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Kansas City Welcomes Reel Black Film Festival 2025

A lively atmosphere at the Reel Black Film Festival 2025 in Kansas City.

News Summary

The Reel Black Film Festival is set to take place on February 22, 2025, in downtown Kansas City, hosted by Kansas City PBS. This festival highlights Black filmmaking, showcasing remarkable work from award-winning filmmakers while providing a vibrant community celebration. Attendees can enjoy films, engage in panel discussions, and explore local vendors. Attendance is free with RSVP, and promises an inspiring day filled with storytelling and celebration of creativity.

Kansas City Gears Up for the Awaited Reel Black Film Festival

Mark your calendars, Kansas City! Get ready for an inspiring day of cinema as the Reel Black Film Festival rolls into town on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025. Hosted by Kansas City PBS, this exciting festival will take place at the historic Truman right in the heart of downtown Kansas City.

The Scoop on the Festival Day

The festivities kick off bright and early with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. The crowd will be abuzz as attendees gather to celebrate remarkable strides in Black filmmaking right here in our very own city. The first screening is set for 3 p.m., and it’s a jam-packed agenda running until 8 p.m.! Prepare for an afternoon and evening filled with creativity, storytelling, and a vibrant celebration of local talent.

Meet the Featured Filmmakers

This year’s festival will showcase some incredible work from a trio of award-winning filmmakers who are making waves in the industry:

Nico Giles Wiggins will be presenting “Land of Opportunity: The Road of Resistance.” This poignant film sheds light on the displacement of Black communities due to Kansas City’s infamous Highway 71 project, while also honoring the history of the Paseo Baptist Church.
Jacob Handy brings us “The Potato King: A Dynasty Built on Dirt and Dreams.” This documentary shares the inspiring tale of Junius Groves, affectionately known as the “Potato King of the World,” told through the wise words of local farmer Mike B. Rollin.
Kerry Rounds presents “Diamond Jubilee: A 75-Year Celebration of Carter Broadcast.” This film captures the remarkable success of KPRS, the first-ever Black radio station west of the Mississippi River, documenting its lasting impact on the community.

A Celebration of Excellence

These filmmakers are not just names; they are celebrated achievers in the realm of visual storytelling. Nico Giles Wiggins boasts an Emmy award under his belt as the CEO of Nico Giles Media, while Jacob Handy is known for his compelling narratives and dazzling music videos. Kerry Rounds also shines brightly with an Emmy award and a rich portfolio, having collaborated with notable figures such as Kendrick Lamar, plus contributing pieces for big brands like Billboard and Rolling Stone.

Beyond the Screen

The Reel Black Film Festival is more than just screenings. Throughout the day, attendees can look forward to door prizes, a charming array of local vendors, and engaging panel discussions with the filmmakers themselves. It’s a great chance to dive deeper into the art and craft of filmmaking, and possibly uncover some behind-the-scenes snippets that you wouldn’t hear anywhere else!

Join the Celebration – It’s Free!

The best part? Attendance is absolutely free! However, you will need to snag an RSVP to secure your spot. So, don’t wait too long—make sure you’re part of this vibrant community event that celebrates Black artistry in filmmaking.

A Step Towards a Bright Future for Black Filmmaking

Kansas City has long been a nurturing ground for Black filmmakers, having previously hosted events like the Juneteenth Film Festival, and with plans to bring back the highly anticipated Kansas City FilmFest International this year. The festival is generously sponsored by the Health Forward Foundation, the Missouri Humanities Council, and the Kansas City Film Office, along with promotional support from the Carter Broadcast Group and the Black Movie Hall of Fame.

Looking into the future, the Black Movie Hall of Fame is set to open in February 2026 at the cherished Boone Theatre, aiming to honor remarkable figures in Black cinema. It’s a promising initiative directed by a local journalist and film critic, Shawn Edwards, ensuring that Kansas City stays a vibrant part of the film conversation.

Stay Updated!

For all the latest updates and to RSVP for your spot at the festival, make sure to visit kansascitypbs.org/reelblack. Let’s rally together to celebrate the wealth of talent we have at our doorstep and encourage the next wave of filmmakers!