{"id":165958,"date":"2025-08-01T13:51:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-01T17:51:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/?p=165958"},"modified":"2025-08-28T16:01:37","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T20:01:37","slug":"marthas-vineyard-african-american-film-festival-returns-for-23rd-year-with-star-studded-lineup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/marthas-vineyard-african-american-film-festival-returns-for-23rd-year-with-star-studded-lineup\/","title":{"rendered":"Martha\u2019s Vineyard African American Film Festival Returns for 23rd Year with Star-Studded Lineup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>The Martha\u2019s Vineyard African American Film Festival Makes its Return to the Island for the 23rd Year with Luminaries Such as Michelle Obama, Issa Rae, Spike Lee, Mara Brock Akil, Dave Chapelle, Courtney B. Vance, Tracee Ellis Ross, Aldis Hodge and<\/strong> <strong>Jennifer Hudson Set to Attend<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The 23rd Annual Martha\u2019s Vineyard African American Film Festival <\/strong>will take over the quaint town of Oak Bluffs on the island of Martha\u2019s Vineyard from August 1st to August 9th with a long list A-List star power scheduled to appear. The festival continues to grow in popularity, attracting bigger names each year.\u00a0 And this year is no exception with comedian <strong>Dave Chapelle<\/strong> hosting a reception\/fundraiser and screening of his highly anticipated documentary \u201cDave Chapelle: Live In Real Life,\u201d as well as television creator\/producer <strong>Mara Brock Akil<\/strong> (\u201cGirlfriends\u201d) taking the stage for a chat about her Netflix hit \u201cForever,\u201d and <strong>Issa Rae<\/strong> debuting her HBO documentary \u201cSeen &amp; Heard.\u201d <strong>Spike Lee <\/strong>will also make an appearance along with actress <strong>LeChanze <\/strong>debuting scenes from the much talked about film \u201cHighest 2 Lowest\u201d which stars<strong> Denzel Washington<\/strong> and LeChanze<strong>.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-expand=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1 1'%2F%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/2780f6c3-7ed5-2784-294d-998ae9809720-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-165963\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-expand=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1 1'%2F%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1688.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-165965\" style=\"width:341px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also look for a conversation with \u201cBlack-ish\u201d star <strong>Tracee Ellis Ross<\/strong> and a screening of her Roku channel show \u201cSolo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross;\u201das well as a live version of the popular podcast \u201cIMO\u201d (In My Opinion) starring <strong>Michelle Obama<\/strong> and her brother <strong>Craig Robinson <\/strong>interviewing \u201cThe White Lotus\u201d star <strong>Natasha Rothwell<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-expand=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1 1'%2F%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1685-1024x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-165961\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Also making its showing at the festival is the controversial, \u201cA Portrait of the American Dream: Telling the Story of Oak Bluffs,\u201d a short film about the coastal village of Oak Bluffs, a haven for Black vacationers on Martha\u2019s Vineyard, presented by <strong>Ralph Lauren<\/strong>. Celebrating the role of style and self-expression, the panel discussion will feature <strong>Valerie Jarrett<\/strong>, CEO of the Obama Foundation and Director of the Ralph Lauren Board of Directors and long-time Oak Bluffs resident. <strong>Dr. Carla D. Thompson Payton<\/strong>, of the W.K Kellogg Foundation will moderate as the panel discusses the significance of Oak Bluffs and the new Oak Bluffs leisure line from Ralph Lauren Polo.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-expand=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1 1'%2F%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1947-938x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-165962\" style=\"width:464px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>James M. Jeter<\/strong>, Ralph Lauren&#8217;s first Black creative director and a Morehouse alum, has created the Oak Bluffs collection launched this summer, in partnership with Spelman and Morehouse Colleges, to highlight the legacy and rich African American history of the hamlet of Oak Bluffs. Even amid some controversy about the price point, the line has been a huge hit and is completely sold out online.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The 2025 Martha\u2019s Vineyard African American Film Festival will mark the former first lady\u2019s second festival appearance. Mrs. Obama and former president <strong>Barack Obama<\/strong> made a surprise appearance at the festival in 2022 premiering their documentary \u201cDescendants\u201d from their production company Higher Ground.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MVAAFF has always featured big studio films as well as independent releases, short films, documentaries, television shows and industry panel discussions with top filmmakers. Film studios and television networks also descend upon the island hosting receptions, brunches and cocktail events to celebrate their latest releases. Festival co-founders <strong>Floyd Rance<\/strong> and <strong>Stephanie Tavares-Rance<\/strong> of Run&amp;Shoot Filmworks have had faith in their vision for the festival since its launch in 2002, and have enlisted the help of sponsors like ESPN, Google, Netflix, Warner Bros., HBO Max, audible and many more.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hosting the Martha\u2019s eMartha\u2019s Vineyard African American Film Festival in Oak Bluffs has a special significance. The small town was one of only a few places in the country during the Jim Crow era, and even as far back as 1912, that allowed Blacks to vacation, enjoy the beach, rent rooms and even buy vacation homes. It soon became a place where middle class Blacks could vacation comfortably without the pressures of segregation and discrimination. The town has grown to become the vacation haven for Black professionals, artists, and intellectuals. Notable vacationers include: <strong>Martin Luther King, Jr., Langston Hughes, Dorothy West, Madame C.J. Walker, Ethel Waters, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Toni Morrison, Coleson Whitehead, and Spike Lee, <\/strong>to name a few<strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other Highlights at #MVAAFF2025 include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jennifer Hudson<\/strong>, daytime host and EGOT winner will appear and grace the \u201cSpotlight on Excellence\u201d stage presented by Warner Bros discussing her long career.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-expand=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1 1'%2F%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/IMG_1683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-165964\" style=\"width:341px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Actors <strong>Courtney B.Vance<\/strong>, <strong>Keith David<\/strong> and <strong>Lynette Ramirez <\/strong>(President of Bassett Vance Productions) are set to take over the MVAAFF Vineyard Lounge for the panel discussion,\u00a0 The Business of Storytelling: Producing and Direction for Multiple Platforms. This discussion will give viewers an understanding of the content creation process and the delicate balance of maintaining relatability and cultural resonance in a constantly changing landscape.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-expand=\"600\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns%3D'http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg' viewBox%3D'0 0 1 1'%2F%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Vance-Courtney-B_072017_photobyMatthewJordanSmith.tif\" alt=\"\" class=\"lazyload wp-image-165960\" style=\"width:372px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Actor <strong>Aldis Hodge<\/strong> and filmmaker <strong>Andre Gaines<\/strong> will present a screening of the thriller \u201c The Dutchman\u201d based on the play by <strong>Amiri Baraka, <\/strong>also starring<strong> Andr\u00e9 Holland. <\/strong>The film follows a tense encounter between a young Black man, Clay, and a white woman, Lula, on a NYC subway.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Journalist <strong>Soledad O\u2019Brien<\/strong> brings us an early look at her gripping documentary \u201cThe Perfect Neighbor,&#8221; which explores the 2023 killing of <strong>Ajike Owens<\/strong> by her neighbor, <strong>Susan Lorincz<\/strong> in Florida. Using body cam footage, the film examines Stand Your Ground laws and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lynn Whitfield<\/strong> and<strong> Luke James<\/strong> will discuss their Showtime hit television drama, \u201cThe Chi,\u201d which focuses on the interconnected lives of a Chicago South Side community as they navigate life, love, family and often violence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bethann Hardison<\/strong>, history-making former model and agent, hosts a screening and discussion of her documentary film \u201cInvisible Beauty,\u201d investigating the politics of the fashion industry and the decades-long battle for diversity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Musician <strong>Marcus Miller<\/strong> and journalist\/producer <strong>dream hampton<\/strong> lead a discussion and screening of \u201cWe Want the Funk,\u201d a documentary about Funk music. The cast includes commentary from <strong>Questlove, Fred Wesley<\/strong> of the <strong>J.B.\u2019s, Nona Hendrix<\/strong> of <strong>LaBelle, David Byrne <\/strong>of <strong>The Talking Heads, Paul Huston <\/strong>of <strong>Stetsasonic<\/strong> and more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Lil Rel Howry<\/strong> and director<strong> Chazitear<\/strong> host a screening of the dramedy \u201cThe Class Reunion\u201d starring Howry. The film revolves around five former high school classmates accidentally locked in their high school cafeteria during their ten-year reunion. Tensions, secrets and grudges are confronted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Marcus McAllister<\/strong> of McAllister Consultancy will present the documentary \u201cPieces of the Puzzle\u201d which centers around the Community Violence Intervention program &#8211; a movement behind the historic 14% decline in gun violence in 2024.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Co-directors and producers<strong> Riche Holmes Grant<\/strong> and <strong>Evolyn Brooks<\/strong> will debut their documentary short<strong> Good Home Training<\/strong>, celebrating Black women who have raised America and shaped the way we live. Through storytelling, a shared meal, and hands-on baking sessions, the film honors figures like <strong>Malinda Russell<\/strong> \u2013 believed to be the first Black person to self-publish a cookbook \u2013 while connecting her legacy to modern creatives.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Director\/producer duo <strong>Ashley Shant\u00e9 Deese<\/strong> and <strong>Brandon Gerard Deese<\/strong> debuted their documentary <strong>Our Blues Make Us Gold,<\/strong> a moving documentary chronicling the legacy of <strong>North Carolina A&amp;T State University. <\/strong>The filmmakers set out to re-write the narrative around the vibrant history and future of HBCU\u2019s like NCA&amp;T and defend these institutions\u2019 often disparaged legitimacy. With commentary from Michelle Obama, <strong>David Banner<\/strong>, <strong>Kamala Harris<\/strong>, <strong>Rev. Al Sharpton<\/strong> and many more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Old school hip-hop artist <strong>Slick Rick <\/strong>also stops by the festival to debut his film \u201cVictory,\u201d which Rick has said is a \u201cvisual blend of art and heart.\u201d The film stars and is produced by actor and DJ<strong> Idris Elba<\/strong> and stars rappers <strong>Nas<\/strong> and <strong>Giggs<\/strong>, and accompanies Slick Rick\u2019s first album in over 26 years by the same name.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Political star power will also be showing up at MVAAFF with <strong>Rev. Al .Al Sharpton<\/strong> participating in a Fireside Chat with dynamic <strong>Congresswomen Jasmine Crockett<\/strong> and <strong>Ayanna Presley.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out the festival schedule at <a href=\"http:\/\/mvaaff.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mvaaff.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>#MVAAFF2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>#summersfinestfilmfestival<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Martha\u2019s Vineyard African American Film Festival Makes its Return to the Island for the 23rd Year with Luminaries Such as Michelle Obama, Issa Rae, Spike Lee, Mara Brock Akil, Dave Chapelle, Courtney B. Vance, Tracee Ellis Ross, Aldis Hodge and Jennifer Hudson Set to Attend The 23rd Annual Martha\u2019s Vineyard African American Film Festival [&hellip;] <a class=\"g1-link g1-link-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blackfilm.com\/read\/marthas-vineyard-african-american-film-festival-returns-for-23rd-year-with-star-studded-lineup\/\">More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1133,"featured_media":165967,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[145,19,144,16,143],"tags":[],"reaction":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-165958","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-featured","8":"category-features","9":"category-highlighted","10":"category-news","11":"category-read"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v19.7 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ 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