Portley, Derrick Ansah, Julian Mazzola, Ricardo Wilkinson, Steven Rada
Trailer
Magnificent Macie!
Poster Coming Soon

Magnificent Macie!

Runtime: 11m

Category: Animation, Web / New Media

A vibrant youth adventure where Macie travels through magical portals spreading kindness and hope.

Director: Charlene Goddard, Britney Goddard
Producer: Charlene Goddard, Britney Goddard
Writer: Charlene Goddard
Cast: Charlene Goddard, Skye Gould
Trailer
boxboy Jr.
Poster Coming Soon

boxboy Jr.

Runtime: 2m

Category: Animation, Short

A creative animated short following a cardboard hero through imaginative adventures.

Director: Alex Lanier
Producer: Alex Lanier
Writer: Alex Lanier
Cast: TBA
Trailer
Cogito, ergo sum
Poster Coming Soon

Cogito, ergo sum

Runtime: 6m

Category: Animation, Documentary, Student

An artistic exploration of identity, existence, and self-awareness.

Director: AHMED TAHSIN SHAMS
Producer: AHMED TAHSIN SHAMS
Writer: AHMED TAHSIN SHAMS
Cast: Malcolm Mobutu Smith
Trailer
Stewards
Poster Coming Soon

Stewards

Runtime: 11m

Category: Documentary, Short

A thoughtful short film about responsibility, leadership, and caring for community.

Director: Leticia Tuset
Producer: Leticia Tuset
Writer: Leticia Tuset, J'Sha Gift
Cast: TBA
Trailer Coming Soon
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Block 3: Hope & Web2:00 PM
Halfway House Series
Poster Coming Soon

Halfway House Series

Runtime: 27m

Category: Television

A web series chronicling redemption, second chances, and life inside transitional housing.

Director: Marc Cayce
Producer: Shacola LaShaye Thompson, Carole Copeland
Writer: Marc Cayce
Cast: Sticky Fingaz, Jermaine Maino Coleman, Patrick Faucette, Damion Hall, Gary A. Sturgis, Dennis L.A. White
Trailer
A Song for Nia
Poster Coming Soon

A Song for Nia

Runtime: 35m

Category: Short, Web / New Media

A heartfelt story about healing, love, and personal resilience.

Director: Eboni Zamani
Producer: EBoni Zamani, Amina Ogboro
Writer: Eboni Zamani
Cast: Tasha N Holmes
Trailer
Shades of Us
Poster Coming Soon

Shades of Us

Runtime: 21m

Category: Short, Other

A modern exploration of identity, race, and relationships through digital culture.

Director: CJ Murr
Producer: CJ Murr, Shawn E Jackson, Alejandro Garcia, Karim Singleton
Writer: CJ Murr
Cast: Jonathan c James, Donna April, Joseph Adu, Tavis Foster, Tom Peck, Abdullah Al-Amin, Megan Massaro, Soren Peterson
Trailer Coming Soon
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Respect My Crown3:30 PM
Respect My Crown
Poster Coming Soon

Respect My Crown

Runtime: 1h 26m

Category: Documentary

A powerful documentary highlighting the rise and impact of African American women in California politics.

Director: Pamela Bright-Moon
Producer: Alisa Bass-Covington, Pamela Bright-Moon
Writer: Jocelyn Y. Stewart, Alisa Bass Covington, Pamela Bright-Moon
Cast: Charisse Bremond-Weaver, Yvonne Wheeler, Alice Harris, Faith Culbreath, Hon. Diane E. Watson, Hon. Laura Richardson, Celestine Palmer, Joy Atkinson, Hon. Emma Shariff, Hon. Jan Perry, Hon. Tasha Cerda, Genethia Hudley Hayes, Hon. Sydney Kamlager, Hon. Holly J. Mitchell, Areva Martin, Avis Ridley-Thomas, Hon. Tina McKinnor, Hon. Deborah Robertson, Hon. Acquanetta Warren, Kellie Todd Griffin, Hon. Diana Becton, Brenda Harbin-Forte, Amelia Ashley-Ward, Julianne Malveaux, Hon. Yvonne Braithwaite Burke, Hon. Karen Bass, Hon. Mia Bonta, Hon. Racquel Vasquez, Hon. Shirley Weber, Hon. Jackie Lacey, Hon. Lori Wilson, Hon. Heather Hutt, Hon. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Hon. Barbara Lee, Dr. Donna Nicol
Trailer
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Block 8: Resilience & Action6:00 PM
Rise of the Legion
Poster Coming Soon

Rise of the Legion

Runtime: 60m

Category: Documentary, Feature

An action-driven story about resistance, strength, and fighting for survival.

Director: Adrian S Woodard Sr, Adrian S Woodard II
Producer: April Woodard, Adrian S Woodard Sr, Adrian S Woodard II
Writer: Adrian S Woodard Sr, April Woodard
Cast: April Woodard, Jawn Murray, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Dawnn Lewis, Kirk Franklin, Larry Blackmon Jr, Tim Reid, Dr. Cassandra Newby Alexander, Phil Thornton, William Bethea, Rogers Brown, Anthony “Tony” Anderson, Jaicelyn Spann, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, Timbaland, Jay Pharoah, Sheryl Lee Ralph
Trailer
Way of War
Poster Coming Soon

Way of War

Runtime: 13m

Category: Short

A gripping short examining discipline, conflict, and sacrifice.

Director: Tyla Barnes, Joshaun Anderson
Producer: Joshaun Anderson, Osinor Kakhu
Writer: Osinor Kakhu, Stefan Liner
Cast: Osinor Kakhu, NaSwana Moon, Torri Tillman, Symone Porter
Trailer
Gallo
Poster Coming Soon

Gallo

Runtime: 13m

Category: Short

A bold comedic short full of energy and unforgettable characters.

Director: Anthony Gholson, Azzie Scott
Producer: tyquan Gholson, Dashawn Cooper, Anthony Gholson, Azzie Scott
Writer: Anthony Gholson
Cast: Anissa Mayhew, Carma Anderson, Moises White, Saidah l. Dunston, Anthony Coleman, Darren Gholson, tyquan Gholson
Trailer Coming Soon
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Film & Relationships Conversation7:30 PM

Live Interactive Special Event

Conversation

Come and share the film that matches your past, present, and future relationship.

Event
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Block 13: Radiant Joy8:45 PM
Furious and Fat Cat
Poster Coming Soon

Furious and Fat Cat

Runtime: 22m

Category: Animation, Television, Web / New Media

An animated comedy adventure filled with humor, friendship, and excitement.

Director: Kevin L Reeves, Pierre Sutton Jr
Producer: Kevin L Reeves, Pierre Sutton Jr.
Writer: Kevin L Reeves, Pierre Sutton Jr.
Cast: Kevin L Reeves, Pierre Sutton Jr, O'Neil Cespdes, Ashford J Thomas, Michael O'Hagan, Leah Reynolds
Trailer
KARLTON'S WORLD
Poster Coming Soon

KARLTON'S WORLD

Runtime: 5m

Category: Animation, Television, Web / New Media

A colorful animated short series centered on imagination and youth storytelling.

Director: Karlton T. Clay
Producer: Karlton T. Clay, Josh Abrams
Writer: Karlton T. Clay
Cast: Karlton T. Clay, Kevin J. Stone, Shantelle Wheeler, Destin Freeman, Caranita "Bird" Harrelson, Kente Scott, Rodney "Slim" LaPrade, LaTangela, Gavin Houston, Jarrett Ledger, Ash Williams, Kyler Clay, Kimberly Scott, Peyton Clay, Ashley Dante Scott, III
Trailer
MerryGo
Poster Coming Soon

MerryGo

Runtime: 4m

Category: Music Video, Short

A poetic visual short exploring rhythm and emotional movement.

Director: John Laww
Producer: Irene Hui, John Laww
Writer: TBA
Cast: Jessica Monroe, Defacto Thezpian, Rob Foster
Trailer
JULES
Poster Coming Soon

JULES

Runtime: 20m

Category: Short

A dramatic narrative exploring identity, transformation, and self-discovery.

Director: Tiffany M Abney
Producer: Tiffany Abney
Writer: Tiffany M Abney, Emalie Moniz
Cast: Renelle Nicole, Mike Merrill, Eric C. Lynch
Trailer
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Theater 2: Education & AI

Block 2: Reality & Truth11:45 AM
Echoes of Smoke
Poster Coming Soon

Echoes of Smoke

Runtime: 18m

A documentary uncovering the displacement and erasure of the historic Smokey Hollow community.

Director: Raniah Michelle Braclet
Producer: Morgan Ashlie Hutchinson
Writer: TBA
Cast: Mary Mitchell, Althemese Barnes, Aron Myers
Trailer Coming Soon
Through the Years
Poster Coming Soon

Through the Years

Runtime: 34m

Category: Documentary, Short

A historical reflection on Black legacy, leadership, and brotherhood.

Director: Nicole Carr
Producer: Tolly Carr, Nicole Carr
Writer: Nicole Carr
Cast: Erma Jean Thomas, Gloria Patterson, Mary Joyce Flournoy, Marilyn Arrington, Cathy Hope, Elsie Morris, Janet Payne, Bonnie Gissendaner, Patricianne Hurd
Trailer Coming Soon
1,2,3, F.O.U.N.T.!
Poster Coming Soon

1,2,3, F.O.U.N.T.!

Runtime: 30m

Category: Experimental

A timely discussion on navigating cancel culture through wisdom and accountability.

Director: Nechael Beaugelin
Producer: Dame Dash, Chris Emrich
Writer: Dr. D-Nice Beaugelin
Cast: Phoenix Bell, Eevah Joseph, Darius Williams, Zdenn Beaugelin, Michaelle Mason
Trailer
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Master Class: AI in Film2:15 PM

AI in Film: Interactive Session

Master Class

Industry leaders discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping filmmaking, editing, and storytelling.

Event
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Block 10: Heritage & History3:45 PM
Tobacco Road
Poster Coming Soon

Tobacco Road

Runtime: 19m

Category: Short, Student

A cultural and historical reflection rooted in Southern Black history.

Director: Kiara Danae Mangum
Producer: Sea Mahsati, Aiyana McRae
Writer: Kiara Danae Mangum
Cast: Debrinja Watts, Detron Phillips
Trailer
Brothers in Blood (Vietnam)
Poster Coming Soon

Brothers in Blood (Vietnam)

Documentary

Category: Documentary

A moving documentary honoring Black veterans and their Vietnam War experiences.

Director: Joseph Puleo
Producer: Joseph Puleo, Vis Brown
Writer: TBA
Cast: Gerald Early
Trailer
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Block 11: Healing & Drama6:15 PM
Faith of The Dreamer
Poster Coming Soon

Faith of The Dreamer

Runtime: 51m

Category: Documentary, Feature

One woman’s journey through racial trauma, healing, and empowerment.

Director: Khary Payton
Producer: Megan Shannon DeFranza
Writer: TBA
Cast: TBA
Trailer
Skipping A Beat
Poster Coming Soon

Skipping A Beat

Runtime: 20m

Category: Short

An emotional short about timing, vulnerability, and human connection.

Director: Jimmie Lee Ward Jr
Producer: Taunya Lynnette Sills, Kelley Kai Jae Smith
Writer: Taunya Lynnette Sills
Cast: Amber Moore, Latisha Harrison, Denascia Salley
Trailer
Humble in the Jungle
Poster Coming Soon

Humble in the Jungle

Runtime: 1h 16m

Category: Documentary

A dramatic feature film exploring survival, identity, and transformation.

Director: Ricky Kelly
Producer: Cherie Kelly, Micheal Galinsky, Suki Galinsky, Kool DJ Red Alert
Writer: Ricky Kelly
Cast: Mike Small
Trailer
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Block 7: Harmony Frame8:45 PM
A New Day Begun
Poster Coming Soon

A New Day Begun

Category: Documentary, Short

A documentary examining the history and cultural impact of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Director: Keith Michael Brown
Producer: Keith Michael Brown, Carol Johnson-Green, Robert Pini
Writer: TBA
Cast: Kim Westin, Imani Perry, Tiffany Cross, Ed Gordon
Trailer
Against the Current
Poster Coming Soon

Against the Current

Category: Documentary, Short

An inspiring story of perseverance against overwhelming odds.

Director: Joshua Jackson
Producer: Asif Wilson
Writer: Joshua Jackson, Asif Wilson
Cast: Irene Robinson, Don Patton, Billy "Che" Brooks, Abdul Alkalimat, Mikala Stokes, Dawn Anderson
Trailer
Deadly Type
Poster Coming Soon

Deadly Type

Category: Feature

A suspenseful narrative thriller filled with tension and emotional stakes.

Director: Mike Berry
Producer: Tina Hobbs
Writer: Mike Berry
Cast: Mark Taylor, Erica Hubbard, Omar Gooding, Sarah Alaina
Trailer
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Theater 3: Industry & Intl.

Youth Pitch Me! Theater 112:00 PM

Student Live Competition

Young creators pitch film and media ideas live before judges and festival guests.

Event
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Block 9: Courage & WorldFriday 2:00 PM
Joseph and Simeon
Poster Coming Soon

Joseph and Simeon

Runtime: 63m

Category: Feature

A moving story about faith, family, and perseverance.

Director: Ruphin Kalala
Producer: Congo Rising
Writer: Margaret Blair Young
Cast: Teddy Kabeya Kabeya, José Max Ntambwe
Trailer
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Block 12: Borderless Love3:30 PM
Agent of Justice
Poster Coming Soon

Agent of Justice

Runtime: 43m

An international story of justice, conflict, and purpose.

Director: Micah Senga
Producer: Micah Senga, Joseph Pelendo
Writer: Micah Senga
Cast: Stratiote Sisi, Albert Muka, Jérémie Mavambu, Tehila Vin's, Peter Kitoko, Stéphie Mvuama, Mboa Walker, Bebukya Muhindo
Trailer Coming Soon
Sisters in Destiny
Poster Coming Soon

Sisters in Destiny

Runtime: 53m

Category: Documentary

Angela Davis and Gerty Archimède are explored through a powerful lens of history and solidarity.

Director: PASCAL FREDERIC ARCHIMEDE, DIMITRY ZANDRONIS
Producer: DIMITRY ZANDRONIS, BAPTISTE BRUNNER
Writer: PASCAL FREDERIC ARCHIMEDE, DIMITRY ZANDRONIS
Cast: TBA
Trailer
Battle of Henry Johnson
Poster Coming Soon

Battle of Henry Johnson

Category: Feature

The heroic true story of one of America’s greatest wartime soldiers.

Director: Harrison Stengle
Producer: Harrison Stengle
Writer: Harrison Stengle
Cast: Alfred Abu JR.
Trailer
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Panels, Competitions, Master Classes & Special Events

Panels

  • Friday, June 5 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Teaching America and Panel Discussion — Theater 1
    Reset: 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Friday, June 5 | 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM: Film & Panel Discussion: Minority Women in Politics — Theater 1
    Reset: 4:15 PM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday, June 6 | 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Black Midwives Justice Panel Discussion — Theater 1
    Reset: 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Saturday, June 6 | 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: Social Justice Panel Discussion — Theater 1
    Reset: 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
  • Saturday, June 6 | 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM: Panel Discussion Continued — Theater 1
    Reset: 3:15 PM – 3:30 PM

Competitions

  • Friday, June 5 | 12:00 PM: Youth Pitch Me! — Theater 3
  • Saturday, June 6 | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: PITCH Me Competition — Theater 3
  • Saturday, June 6 | 12:00 PM: PitchME — Theater 3
  • Saturday, June 6 | 2:30 PM: Actor Idol Youth & Adults Competition — Theater 3

Master Classes

  • Friday, June 5 | 2:15 PM: AI in Film — Theater 2
  • Saturday, June 6 | 2:30 PM: Distribution: Hulu, Netflix & Beyond — Theater 2

Awards Shows

  • Saturday, June 6 | 7:30 PM – 9:45 PM: Red Carpet Vision Awards — Theater 1
    Theater closes at 10:00 PM

Networking / Special Events

  • Friday, June 5 | 7:30 PM: Film & Relationships Conversation — Theater 1
  • Saturday, June 6 | 4:30 PM: Feature Film Encore — Hoop Street — Theater 2

Disclaimer: The Charlotte Black Film Festival reserves the right to modify the schedule, including film blocks, start times, and theater locations, without prior notice. While every effort is made to maintain the programmed times, changes may occur due to technical requirements or unexpected circumstances. Please check the official festival website or mobile app for the most up-to-date information during the event.