Fist Up Film Festival: As We Speak: Rap Music on Trial (Feature Film)

Friday, October 3rd, 2025 | La Peña Cultural Center, Berkeley, CA

The returns for its 16th year at La Peña Cultural Center! This volunteer-led, 100% POC-run festival presents films that connect global and local struggles, amplify marginalized voices, and create space for dialogue, solidarity, and community action. Admission is free with suggested donations, ensuring everyone has access to the power of film.

Doors 6:30 PM | Screening 7:00 PM with post-film community discussion to follow.

✨ Come early to order food and drinks from next door and grab the best seat!

• Free Admission – Everyone is welcome.
• $10 Suggested Donation – Helps sustain this POC-led, volunteer-powered festival and local filmmaking.

The festival has always been donation-based and rooted in accessibility. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

Welcome to ! We believe watching a good film can change your life…We believe some films are made to be discussed…

The Fist Up Film Festival presents films that are intended to create impact, inspire discussion and foster understanding. By placing emphasis on the connected experiences between global and local communities, The Fist Up Film Festival creates visual parallels between people’s lived experiences and stories from around the world.

Join us October 1st - 5th in the Bay Area, California. We believe that Social Justice films don't have to make the audience feel horrible about the state of the world. We focus on uplifting stories that show our power!

For 15 years our festival has been free for filmmakers to apply and free/donation for our community to attend. When you make a donation on this website you are not guaranteed a seat. It is first come first serve. So show up early!

Check out the program and RSVP for each night: (case-senstive)

Sign up to volunteer and enjoy free entry plus snacks and refreshments! Shifts are designed to be manageable, so you’ll still have plenty of time to experience the event, enjoy the program, and connect with the community. Your support helps make these events possible!

Sign up to Volunteer:

We strive to make La Peña a welcoming, accessible space for everyone. If you have any specific needs or questions about accessibility, please contact us at least one week in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Email us at [email protected]

• La Peña is a wheelchair-accessible venue with step-less entry, wide doorways, and accessible restrooms.
• Masks are strongly encouraged. If you’re experiencing COVID-19, cold, or flu-like symptoms, please consider staying home to protect our community. HEPA air purifiers operate throughout our space.
• All-gender restrooms available

• Public Transit: The 18 bus line stops directly across the street (Shattuck & Woolsey), and Ashby BART is just two blocks away.
• Parking: Free street parking is available, or park at the Ashby BART station for a fee.
• Bike-Friendly: Bike racks are available outside our cultural center

Contact us at [email protected] or visit

Host or Publisher La Peña Cultural Center