Houston—The first Black Indie Film Festival opened in Houston on Thursday evening, aiming to showcase diverse narratives and foster global connectivity through cinema.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the festival, organized by the Black Independent Filmmakers Association (BIFA), features about 20 films from the United States, France, and several African nations. Thomas Carter, CEO and founder of BIFA, shared at the opening ceremony the festival’s mission to bridge cultural gaps and promote unity. “We have more in common than we don’t. So it’s very important if we are going to survive as a species, that we learn how to communicate, how to share ideas, and how to help each other right in a time of need,” Carter, an award-winning African American filmmaker, emphasized the importance of a global festival to disseminate diverse stories.
Antrone Harris, BIFA Board President and also an actor and producer, spoke about the festival’s potential impact on future generations, particularly aspiring young writers and directors. “We are expecting this to turn into a worldwide known organization, not just here domestically, but internationally as well, connecting with China or Africa, bridging the gap between America and the other countries,” Harris said in an interview with Xinhua.
The event is set to conclude on Sunday with a red carpet awards gala, celebrating the achievements of independent black filmmakers and their contributions to the cinematic world.
