This two-day mini film festival celebrating Black documentary filmmakers returns to Los Angeles this weekend only. DAY OF BLACK DOCS is “a celebration of documentaries that center the Black experience, both behind and in front of the camera.” Guests can enjoy Black documentaries, film screenings, panel discussions, and Q&As with filmmakers.
The film festival is an annual fundraising event for BADWest now going into its 18th year. The Black Association of Documentary Filmmakers West (BADWest) was formed “as a collective of documentary filmmakers of African descendant working and residing on the West Coast.”
🎬Friday Film Events
The DAY OF BLACK DOCS opening reception begins on Friday, May 16, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Four veteran Black filmmakers will participate in an intimate panel discussion and audience Q&A on the topics of Love/Resistance/Power. Plus, clips from the filmmakers’ work will be shown and a reception will follow.
The panel will feature:
- Karen Hayes, director – A Better Way: James Lawson, the Architect of Nonviolence
- Laurens Grant, director – Black in Space: Breaking the Color Barrier,
- Jennifer MacArthur, director- Family Tree
- Adisa Septuri, director – Ifine (beauty)
- Moderated by Krystal Tingle, Award-winning Producer/Director
📽️Saturday Film Events
This year, DAY OF BLACK DOCS explores the vibrant world of music documentaries and deeply personal stories. These narratives echo resilience, determination, and the journey toward self-acceptance. The program also spotlights the transformative power of funk, tracing its lasting influence on genres like new wave and hip-hop.
On Saturday, May 17, DAY OF BLACK DOCS will show three incredible feature length documentaries and a heartwarming short documentary film. The film event will be hosted by award winning writer, director, and producer, Tim Cogshell.
This year’s screenings include:
- We Want the Funk, directed by Stanley Nelson & Nicole London
- Billy Preston: That’s the Way God Planned It, directed by Paris Barclay (LA Festival Premiere)
- It Was All A Dream, directed by dream hampton
- Shepherd’s Calling, directed by Wubetu Shimelash
Plus, there will be delicious food served by Mama Aunties Vegan Goodies and Sybil’s Tacos.
🎟️Ticket Information
Due to limited seating, it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance. Plus, keep in mind that there are no walk-in tickets available. Tickets must be purchased online only. Additionally, tickets must be purchased by Saturday, May 17 at 9:00 am. You can purchase tickets here.
Here are the tickets available for purchase:
- General Admission $25 (all day)
- $18 Per Block
- Reserved Seating $50 (all day seating)
- Night & Day Combo $40 (Friday night panel/Saturday screenings)
DAY OF BLACK DOCS
🗓️ When: May 16 – 17, 2025
📍 Where: American Film Institute (2021 North Western Avenue Los Angeles, CA)