5th Annual BedStuy Film Festival

Three days of independent film, panels, and community storytelling at The Billie Holiday Theatre. October 16-18.
About this Event

Founded in 2017, the BedStuy Film Festival was created to spotlight films from a wide range of cultural, racial, gender, and generational perspectives. The festival is dedicated to supporting local creatives while welcoming independent filmmakers from around the world.

Join us October 16 to 18, 2026, for the 5th Annual festival: three days of independent film, Q&A sessions, and community storytelling. Opening night includes a cocktail reception following the film,

Schedule

Friday, October 16

• 6:00 to 7:30 PM: Feature Film, The NextShift
• 7:30 to 9:30 PM: Opening Night Cocktail Reception. Stay after the film to celebrate opening night. Included with your Day 1 ticket or 3-Day Pass.

Saturday, October 17

• 12:00 to 1:00 PM: Short Film, The Therapist (30 minutes)
• 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Panel, Indie vs. Studio: The Filmmaking Dilemma, featuring Ahmad Muhammad (Tyler Perry Studios), Sean Charles (ALLBLK/MACRO), Victorious De Costa, Nya Estep, and more.

Sunday, October 18

• 12:00 to 2:00 PM: Documentary, Through the Night , directed and produced by Loira Limbal. The film explores the personal cost of the modern economy through the lives of working-class mothers and a 24-hour childcare provider.
• 2:15-3:00 PM: Panel, The World of Vertical Films, What’s Next. Panelist TBA

Tickets

• Day passes are $20 per day.
• The 3-Day Pass is $50 and covers all three days, including the opening night reception.