Now in its 8th year, the Rhode Island Black Film Festival (April 10–14, 2025) showcases films capturing African-American, Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latino cinema from emerging and established filmmakers. The festival serves as a platform for bringing the medium of film to the community with a series of free screenings in a variety of locations.

Headlining the festival this year are films about Maya Angelou Schools ("Welcome to School"), the impact of water pollution on communities ("Harm in the Water"), and dissolving the stereotypes of aging ("Optics of Aging"). 

As part of the festival, Beyond the Lens Academy partners with Johnson & Wales University to offer high school students the opportunity to spend two days with filmmakers, videographers and more to learn the careers behind the film industry.

In addition to screenings and panel discussions, some selections will be offered virtually following the festival. 

RI Black Film Festival 2025

 

Black Heritage In Providence

From the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society's exhibit on Black entrepreneurs to Stages of Freedom's Museum of African American History, stories of Black excellence and accomplishment are plentiful. Be sure to stop for lunch or dinner at one of Providence's many Black-owned restaurants while you visit the sites on the Early Black History Walking Tour. With a variety of cuisines from Southern soul food to traditional African meals, you're sure to find something you like!

Garden of Journey Mural PVD