HBCU film festival returns to Howard University Nov. 5-7

The HBCU First Look Film and TV Festival is set to return to Howard University in Washington, D.C., from November 5 to 7, WTOP reported. The festival highlights films from historically Black colleges and universities, with this year’s competition receiving over 450 submissions, the largest yet.

Sheila Eldridge, the festival’s founder, noted that many young filmmakers incorporated artificial intelligence into their creative processes, including script and character development, scene shooting, and music. Of the nine finalists selected, at least three used AI in their work.

One finalist, Mya Nichelle, did not use AI but filmed her short film “Flowers” at a flower shop in Petworth, D.C. Her film, which celebrates appreciating loved ones, was selected in the family and faith category and will be publicly screened for the first time at the festival.

Nichelle, an MFA film student at Howard University, emphasized the importance of the festival in showcasing diverse experiences from the Black diaspora, beyond local stories. The festival will announce three winners on November 7, who will receive internships and share $8,500 in prizes.