Austin Film Society Hosts Third Annual Pan African Film Festival: A Celebration of Black Cinema and Storytelling
The Austin Film Society (AFS) will proudly present the third annual Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) in Texas July 31 to August 3, 2025. This exciting collaboration brings a curated selection of feature-length films and shorts from the Los Angeles-based festival to Austin, showcasing powerful narratives that resonate with audiences. The festival will also include engaging panel discussions focused on immigration and impactful storytelling, making it a must-attend event for film enthusiasts and community members alike.
The Pan African Film and Arts Festival is renowned for its commitment to celebrating the artistic contributions of the African diaspora. As the largest Black film and arts festival in the United States, PAFF serves as a vital platform for creatives to share their work and connect with audiences. This year, AFS will host a selection of films that premiered at the February 2025 PAFF, alongside special invitation titles that are making their Texas debut.
Opening Night and Notable Films
The festival will kick off with the opening-night film, Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, directed by Elegance Bratton, known for his acclaimed film The Inspection. This documentary delves into the origins of house music, spotlighting producer Vince Lawrence and the vibrant Chicago music scene. Following the screening, attendees are invited to a reception at AFS Cinema, where they can enjoy complimentary light bites and engage with fellow film lovers.
The closing-night film, Sun Ra: Do the Impossible, is a biographical documentary that explores the life of the legendary jazz musician, philosopher, and poet, Sun Ra. This film promises to be a fitting conclusion to a festival dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of Black storytelling.
Panel Discussions and Community Engagement
One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the panel discussion titled “Black Immigrants: Telling Our Stories & Visioning the Future,” scheduled for August 2. This event will feature three short films—Boat People, Cartes, and Mexico is Hell for Black Migrants—followed by a thought-provoking discussion on displacement, migration, and racial capitalism as they pertain to Black immigrants. Sponsored by the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI), this panel aims to amplify the voices of those often marginalized in mainstream narratives.
On August 3, attendees can participate in a free panel discussion titled “The Power of Story: Impacting Change Through Film,” featuring local filmmakers and moderated by AFS’s Director of Community Education, Rakeda L. Ervin. This session will explore how storytelling can be a catalyst for social change, encouraging creatives to harness their narratives for impact.
Join the Celebration
The Austin Film Society’s partnership with PAFF is made possible with support from the City of Austin Economic Development Department and a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts. Full festival passes are available for purchase, with additional discounts for AFS members. For more information about the festival lineup, ticketing, and panel discussions, visit austinfilm.org/paff-2025.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the vibrant stories from the African diaspora and engage in meaningful conversations about the power of film. Join us in celebrating Black cinema and storytelling at the third annual Pan African Film Festival in Austin!
