The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival Celebrates 24 Years with Exclusive First Look at Children of Blood and Bone from Gina Prince-Bythewood

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) returns for its 24th year with a first look at one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films, Gina Prince-Blythewoods’s Children of Blood and Bone, as well as acclaimed documentaries, unforgettable conversations and a celebration of Black storytelling.

Every August, flights and ferries bound for Martha’s Vineyard carry more than summer vacationers. They bring filmmakers, actors, producers and movie lovers eager to celebrate Black storytelling in one of the country’s most influential cultural gatherings. For nine days, Oak Bluffs becomes a destination where major studios debut new projects, independent filmmakers find enthusiastic audiences, and meaningful conversations continue long after the credits roll.

That tradition continues August 7 through 15 as the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) marks its 24th anniversary with a lineup that blends Hollywood premieres, compelling documentaries, thought provoking discussions and emerging voices. The festival, presented each year by co-founder Stephanie and Floyd Rance, will present one of the most anticipated films on Hollywood’s horizon this year, Paramount Pictures’ Children of Blood and Bone, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood.

The exclusive presentation gives festival audiences one of their first opportunities anywhere to see footage from the epic fantasy before its nationwide theatrical and IMAX release in January 2027. Following the screening, Prince-Bythewood will join the film’s star, Thuso Mbedu, for MVAAFF’s signature Color of Conversation panel, offering an inside look at bringing Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling novel to the screen.

Set in the mythical kingdom of Orïsha, Children of Blood and Bone follows Zélie, a courageous young woman determined to restore the magic stolen from her people. The sweeping fantasy features an extraordinary ensemble cast that includes Mbedu, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, Lashana Lynch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amandla Stenberg and Tosin Cole. Already generating considerable excitement across the entertainment industry, the film is widely viewed as one of Paramount’s biggest releases of 2027 and one of the year’s most anticipated adaptations.

Twenty Four Years of Black Storytelling

Founded in 2002 by Floyd and Stephanie Rance, MVAAFF has grown from a small independent festival into one of the nation’s premier Oscar qualifying showcases for Black filmmakers. Today it attracts award winning directors, celebrated actors, studio executives, emerging artists and audiences from across the country, all drawn by its reputation for discovering exceptional stories and creating conversations that extend well beyond the theater.

This year’s festival continues that tradition with dozens of feature films, documentaries, shorts, panel discussions, networking events and cultural programs that celebrate the richness and diversity of the Black experience.

10 Films Not to Miss

Children of Blood and Bone

Gina Prince-Bythewood’s adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s global bestseller opens the festival with an exclusive first look before its January 2027 theatrical release. Combining African mythology, breathtaking fantasy and an all star cast, the film is already being hailed as one of Hollywood’s biggest upcoming cinematic events.

Soul Patrol

History takes center stage in this powerful documentary chronicling the Vietnam War’s first Black special operations unit whose remarkable story has remained largely untold for decades. The film is produced by Sa, Brisbee, Danielle Massie and Nasir “Nas” Jones. Following the MVAAFF screening, Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Harvard University’s Henry Louis Gates Jr. was on hand to discuss the film and explore the legacy of the soldiers whose courage helped shape military history.

The Baddest Speechwriter of All

Netflix shines a spotlight on Clarence B. Jones, the attorney, strategist and trusted adviser who helped craft some of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s most memorable speeches. The documentary short reveals the enduring power of language and the man whose words helped inspire a movement. The film is directed by Ben Proudfoot and athlete Stephen Curry.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

The life and legacy of the groundbreaking artist whose bold imagery transformed contemporary art are explored in this new documentary. More than three decades after his death, Basquiat’s influence continues to shape generations of artists, collectors and popular culture around the world.

Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story

This inspiring documentary celebrates the legendary photographer, Kwame Brathwaite, whose iconic images helped redefine beauty standards during the Black Is Beautiful movement of the 1960s. His photographs became visual declarations of Black pride, natural beauty and cultural identity that continue to resonate today.

The Lorraine

Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sam Pollard shines a light on the Lorraine Motel’s remarkable history before and after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rather than focusing solely on that tragic day, the film tells the inspiring story of Walter and Loree Bailey, the Black entrepreneurs whose motel became a sanctuary for Black travelers, civil rights leaders and legendary musicians during segregation. 

Full Circle: The First All-Black Everest Ascent

This inspiring documentary follows the first all-Black expedition to summit Mount Everest, capturing both the physical demands of the climb and the team’s mission to redefine who belongs in the outdoors. Directed by Justice A. Whitaker and Rolake Bamgbose, the film celebrates perseverance, representation and the power of achieving history together rather than alone. 

Route 187

Presented as part of MVAAFF’s Storyteller’s Lab, Route 187 comes from Tyler Perry Studios and executive producer Mark Swinton. The screening brings HBCU students together with filmmakers and industry professionals, underscoring the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of Black storytellers while spotlighting an exciting new independent project.

If I Go Will They Miss Me

A poetic, emotionally expansive father-son story about a Black family navigating grace, imagination, and the belief that love can transform even the most fragile relationships into something more healing and beautiful. The film will inspire timely and necessary conversations around family, love, redemption and hope.

The Greatest 

The Greatest is an intimate exploration of the incomparable life of the boxing champion, humanitarian and global icon Muhammad Ali from Amazon Studios. Executive produced by Lonnie Ali, the widow of the late luminary, The Greatest is the first authorized scripted series about the life of Muhammad Ali, offering unprecedented access and going beyond the amazing victories and defeats that made Ali a legend, both in and out of the ring. Prime Video has announced, November 4 for the films premiere date.

Beyond the Screen

Movies may be at the heart of MVAAFF, but the conversations surrounding them have become just as anticipated.

This year’s Vineyard Lounge programming celebrates Black history, creativity and cultural preservation through a series of engaging discussions. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture will lead a discussion regarding their decade of collecting and preserving Black film history, while legendary actor Glynn Turman joins a conversation examining the power of narrative in shaping history and culture.

Also at the Vineyard Lounge:

“The Business of Storytelling: Producing and Directing for Multiple Platforms.” Vance joined Keith David, Lionel Boyce and producer Lynnette Ramirez for a conversation about how stories are developed, produced and directed across film, television and other platforms, with The Cut deputy culture editor Brooke Marine moderating.

“Behind the Seams: How Costume Design Creates Character and Defines Culture in Cinema”
Two-time Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter offered an illustrated look at how costume design helps create characters while reflecting and shaping culture on screen. The conversation gave festivalgoers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the woman whose work on films including Black Panther has helped redefine the visual representation of Black people in Hollywood. 

“Reel Change: Black Film, Culture, and the Stories That Shape Us”
Laverne Cox and Emmy-winning filmmaker and activist Nneka Onuorah, joined by communications and cultural leaders, explored the relationship between Black film, culture and the stories that influence how communities are seen and understood. The discussion put representation and the power to control Black narratives at the center of a festival built around elevating Black filmmakers and storytelling. 

“The Art of Possible: Dr. Marian Rogers Croak’s Legacy from VoIP to Responsible AI”
Google executive and pioneering inventor Dr. Marian Rogers Croak, whose work helped advance Voice over Internet Protocol technology, discussed her career and the rapidly evolving conversation around responsible artificial intelligence. Her appearance expanded the Vineyard Lounge beyond entertainment to spotlight Black innovation and leadership in one of the most consequential areas of technology today.

Creme of Nature’s “The Beauty of Balance: Finding Peace & Purpose in Leadership with Keke Palmer. Creme of Nature’s “The Beauty of Balance: Finding Peace & Purpose in Leadership” brought Keke Palmer together with beauty industry leaders for a conversation about balancing career success, wellness, confidence and self-care. Palmer, Creme of Nature’s chief brand officer, spoke about owning your story and embracing your individual beauty as part of the brand’s two-day “Unstoppable on the Vineyard” experience. 

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film festival also celebrates the next generation of storytellers through Storyteller’s Lab, which brings HBCU students together with industry professionals for mentorship and collaboration, highlighted by a special screening of Route 187 from Tyler Perry Studios and executive producer Mark Swinton.

Visual art also takes center stage. Contemporary artist Guy Stanley Philoche discusses preserving Black history through art while selections from his acclaimed Give Us Our Flowers series are exhibited at the Mariposa Museum throughout the festival. Festivalgoers can also celebrate the national launch of Eatonville Rising, commemorating the 140th anniversary of Historic Eatonville, Florida, America’s oldest incorporated Black municipality, and the 90th anniversary of Zora Neale Hurston’s literary classic Their Eyes Were Watching God.

The C-Suite Luncheon

This year I was not in town earlier enough to attend one of my favorite events at MVAAFF The Women’s C-Suite Luncheon which celebrates the impact and legacy of the women in entertainment who inspire us to keep doing what we’re doing whether it’s acting, writing, directing or all of the above. This year’s keynote speaker at the Women’s Luncheon was actress Phylicia Rashad, who, to me, was the first Black woman to model Black excellence on national television with her character Clair Huxtable, the embodiment of elegance, grace, professionalism, beauty and intelligence. Also in attendance were Letoya Luckett and Joy Ann Reid.

About MVAAFF

Over the past 24 years, the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival has become one of the country’s most respected destinations for Black cinema. As an Oscar qualifying festival, it has introduced audiences to award winning filmmakers, showcased groundbreaking documentaries and narrative features, and provided a platform where emerging voices share the stage with some of the entertainment industry’s most accomplished creators.

From exclusive studio presentations and world premieres to intimate conversations with artists, directors and cultural leaders, MVAAFF continues to celebrate the power of stories that entertain, inspire and preserve the richness of the Black experience.

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival runs August 7 through 15 at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center in Oak Bluffs. For the complete schedule, ticket information and festival updates, visit MVAAFF.com.