The Gary International Black Film Festival returns for its 15th year Oct. 9-12 at Indiana University Northwest, bringing more than 40 films, panel discussions, and cultural events to the city. 

Continuing its tradition of bringing filmmakers to Gary, the festival will feature films from local, regional, and international filmmakers that tell stories across the diaspora. For those planning to attend, here’s everything that you need to know about the festival.

Time and Location

  • Oct 9: 3 p.m. to midnight at the Gary Aquatorium, 6918 Oak Ave.
  • Oct 10: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the IUN Arts and Science Building, 3415 Broadway; 6 to 10 p.m. at IUN’s Savannah Center, 65 W. 33rd Ave.
  • Oct 11: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the IUN Arts and Science Building and IUN’s Savannah Center
  • Oct 12: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the IUN Arts and Science Building; 1 to 7 p.m. at IUN’s Savannah Center
  • For those who cannot attend in person, the virtual festival will be accessible online.

Entertainment

Director Shaka King and Fred Hampton Jr. will be on hand for a discussion of the film “Judas and the Black Messiah.” (Courtesy of the Gary International Black Film Festival)
  • Film: More than 40 films will be screened throughout the weekend. The full list of films can be found here.
  • The Birth of House: After Party: On the first night, following the first two screenings of Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, there will be a post-film discussion with the director. A house party will follow, with house DJ Duane Powell.
  • The featured film this year is Judas and the Black Messiah, which tells the story of the Black Panthers, Fred Hampton, and his death. A post-film discussion will include director Shaka King and Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. 
  • Sunday brunch: After the showing of A Mess of Memories and brunch, a discussion will focus on family and lineage. 
  • Industry panel: Following a film on Black hair and makeup care, the festival will host industry leaders and craftspeople to talk about Black beauty on screen and what it takes to look right on camera.

Prices

  • Opening night: $25
  • Full weekend pass: $100 (does not include Sunday Brunch)
  • Sunday brunch: $40
  • Individual films: $15-20

Transportation

  • For events at IUN’s Savannah Center, parking will be available in Lot 2 along West 33rd Avenue and Broadway. For events at IUN’s Arts and Science Building, parking can be found on side streets and in Lots 13 and 14 near East 35th Avenue and Broadway.

More information, festival passes, and tickets are available now at garyblackfilmfest.org.

A poster for the movie "Move Ya Body: The Birth of House."
A post-film discussion and house party will be held following the screening of “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House.” (Courtesy of the Gary International Black Film Festival)

Rayonna Burton-Jernigan is the Business and Economic Development reporter for Capital B Gary.