KWANZAA FILM FESTIVAL CORPORATION
About Us
The Kwanzaa Film Festival Corporation is a vibrant and visionary platform dedicated to celebrating the art of storytelling through film, performance, and culture. Rooted in the seven principles of Kwanzaa, this annual festival uplifts and unites communities across New York City and beyond by showcasing powerful cinematic voices and diverse cultural experiences.
Mission and Vision
Mission:
The Kwanzaa Film Festival Corporation is committed to providing an inclusive space where creatives, community members, and culture bearers come together to celebrate film, heritage, and social progress. By offering access to inspiring films, workshops, and performances, we aim to amplify underrepresented voices, foster dialogue, and promote cultural understanding.
Vision:
To establish the Kwanzaa Film Festival as a cornerstone of cultural innovation, education, and celebration—bringing together local and global audiences in honor of African diasporic storytelling. Our vision is to be a guiding light of empowerment, unity, and creativity rooted in cultural legacy and forward-thinking expression.
Key Features
Diverse Programming:
The festival showcases a broad spectrum of films—from independent features and documentaries to animated shorts and youth-made content—reflecting the richness of the African diaspora. Past screenings have included award-winning films, visionary new works, and community-centered narratives that inspire and educate.
Community-Centered Events:
Our programming spans more than just screenings. The festival includes panels, workshops, and networking sessions, engaging audiences of all ages. We host in-person events December 26–30, with virtual programming on December 31 and January 1, making the festival accessible to a global audience.
Borough-Wide Reach:
In addition to our main festival, we lead a Kwanzaa Film Festival Tour across all five boroughs—bringing films, live entertainment, and educational workshops directly into communities. Each stop offers a celebration of art and activism, honoring the principle of Ujima (collective work and responsibility).
Strategic Partnerships:
We collaborate with libraries, cultural centers, universities, and community-based organizations to expand our impact and reach. These partnerships create new pathways for education, artistic growth, and civic participation—especially for emerging creators and youth voices.
Accessibility & Inclusion:
We ensure our events are accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, families, and those from underserved communities. The festival is built on a foundation of inclusivity, reflecting the principles of Umoja (unity) and Nia (purpose).
Impact and Legacy
Since its founding, the Kwanzaa Film Festival Corporation has become a beacon of Black creative expression, drawing audiences, artists, and thought leaders from across the nation. We’ve empowered new filmmakers, preserved cultural stories, and strengthened community bonds through the universal language of film.
In a time when representation and cultural preservation are more important than ever, the Kwanzaa Film Festival Corporation serves as a dynamic reminder of what we can achieve when we uplift each other. Through creativity, community, and purpose, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future.
Join us for the next season of the Kwanzaa Film Festival and experience a cultural journey that enlightens, inspires, and brings us closer—one story at a time.
