The Denton Black Film Festival recently unveiled its 2025 festival lineup, including an array of in-person and virtual experiences.
The in-person festival will run from January 22-26, 2025, with virtual programming extending through February 2, 2025. Festival passes and individual tickets are now available for this nationally acclaimed cultural event.
“We’re thrilled about this year’s festival,” said Harry Eaddy, executive director of the DBFF Institute and film festival. “Our packed program offers something for everyone—whether you’re a filmmaker, a film enthusiast, or simply someone seeking an unforgettable cultural experience.”
This year’s theme, “Resilience,” highlights the strength and determination that define us all. Through powerful storytelling, DBFF celebrates the moments of perseverance and triumph that inspire personal and collective growth.
A Community Effort
This year, DBFF’s sponsors and grantors include the City of Denton, Panavision, and NBC 5, marking a significant milestone as DBFF celebrates over a decade of amplifying diverse voices. Additional support comes from esteemed partners, including the Texas Commission on the Arts, Meow Wolf, and Charles Schwab Bank.
2025 Festival Highlights
- Opening Night: The festival opens with the landmark film, The Spook Who Sat by the Door (1973), directed by Ivan Dixon and based on the novel by Sam Greenlee. Recently restored in stunning 4K by the Library of Congress and The Film Foundation with funding provided by the Hobson/Lucas Family Foundation. this culturally significant film will be screened:
- Thursday, January 23: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Denton, TX
- Friday, January 24: Texas Theatre, Dallas, TX
Following both screenings, there will be a special Q&A featuring Doris Nomathandé Dixon and Natiki Hope Pressley, daughters of Ivan Dixon and Sam Greenlee.
- Festival Programming: The 2025 DBFF will showcase 73 films, a New Texas Short Screenplay Competition with Award Sponsors- Austin Film Festival, Final Draft and Coverfly, featuring live reads. There also will be two art exhibits, spoken word performances, comedy, music, and a youth gaming competition. Workshops and panels will cover various topics, including storytelling, virtual production, budgeting for Indie films, and much more. This year’s Social Justice Panel and Films on Human Trafficking addresses this urgent form of modern-day slavery.
- Closing Night: We invite you to an unforgettable musical experience with the multi-talented Frank McComb, joined by special guest Audra Scott.
- How to Attend
The festival offers a range of passes to fit every interest:
- VIP All Experience Pass: Access to all festival events (excluding workshops and panels with additional fees).
- Film Only Experience Pass: Access to all in-person and virtual film screenings.
- Virtual Only Experience Pass: Access to all virtual film screenings and events (excludes geographically restricted or capped films).
- Five Block Film Pass: Choose five individual in-person or virtual film screening blocks (restrictions apply).
Passes and tickets are available at discounted presale prices.
Visit DentonBFF.com to explore options and secure your spot.
Stay Connected
Follow DBFF for updates on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and YouTube, and visit DentonBFF.com for the latest news, the full schedule, and ticket details.
About the Denton Black Film Festival
The Denton Black Film Festival is an annual celebration of storytelling and Black culture, showcasing the works of emerging filmmakers, creatives, musicians, artists, and spoken word poets. Held each January in Denton, Texas, the festival draws thousands of attendees, offering a vibrant exploration of diverse narratives through film and other art forms.
