Howard University is set to become the epicenter of Black film for three days. The 4th Annual HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival (HBCUFLF) returns November 5–7 with STARZ serving as presenting sponsor.
Under this year’s theme, “How to Be the Next,” the three-day festival delivers immersive, hands-on experience that is designed to turn HBCU talent into the next generation of decision-makers in front of, and behind, the camera via screenings, master classes and interactive sessions — that puts students and emerging creators in direct conversation with HBCU alumni actors, filmmakers, producers and industry leaders.
THE AMBASSADORS, THE AWARDS, THE HONOREES
Actors Laya DeLeon Hayes (Doc McStuffins, Why Did I Get Married Again) and DaSan Frazier (Tough Love: Atlanta, Straw) headline the festival as the 2026 I Aspire Ambassadors, hosting the Salute THEM Awards luncheon — where winners of the HBCU First LOOK Challenge, selected from more than 450 entries, will be announced and awarded a collective $8,500 and an internship opportunity.
The luncheon will also celebrate the 2026 I Aspire 25, honoring HBCU alumni across five categories — Visionaries, Changemakers, Storytellers, Filmmakers and Entrepreneurs. Honorees include Michael Strahan, Eva Marcille, Jamila Mustafa, Colby Muhammad Nixon and Tone Bell, among others.
A FAST-GROWING ROSTER OF NOTABLE TALENT
This year’s participants join a notable roster that has grown since the Festival’s 2023 launch. The inaugural Festival honored costume design legend Ruth E. Carter, who appeared in conversation with casting director Kim Taylor-Coleman in partnership with the Academy’s Visiting Artist Series, as well as TV One founder Cathy Hughes.
In 2024, the Festival welcomed Naturi Naughton, Moses “Shyne” Barrow, David E. Talbert and keynote speaker Keshia Knight Pulliam. The 2025 Festival featured Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who received the inaugural Global Impact Award at the Salute THEM Awards and was recognized by Howard University’s Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts. He was joined by Lynn Whitfield, Creative Ambassador Marsai Martin, U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Kenny Lattimore, with J. Alphonse Nicholson, Lauren E. Banks, LaRoyce Hawkins and Datari Turner among the talent participating in programming on Howard’s campus.
Each year has brought a new group of acclaimed Black filmmakers, actors, creators and cultural leaders to HBCU First LOOK, expanding the Festival’s profile as a platform celebrating HBCU talent and achievement.
HBCU First LOOK’s growing roster of entertainment, media and brand partners is central to its professional-development mission — building a real pipeline of HBCU talent through direct industry access, mentorship and career-building opportunity. The Festival continues to expand its reach through its Tubi FAST channel, launched in 2025 in partnership with Filmhub.
STARZ will present a panel featuring stars from the critically acclaimed and award-winning drama “P-Valley,” which brings the vibrant, complex stories of the Mississippi Delta to life through its bold characters and distinctive storytelling. Panelists will include series stars Nicco Annan (“Uncle Clifford”) and Shannon Thornton (“Keyshawn”).”
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