The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) is back this August, and the lineup is stacked with culture-shaping heavyweights. Now in its 23rd year, the beloved summer gathering will welcome a powerhouse roster of Black talent, including Courtney B. Vance, Dwyane Wade, Issa Rae, Debbie Allen, and Jennifer Hudson, according to Variety.
Running from August 1–9 in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, the festival will take place at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge. Founded by Floyd and Stephanie Rance in 2002, MVAAFF has become a must-attend for filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives across the African diaspora, offering an intimate space for screenings, cultural exchange, and industry insight.
A Celebration of Black Excellence
On August 5, Vance will present The Black Storytellers Panel, joined by veteran actor Keith David and Lynnette Ramirez, president of Bassett Vance Productions. Sponsored by FX and Bassett Vance Productions, the session will explore how Black creators can maintain cultural resonance while building sustainable creative businesses. It also marks the launch of the Effie LIONS Foundation, focused on strengthening diversity in global marketing.
That same evening, Jennifer Hudson will sit down for a Color of Conversation talk chronicling her journey, from Oscar-winning actress to daytime TV host, fresh off an Emmy nomination for The Jennifer Hudson Show.
On August 6, Wade will headline the festival’s third annual Men’s C-Suite Luncheon. Titled “The Bonds of Brotherhood,” the event invites male executives to talk legacy, leadership, and building community. Wade will also debut a new men’s fragrance from Intuition by Aramis during the event.
Closing out the festival on August 9, Rae will preview Part 2 of “Seen & Heard,” a docuseries highlighting the evolution of Black voices in television. Following the screening, Rae will be joined by director Giselle Bailey, Hoorae Media exec Montrel McKay, and producer Phil Bertelson for a dynamic roundtable discussion.
Nostalgia, News, and New Projects
Allen will also take the stage for a tribute to A Different World, followed by a Color of Conversation chat about her storied career as a dancer, director, and cultural icon. Tracee Ellis Ross will showcase her Roku travel series Traveling Solo, and MSNBC host Joy Reid will lead the Women C-Suite Luncheon.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Reverend Al Sharpton are set for an exclusive one-on-one sit-down.
Spotlight on Storytelling
One of the most anticipated screenings is Starz’s upcoming docuseries “Magic City: An American Fantasy”, a five-part deep dive into Atlanta’s iconic strip club and its cultural impact. Executive producer Cole Brown and director Charles Todd will lead a post-screening discussion.
Other featured projects include:
- HBO Max’s period drama The Gilded Age
- Old Gray Mare, a new film from Tyler Perry Studios
- Netflix’s doc The Perfect Neighbor, presented with Brown Girls Doc Mafia
- Wait Until Tomorrow, a powerful look at Black economic progress
- Ryan Coogler’s box office hit Sinners
As an Oscar-qualifying festival in the short film category, MVAAFF will also host its annual Emerging Filmmakers Brunch.
For more information on MVAAFF, check out their website.
