Funder Gathering at the BlackStar Film Festival

MIF is honored to partner with the BlackStar Film Festival—celebrating Black, Brown, and Indigenous filmmaking—to host an exclusive gathering for funders working at the intersection of media and arts on Wednesday, July 30 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Fitler Club in Philadelphia.

Rooted in BlackStar’s themes of creativity, equity, and collaboration, this funder gathering will offer a thoughtful blend of engaging programming and time for networking in a relaxed atmosphere. Our goal is to create an environment that fosters connection, inspires ideas and opens pathways for partnerships. We hope to see you there!

We also encourage you to explore BlackStar’s full festival schedule and grab an all-access pass to experience everything the festival has to offer.

Program at a Glance

Part I: Centering Equity at the Intersection of Art and Storytelling

In this conversation, we’ll hear from two leaders whose work exemplifies the intersection of the arts and justice. Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Louis Massiah, whose new film about writer, activist and cultural worker Toni Cade Bambara opens this year’s BlackStar Film Festival, will reflect on the role of storytelling in advancing equity, and the power of narrative to transform communities.

We’ll also hear from Robert Smith III—Senior Program Officer for Thriving Cultures at the Surdna Foundation and a board member of Grantmakers in the Arts. Robert, a steadfast advocate for justice at the intersection of arts and media, whose own philosophy is shaped in part by Bambara’s vision of art as a tool for liberation, will share how funders can remain accountable to the communities they serve and principled amid political and social uncertainty. Louis and Robert will offer insights on how artists and funders can work in concert to sustain cultural practices that confront injustice and imagine more equitable futures.

Part II: BlackStar’s Community-Centered Approach to Festival Programming

The Blackstar Film Festival takes a unique and intentional approach to programming its festival, focusing on the community’s voice and the lived experiences of those telling the stories. Through dialogue with BlackStar Film Festival Director Nehad Khader and Lyse Ishimwe Nsengiyumva, a programmer, we’ll learn about the festival’s commitment to amplifying voices from underrepresented communities, and how their approach to programming continues to influence the landscape of film festivals today.

Part III: Funder Priority Share

We’ll switch gears to hear from you. This is your time to share your work, your priorities, and anything else that’s top of mind for you.