Black International film festival will be back this year; the Film festival will be taking a new strategic approach taking the current COVID19 pandemic into consideration. Festival Director and Founder Dean Alexander has taken back full control of the Festival after outsourcing it for a couple years. He stated that in such unprecedented times, we have to go back to the drawing board and rethink the way we do things. The festival grew out of nothing in a time when there was little to no support for black festivals. We did it before we can do it again.
This pandemic means that we have to look at new ways of bringing the film festival back to the public in addition to helping independent film makers of colour to utilise the available platforms, While keeping our audiences safe and providing good access. One of the first changes we will be implementing to the festival is a change of date. Moving the festival to the summer months from the traditional black history month in October. This will give us more assessment time for entries to be considered for the Awards ceremony held at the end of October.
During COVID 19 We will be focusing more on BIFF Digital – Our online festival. Lounge back in 2014. We will be utilising current technology for virtual attendance and live screenings. In the event that the COVID19 restrictions are lifted then Biff Digital will be held alongside the conventional festival and associated events.
2020 Was a very difficult year, many awards ceremonies had to be cancelled because of the COVID19 Pandemic. We also had to take the decision to also cancel the MViSA’s Awards due to government restriction and public safety. We are looking forward to hosting the ceremony this year of the 31st October 2021 at the ICC providing that COVID19 strictions are lifted and its safe to do so. We will keep you updated over the upcoming months. Stay tune!!!
The Black International Film Festival will be relaunching this summer. After a few years’ piggy backing on the Jamaica 0121 Festiva in Birmingham UKl. We have decided to move the festival dates to the summer months. We will be taking advantage of the summer weather, hosting a number of outdoor screenings. More info to follow on the new Festival dates can be found here and on social media.
2021 Will make 15 years of the Black International Film as we continue to celebrate the best of black, ethnic and International cinema. Featuring theatrical and independent releases from around the globe. This year's Festival will see changes the most significant being the change of date moving from Autumn to summer after 14 years of film screenings, We are looking for a dynamic team of special volunteers to make the Festival a remarkable experience for all our guests. Get involved, meet new people, and discover the latest in worldwide cinema and entertainment!
