Documentary Features
A competitive section of non-fiction feature-length films directed by or about persons of African descent. Selected films compete for the Grand Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Cycles of Resilience: A Journey Through Austin’s Black History
USA | 56 min | WORLD PREMIERE
On Black History Bike Ride’s 6th annual Juneteenth Ride, led by Talib Abdullahi, hundreds of cyclists bike together to learn under-told stories of Black history in Austin, Texas.
Director: Ya’Ke Smith | Writers: Talib Abdullahi, Dan Hirons | Producers: Lauren Vunderink, Talib Abdullahi | Cast: Talib Abdullahi
TRESPASS
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USA | 1h 3 min
Blending his poetic narration with arresting cinematography and street photography, Kim Watson’s documentary TRESPASS captures five years inside Los Angeles’ unhoused communities—revealing the resilience, dignity, and humanity of those forced to the margins of the American Dream.
Director: Kim Watson | Writers: Kim Watson | Producers: Salim Akil, Natalie Hill, Kim Watson, Tasha Smith
The Foolishness of God: A Forgiveness Journey with Desmond Tutu
USA | 1h 52 min | WORLD PREMIERE
An African American activist travels across continents with Desmond Tutu to confront the limits of justice and discovers that the path to political and personal change begins with an unexpected plea: forgive.
Director: Karen Hayes | Writers: Karen Hayes | Producers: Karen Hayes, Rana Kazkaz | Cast: Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Karen Hayes
Beyond
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USA | 1h 29 min
At Sing Sing prison, a group of incarcerated men organize and prepare for a TED-style event, featuring personal narratives and ideas for changing the prison system.
Directors: Asia Johnson, Michael Kleiman | Producers: Asia Johnson, Michael Kleiman | Cast: Robert Clegg, Paul Cortez, Paul Davidson, Etzer Estiverne, Michael Tineo, Salahuddin Townsely, Raymond Wallace
Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story
USA/UK | 1h 38 min
The story of Kwame Brathwaite, the virtually unknown Harlem photographer and activist who helped popularize the iconic “Black is Beautiful” movement across a 60-year, 500,000-photo career devoted to celebrating African American joy and beauty.
Director: Yemi Bamiro | Writers: Otto Burnham & Yemi Bamiro | Producers: Joanna Boateng, Lizzie Gillett, Ian Bonhôte, Andrew Calof | Cast: Kwame S. Brathwaite, Robynn Brathwaite, Sikolo Brathwaite, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Gabrielle Union, Jesse Williams, Tyler Mitchell
ALTADENA – Rising From The Ashes
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USA | 1h 12 min | WORLD PREMIERE
After the Eaton Fire reduces Altadena, CA—a historically Black town and California’s first Black middle-class community—to ash, three childhood friends confront loss, legacy, and lead their community’s fight to rebuild.
Director: Ethan Lader | Producers: Ethan Lader, Zaire Calvin, Samantha Stokes | Cast: Zaire Calvin, Ben Crump, Darren Lloyd, Elic Mahone