Now in its 9th year, the Rhode Island Black Film Festival (April 16–19, 2026) 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 the ties between Cape Verdean immigrants and the cranberry industry in southern Massachusetts ("Cape Verdean Cranberry: The Fernandes Family Story"), 55 years of sisterhood, service and social action by the Providence Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. ("Through Her Eyes: The Evolution of Providence Alumnae"), and the first African-American to be nominated for an Oscar ("The Dichotomy of Hattie McDaniel"). 

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. 

Rhode Island Black Film Festival 2026

 

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