UrbanFest 360° Orlando – 2 Day Film Festival LEON Honored Sept. 21

Welcome to UrbanFest 360° Orlando Films, Beats, Bites! Film Festival! Get ready for an immersive experience at AFRO TV where you'll be surrounded by the best in urban films, music, and food. Join us for a day filled with screenings of cutting-edge films, and the World Premiere of "Wild Cards" starring LEON. Lifetime Awards presented to LEON (The Five Heartbeats) and Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show). Delicious bites from local vendors. Don't miss out on this unique event that celebrates urban culture in all its forms. See you there! *** Times are Subject to Change***

Info: "A Dance With Destiny" - Shocked to learn that 90% of the 26 million Americans with kidney disease don’t even know they have it, Raymond and Analyn Scott set out to spark a movement that could save millions. This powerful and inspiring documentary follows their extraordinary journey—from a near-fatal diagnosis to a life-changing twist of fate—and challenges audiences to rethink everything they know about kidney disease.

Info: What if the boy you killed came back to ask why, and reveal he was meant to carry your legacy?

Info: Ostracized and betrayed, a dancer fights back to expose her abusive instructor’s darkest truths.

Info: A poetic journey through a divided nation—where voices, stories, and song ask: Where is America the Beautiful?

Info: Two seniors in St. Louis, 94-year-old Burney, who refuses to leave his condo, and 81-year-old Sandy, struggling with isolation, confront the emotional and practical challenges of aging and independence.

Info: Since 2009, Kids In The Spotlight (KITS) has empowered over 1,000 youth impacted by foster care to reclaim their narratives through filmmaking. This showcase features powerful short films written and performed by the youth themselves, followed by a panel highlighting the transformative journeys and the impact of mentorship in the industry.

Info: The haunted auditorium is a well known legend among the students at Gardena high in Los Angeles. A young piano player named Sarah lost her life on stage, and she's dying to play for you.

Info: Always Run to what you fear.
The writers wanted to tell a unique and authentic story about mental health, addressing the stigmas that cause people to hide their issues and/or prevent them from getting the mental health care help they need.

Info: Amidst the turmoil of a low budget blacksploitation western film set plagued by a toxic work environment, the replacement actor must find the shooter who shot his predecessor on set before they become the next victim.

Info: Two brothers in the middle of a fight get trapped in a mysterious elevator that reveals to them blood has nothing to do with family.

Info: The story revolves around an artist who overcomes immense hardships to reach the pinnacle of success. It highlights the indomitable spirit of art, which cannot be suppressed under any
circumstances, as it is a divine gift. The movie portrays the real-life journey of Jigar (a child artist) showcasing the struggles of a humble family striving to bring their talented child into the
spotlight.

Info: Little Piece of Sugar follows Malo, a young mountain biker with Type 1 diabetes, since child hood, refuses to let disease dictate his life, as he tackles his first season in the French Cup with a UCI team. Once faced with a hopeless diagnosis, Malo and his family found strength through support, perseverance, and sport. This inspiring documentary shows how passion and community can overcome even the toughest challenges

Info: Edge of Destiny’s new music video “CHOICES” delivers a powerful blend of hard rock, alternative, and industrial metal, driven by raw energy and striking symbolism. The video explores themes of rebellion, determination, and the lasting impact of personal decisions.

Info: A whimsical and energetic portrait of The Moose, told through a playful mix of music, live action, animation, and footage of moose in their natural habitat. The soundtrack captures his quirky personality with surf rock grooves, '60s spy flair, rap-style vocals, and a big-band finale—all pulsed by a jungle beat. Colorful subtitles bring the lyrics to life on screen.

Info: A three-minute, 31 second cinematic adventure. After trying to pin-point an epiphany, a man finds freedom after he accidentally discovers a new world full of beauty and seemingly endless possibilities.

Info: After Duval Elementary failed Florida’s high-stakes exam, teacher Gloria Jean Merriex transformed her approach—ditching rigid guidelines to create a dynamic, student-centered curriculum using music, movement, and tough love. In just one year, she turned the school into a top performer and became a national model for educational innovation.

Info: Hosted by Kevin Marable of TheBlkScript. Join Kevin as he guides us through *The Blind Sides* Live. Bringing his compelling series on TheBlkScript to UrbanFest 360°. TheBlkScript is a Black‑owned platform showcasing rising screenwriters, filmmakers, and actors, offering fresh, underrepresented perspectives in storytelling .

Info: On the day of her mother's funeral, estranged daughter Wanda must reconnect with her remaining family before she loses them for good.

Info: An inner city, latchkey kid must stand-up to the school bully and a local gang leader in order to help his mom pay the overdue electricity bill.

Info: An anxious teen seeks her friends' advice on confessing her true feelings to her classmate-turned-best friend.

Info: A bold reimagining of Disney’s Steamboat Willie, Steampunk Willie uses AI and style transfer to transform the iconic short into a surreal, mechanical world where early animation meets futuristic technology.

Info: Following the story of a missing person, a journalist must choose between solving the case and saving her own life when she unwittingly sits down with a serial killer.

Info: A teen Black girl uses astral projection and the support of her childhood best friend to solve her own case.

Info: A waitress who overanalyzes those around her, dives into the lives of her customers and emphasizes the fact that life is made up of only assumptions including her own.

Info: A darkly comic journey of self-discovery, Petra's Legacy blends mockumentary, found footage, and playful black comedy in a bitter Central European tale. When Petra’s father vanishes while investigating a secret Nazi-Vatican treaty, she follows his trail—only to uncover buried truths about her family, her country, and herself. Featuring Sylvia Suvadova (Kolya), Marek Matousek, and Brian Caspe, this intrigue-laced satire is the second feature from director Marek Dobes (Choking Hazard).

Info: In this award-winning '80s-inspired sci-fi time travel thriller, Sean Richards wakes on a graveyard bench with no memory, and a M**der accusation. As he unravels the mystery of his missing daughter, he discovers she may have traveled back to 1989 and fallen for his high school rival. With time running out, he must race against fate to rewrite the past and save his daughters life.

Info: Red Carpet Photos, Ribbon, Cake Cutting and Wine Toast!

Info: 6 Minute Fashion Show. UrbanFest 360° Brief Introductions. Recognize any special guest. Motto "UrbanFest 360° is a Collaboration not a competition" We would like to introduce you to the stars of UrbanFest 360°. Would all the Filmmakers please stand and take a bow.

Info: A Poetic Love Note

Info: When a lonely young boy and a quiet widower cross paths, an unexpected friendship blossoms, proving that comfort, connection, and healing can be found across generations in the silence they share.

Info: From Fist to Knee draws a powerful line between two iconic protests, Colin Kaepernick’s silent kneel and the 1968 Olympic salute, united by courage and the ongoing fight for justice. Through the eyes of a spoken word artist, this film honors the legacy of resistance and the humanity behind the gesture.

Info: One question. Three friends. Endless chaos.

Info: When a woman finally reaches out with a heartfelt voice note, her message races against time as her friend spirals into crisis, and the line between life and death grows perilously thin.

Info: On the eve of the 1913 Women’s Suffrage Parade, activist Mary Church Terrell and leaders of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta confront Alice Paul, demanding an end to the racist exclusion of Black women from the movement, and a rightful place in the march for equality

Info: Two unlikely cellmates, one wild escape, and a jailbreak that unlocks the true meaning of trust.

Info: When 20-year-old Kyla discovers hidden letters from her estranged father, buried truths resurface forcing them both to confront the past and decide if love is enough to rebuild what silence broke.

Info: After a tragic accident leaves their young son forever changed, Darius and Bree's once strong marriage crumbles under the weight of guilt and grief. A chance encounter at a laundromat with a mysterious woman forces Darius to confront his pain, leading both parents toward healing, reconnection, and a powerful reminder of the life still worth fighting for.

Info: Behind her strength lies a failing heart, now, Jayla must find the courage to face the fight of her life.

Info: These films ask a powerful question: if we recognize the elephant in the room, understand what’s harming our communities, and know the path to healing, why aren’t we taking it? It’s time to come together and commit to truly healing our communities. This is how....

Info: Guided by a long lost letter from his disappeared mother during Argentina’s Dirty War, Nicolás embarks on a poetic journey through memory, identity, and inherited trauma. Grietas is a haunting meditation on the cracks left by history and the courage it takes to remember, resist, and heal.

Info: This powerful short documentary sheds light on the silent struggles of children affected by parental incarceration, breaking the stigma that keeps their pain in the shadows. Presented by Parent Student Pr*son Initiative and Shining Light Productions, it’s a call to see, support, and stand with the ones left behind.

Info: In the privileged town of Upper Listen, Pastor Mia Inglewood, a powerful Black leader and former police chief, rises as a beacon of empowerment, challenging systemic injustice. When a racist plot shatters her world and ignites a thirst for vengeance, Mia must confront her pain and choose between retribution and the divine path to healing and purpose.

Info: Dives into the representation and treatment of women in law enforcement, and the clergy, especially women of Color. This panel will explore how their presence reshapes community trust, safety, and systemic bias. Police Chiefs, Pr*son reform advocates , a Pr*son Warden and a Filmmaker share the stage.

Info: A cinematic musical production like you’ve never seen.

Info: When a germaphobic bachelor is reluctantly roped into a blind date by his best friend's demanding fiancée, he braces for the worst, until his stunning date shows up and things seem too good to be true. But as the night descends into a whirlwind of awkward mishaps and comic chaos, he must survive the most disastrous date of his life without tanking his friendship, and his sanity.

Info: J.C. finds himself down on his luck and in search for a new happiness. He eventually finds it near the Mexican border but the price he pays could get him kicked out of the only country he knows.

Info: For generations, Makah Tribal fishermen like Robert Moss have relied on the rich waters of Neah Bay, now overshadowed by thousands of tons of marine debris, including a massive, decaying highway bridge abandoned decades ago. This short documentary follows the Makah Tribe's powerful fight for environmental and cultural survival as they lead a monumental effort to reclaim and restore their ancestral waters.

Info: Set against the lush backdrop of the Amazon Rainforest, "Kukràdjà" is a poignant documentary that celebrates the vibrant festival traditions of the Kayapó Indigenous Community.

Info: Guarding Confederate POWs in a Civil War Pr*son, a runaway slave now Union soldier, desperately fights for power, to never return to slavery.

Info: THE LITTLE THINGS THAT RUN THE WORLD explores the hidden yet vital role of flying insects, the planet’s most diverse and essential creatures, and the alarming pace of their decline in today’s rapidly changing world. Through the eyes of scientists, farmers, and everyday bug lovers, the film uncovers the mystery behind this unfolding extinction crisis and the inspiring human efforts to turn the tide before it’s too late.

Info: For Kicks is a gripping, genre-blending documentary that uncovers the untold story of Eugene Thomas, a Chicago security guard who once lived as an international Kung Fu film star. From headlining cult action movies across Asia to now leading a quiet life of music and meditation, Thomas’ journey is both extraordinary and deeply personal. Through rare footage and insightful interviews with icons like Ron Van Clief, For Kicks reveals the overlooked legacy of Black martial artists in global cinema. It’s a powerful tribute to a forgotten legend and a celebration of cultural fusion, discipline, and spiritual mastery.

Info: In the 1500s, Taino leader Anacaona upheld peace and harmony with nature, until colonial greed shattered it. Centuries later in Los Angeles, a descendant of her betrayer is given a chance to confront the past, opening a powerful path toward reconciliation, healing, and hope for a better future.

Info:
Camella meets her boyfriend's parents for the first time.

Info: Set in a 1979 Detroit dance studio where disco reigns supreme, an elderly man enlists a disillusioned dance instructor to help him pull off one last surprise, learning to dance in a week for his 60th wedding anniversary. This heartfelt tale celebrates love, second chances, and the joy of living life to its fullest.

Info: Salim a Palestinian father after losing everything in an Israeli airstrike, his home, wife and newborn child, attempts to help ease his unbearable pain by telling his own personal story of growing up in Gaza under the occupation of an apartheid regime

Info: Four artists impacted by breast cancer channel their experiences into poignant works of art. Their stories invite viewers on a journey to explore the symbolism and deeper meaning within their paintings, mixed media, and installations.

Info: Follow the journey of a maker whose boundless curiosity and creativity drive him to bring his dreams to life. Right here in Orlando

Info:
Two brothers run a bail bonds, private eye and high end repo business, get embroiled in an investigation to take down a criminal organization

Info: After Nichole acquires a time machine that travels back 30 years to the day for a total of 15 minutes, she teams up with her father from the past to save her mother the night before her passing.

Info:
When a dating app match goes horribly wrong, a young man finds out his date has a deadly secret.

Info: A sci-fi anthology short about a room where guests memorialize the last phone calls before their loved one died.

Info: Get ready, Orlando, Hollywood heartthrob LEON, star of countless iconic films, such as The Five Heartbeats, The Temptations, Cool Runnings and Little Richard, is coming to URBANFEST Get ready, Orlando—Hollywood heartthrob LEON, star of countless iconic films, is coming to URBANFEST 360°. He'll premiere his latest action packed film "Wildcards" and be honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Don’t miss this unforgettable night celebrating a living legend in film, style, and star power!He'll premiere his latest action-packed film "Wildcards" and be honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. Don’t miss this unforgettable night celebrating a living legend in film, style, and star power!

Info: Performance by original member of the R&B group "After 7" Keith Mitchell. Lifetime Achievement Presented to LEON: Five Heartbeats, Temptations, and Little Richard Lifetime Achievement Presented to Kellita Smith: The Bernie Mac Show, Nation Z

Host or Publisher Global Peace 360°