September 18, 2025

Keep These Dates

Hamilton Black Film Festival Invites Community Support for 2025 Celebration of Black Cinema

Hamilton, ON — The Hamilton Black Film Festival (HBFF) is proud to announce its upcoming 5th Anniversary Festival, scheduled for December 12–14, 2025, at the Zoetic Theatre. This milestone event will once again shine a spotlight on the creativity, resilience, and powerful storytelling of Black filmmakers from Canada and around the world.

HBFF is more than a film festival — it is a cultural celebration and community gathering. Each year, the festival uplifts diverse voices, creates opportunities for artists, and fosters dialogue around stories that matter. From thought-provoking documentaries to inspiring dramas, HBFF continues to enrich Hamilton’s arts landscape and strengthen cultural connections.

We warmly invite community members, local groups, and businesses to support this effort — whether through sponsorship, partnerships, or simply attending and celebrating with us. Together, we can amplify Black voices, nurture young talent, and ensure the festival remains a beacon of inclusion and creativity in our city.

For sponsorship opportunities, tickets, or more information, please visit www.hamiltonblackfilmfestival.com

Thank you in advance Hamilton, see you at the festival.

HBFF TEAM

Media Contact: info@hamiltonblackfilmfestival.com
Email: info@hamiltonblackfilmfestival.com

 

Welcome to Hamilton, Ontario – The Heartbeat of the 2025 Festival

The Hamilton Black Film Festival is proud to call Hamilton, Ontario, home. Nestled between the Niagara Escarpment and the shores of Lake Ontario, Hamilton is more than just a city—it is a thriving cultural hub where history, creativity, and community come alive. As we look ahead to the 2025 festival at the Zoetic Theatre, anticipation fills the air.

Hamilton is a city that tells stories. Celebrated as the “Steel City,” it has transformed into a vibrant center for the arts, film, and innovation. Its historic neighborhoods, bustling downtown, and natural wonders—from waterfalls to trails—make it a place where inspiration flows freely. Here, creativity thrives, and the stage is set for diverse voices and powerful narratives to be shared with the world.

Our festival is deeply rooted in Hamilton’s spirit. This is a city that values authenticity, resilience, and connection. Its growing arts community, local talent, and international reach make Hamilton the perfect host for filmmakers and audiences alike. Whether you are walking down James Street North, exploring Dundas Valley, or taking in the breathtaking views of the escarpment, Hamilton embodies the very essence of storytelling: grounded in history, yet open to new horizons.

In December 2025, Hamilton will welcome filmmakers, creators, and film lovers from across Canada and beyond. The Hamilton Black Film Festival is more than a showcase of great cinema—it is a celebration of culture, unity, and the power of film to transform communities.

We invite you to be part of this moment. Join us in Hamilton as we light up the screens, engage in powerful conversations, and experience the magic of cinema together. The city is ready, the stage is set, and the excitement is building.

Hamilton 2025. The Festival. The Films. The Future.

 

 

 

The mandate of the Hamilton Black Film Festival (HBFF) centers around fostering an inclusive and celebratory space for filmmakers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, particularly highlighting African, Caribbean, Indigenous, and other ethnic minority voices. Founded by filmmaker Paize Usiosefe, HBFF aims to bring together communities in Hamilton, Ontario, promoting unity, cultural integration, and positive representation for minorities. The festival encourages community collaboration, offers mentorship, and supports creative aspirations by providing filmmakers with a platform to share their work, connect with audiences, and build a sense of belonging. HBFF is committed to showcasing diverse stories and helping people appreciate the accomplishments and cultural richness of Black and other minority communities, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and visibility within the arts.

 

HBFF 2025 From Dec 12 - 14 @ The Zoetic Theatre, Hamilton ON.  Ticket sale starts in September 2025

 

Hamilton Black Film Festival – Our Commitment

At the Hamilton Black Film Festival, we are committed to celebrating, empowering, and amplifying Black voices in film and media. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and build bridges across cultures.

We stand firmly for diversity, equity, and inclusion, providing a creative platform where Black filmmakers—emerging and established—can showcase their art, challenge narratives, and connect with global audiences.

Our commitment extends beyond the screen. We strive to:

  • Support and uplift underrepresented filmmakers through screenings, panels, and workshops

  • Create accessible opportunities for filmmakers of African descent and the African diaspora

  • Foster community engagement and cultural dialogue in Hamilton and beyond

  • Encourage mentorship and collaboration within the film industry

  • Promote stories that reflect the richness, resilience, and brilliance of Black life

We are not just a festival—we are a movement dedicated to advancing Black creativity, preserving cultural legacy, and igniting social change through film.