WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 19, 2026) — Howard University is set to become the epicenter of Black film for three days. The 4th Annual HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival (HBCUFLF) returns November 5–7 with STARZ serving as presenting sponsor.
Under this year’s theme, “How to Be the Next,” the three-day festival delivers immersive, hands-on experience that is designed to turn HBCU talent into the next generation of decision-makers in front of, and behind, the camera via screenings, master classes and interactive sessions — that puts students and emerging creators in direct conversation with HBCU alumni actors, filmmakers, producers and industry leaders.
THE AMBASSADORS, THE AWARDS, THE HONOREES
Actors Laya DeLeon Hayes (Doc McStuffins, Why Did I Get Married Again) and DaSan Frazier (Tough Love: Atlanta, Straw) headline the festival as the 2026 I Aspire Ambassadors, hosting the Salute THEM Awards luncheon — where winners of the HBCU First LOOK Challenge, selected from more than 450 entries, will be announced and awarded a collective $8,500 and an internship opportunity.
The luncheon will also celebrate the 2026 I Aspire 25, honoring HBCU alumni across five categories — Visionaries, Changemakers, Storytellers, Filmmakers and Entrepreneurs. Honorees include Michael Strahan, Eva Marcille, Jamila Mustafa, Colby Muhammad Nixon and Tone Bell, among others.
A FAST-GROWING ROSTER OF NOTABLE TALENT
This year’s participants join a notable roster that has grown since the Festival’s 2023 launch. The inaugural Festival honored costume design legend Ruth E. Carter, who appeared in conversation with casting director Kim Taylor-Coleman in partnership with the Academy’s Visiting Artist Series, as well as TV One founder Cathy Hughes.
In 2024, the Festival welcomed Naturi Naughton, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, David E. Talbert and keynote speaker Keshia Knight Pulliam. The 2025 Festival featured Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who received the inaugural Global Impact Award at the Salute THEM Awards and was recognized by Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. He was joined by Lynn Whitfield, Creative Ambassador Marsai Martin, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Kenny Lattimore, with J. Alphonse Nicholson, Lauren E. Banks, LaRoyce Hawkins and Datari Turner among the talent participating in programming on Howard’s campus.
Each year has brought a new group of acclaimed Black filmmakers, actors, creators and cultural leaders to HBCU First LOOK, expanding the Festival’s profile as a platform celebrating HBCU talent and achievement.
HBCU First LOOK’s growing roster of entertainment, media and brand partners is central to its professional-development mission — building a real pipeline of HBCU talent through direct industry access, mentorship and career-building opportunity. The Festival continues to expand its reach through its Tubi FAST channel, launched in 2025 in partnership with Filmhub.
STARZ will present a panel featuring stars from the critically acclaimed and award-winning drama “P-Valley,” which brings the vibrant, complex stories of the Mississippi Delta to life through its bold characters and distinctive storytelling. Panelists will include series stars Nicco Annan (“Uncle Clifford”) and Shannon Thornton (“Keyshawn”).”
PROGRAMMING HIGHLIGHTS
As one of the founding sponsors of the Festival, ANDSCAPE will celebrate its 10th anniversary, highlighting a decade of powerful storytelling at the intersection of sports and culture. The celebration will feature a special Clips & Conversations tribute with award-winning producers, Sheila Matthews and Jesse Washington, showcasing memorable stories and ANDSCAPE’s cultural impact.
The 2026 lineup brings serious firepower to campus: producer Autumn Bailey-Ford examines the increasingly global nature of film production; actress and filmmaker Nicki Micheaux leads a master class on the rise of vertical storytelling; and Grammy Award-winning producers Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Broadway star Myles Frost unpack the relationship between music, TV, film & stage.
Creator-focused sessions feature Alexis Powell, creator of The Jennifer Hudson Show’s viral Spirit Tunnel; Howard University alumnae and content creators Jade & Jadah; media personality Jamila Mustafa; and independent filmmakers and producers the Burke Brothers (FAMU & Albany State) as well as actress and I Aspire 25 honoree Kennedi Reece — who stars in Netflix’s upcoming A Different World reboot — joins a leading-lady panel.
New this year, AspireTV hosts a Clips & Conversation spotlighting its expansion into original scripted programming with Savannah State of Mind, an HBCU-set comedy from producer Bentley Kyle Evans that follows first-year students navigating college life.
BUILT BY STUDENTS, FOR STUDENTS
“HBCU First LOOK was created to build a pipeline that turns exposure into experience,” said Sheila Eldridge, founder of the HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival. “This year, 12 Howard University students are helping produce the festival, lending a direct voice to programming and interactive elements presented. It’s truly produced by students, for students — giving them a seat at the table and an active role in bringing the festival to life.”
CAREER & WELLNESS MEETS INDUSTRY ACCESS
STARZ, AspireTV & Black Girl Vitamins will host the Fuel Your Future Lounge, a two-day wellness and career activation centered on the physical well-being and personal career development shadowing onsite production crews. The highly popular red-carpet readiness experience will return with attendees receiving professional headshots and tips on perfecting their elevator pitch.
Additional partners include Storytellers Lab, Café Mocha Network, the Howard University Radio Network and the D.C. Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) and HBCUgo.tv.
EVENT DETAILS
The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival takes place at the Armour J. Blackburn University Center at Howard University, 2397 6th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
For registration, programming updates, media coverage and additional information, visit www.hbcufirstlook.com or email info@firstlookfilm.com.Follow along on all platforms @HBCUfirstlook | #hbcufirstlook #ElevateFilmmakers #BeTheNext
About HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival
Founded by Howard University alumna Sheila Eldridge, the HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival inspires a new generation of diverse talent and storytellers in film, television and broadcasting. The festival provides a platform for emerging creators to showcase their work, connect with executives and build a pipeline of career opportunities while celebrating Black filmmakers rooted in the HBCU culture. Past sponsors and media partners include iHeartMedia – Black Information Network, HBCYOU, Andscape, NBC, ESPN, TVOne, Oxygen True Crime, Howard University Television + Film, Howard University Television (WHUT), Howard University Radio Network, SiriusXM and the Cafe Mocha Radio Network.
About STARZ
STARZ (NASDAQ: STRZ) is the leading premium entertainment destination for women and underrepresented audiences, and home to some of the most popular franchises and series on television. STARZ offers a robust programming mix for discerning adult audiences, including boundary-breaking originals and an expansive lineup of blockbuster movies, and is embodied by its brand positioning “We’re All Adults Here.” Complementary to any platform or service, STARZ is available across a wide range of digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors and is a bundling partner of choice. STARZ is powered by an industry-leading advanced technology, data analytics and digital infrastructure and the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app.
About ANDSCAPE
Andscape is a content studio that explores the depth of Black identity through its power in sports and culture. Magnified by the power and reach of The Walt Disney Company, the Andscape umbrella includes daily journalism, film, television, book publishing and music.
About aspireTV
AspireTV is the television network that celebrates and reflects Black culture, life and style in a way that is inspiring, authentic and entertaining. AspireTV+ is a subscription streaming service for Black culture and urban lifestyle entertainment. For more information, visit www.aspire.tv, facebook.com/AspireTV, @TVaspire on YouTube, Instagram and X. UP Entertainment is the home for uplifting entertainment for passionate and diverse audiences across the leading cable, satellite and streaming platforms. In addition to aspireTV and aspireTV+, brands under the UP Entertainment umbrella include UP Faith & Family, UPtv, GaitherTV+ and Cine Romántico. |
