Reel Black Filmmakers

04/24/2026

Join Reel Black Filmmakers tomorrow at the Bessie Coleman Library for a FREE screening of "a film called black: King’s Speech." Network with fellow film lovers and filmmakers.

01/07/2026

For nearly 55 years, the Community Film Workshop of Chicago has empowered filmmakers by providing hands-on training, mentorship, and access to equipment, with a particular focus on Black voices. Since 1971, CFWC has helped launch careers, amplify diverse stories, and strengthen Chicago’s creative community. Register at the following link: https://www.cfwchicago.org/classes

12/04/2025

Support Robert Townsend's Pop-Up Film Festival and Fundraiser in Chicago this weekend!

Actor and director Robert Townsend joins GDC to discuss why his films endure, the community impact of his Chicago pop-up film festival, and how the weekend’s...

10/08/2025

Join us this Saturday at 3:00 PM as we celebrate our 13th Anniversary! Enjoy an exciting showcase of short films and connect with fellow filmmakers and film lovers!

04/23/2025

The director of Compensation shares what Bruce Lee’s films taught her about cinematic movement, praises Sarah Maldoror’s revolutionary Sambizanga, and shouts out filmmakers she loves, from Cauleen Smith and Cheryl Dunye to Alice Diop and Ousmane Sembène.

03/10/2025

Pulling Focus African American Film Festival has extended the late submission deadline to March 22, 2025.

Submit your film today via FilmFreeway and be part of this celebration of diverse storytelling from the Black Diaspora.

Note: The festival will take place from June 5 to 8, 2025.
https://filmfreeway.com/TheQuadCitiesAfricanAmericanfilmfestival

02/28/2025

UPDATES: The Film Festival will be held in Columbia, SC in mid-July this year!!

More details to follow!

11/29/2024

Greetings, everyone!

We’re excited to share an incredible opportunity to support an aspiring filmmaker and honor the legacy of Kamau Tyehimba—a passionate advocate for the Black film community.

To celebrate Kamau’s unwavering commitment to nurturing Black voices in cinema, we are establishing the Kamau Tyehimba Emerging Filmmaker Scholarship. This scholarship will provide essential resources to an emerging filmmaker who embodies Kamau's dedication to storytelling, community, and cultural representation.

As you know, filmmaking isn’t just a career; it’s a calling. But for many, taking that first step can be daunting and costly. That's why we've created a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the Kamau Tyehimba Emerging Filmmaker Scholarship, which will support an emerging filmmaker in need of equipment, educational resources, and other critical tools to bring their vision to life.

Our goal is to raise $5,000 to help cover basic equipment, training, and development expenses. With your support, we can make a direct impact on the recipient’s creative journey, empowering them to create meaningful work in Kamau’s honor.

Why support this cause?

Your donation helps a passionate Black storyteller pursue their dreams
You’ll be supporting the next generation of diverse voices in film
You’ll be investing in the future of independent Black cinema and cultural expression
Here’s how you can help:

Donate to the GoFundMe campaign—no contribution is too small! Every dollar counts.
Share this post with your network—help us spread the word and maximize our impact.
Encourage others to join us in making a lasting difference in the world of Black film.
Let’s come together to bring Kamau’s vision to life and empower a new generation of Black filmmakers to share their stories with the world. Thank you for your support, generosity, and belief in the power of storytelling.

Help Us Honor the Life and Legacy of Brother Kamau Tyehimb… Reel Black Filmmakers needs your support for Celebrate Kamau Tyehimba's Legacy: Fund a Scholarship

11/14/2024

Join us as we honor the life and legacy of our Cultural Warrior and co-founder of Reel Black Filmmakers, Kamau Tyehimba.

Kamau was a crucial advocate for the Black film community in Chicago. In addition to co-founding Reel Black Filmmakers, he spent over a decade with the Black Harvest Film Festival Community Council. He was a dedicated instructor at The Production Institute, a collaboration between the University of Chicago's Logan Center and the Community Film Workshop of Chicago. Kamau also inspired countless Chicago Public School students and parents through his video production classes.

If you can’t attend in person, you can watch the celebration live on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/