Following the resounding success of its inaugural year, the Kamloops Black Film Festival (KBFF) is set to return in February 2025. This exciting event will continue to amplify Black voices, celebrate Black cultures, and shine a spotlight on the power of storytelling. With a growing momentum, the KBFF is quickly becoming a cornerstone of Kamloops’ cultural scene, uniting the community through the shared experience of film and conversation.
In February 2024, the Kamloops Black Film Festival made its debut, born out of the collaborative efforts of the Kamloops Caribbean Cultural Society, the Valid Dreams Foundation, the Kamloops Afro Films Society, and the Kamloops Film Society. It was a vision fuelled by a desire to explore and share Black storytelling, providing a platform for meaningful discussions around Black cultures, identities, and experiences. The first edition of the festival featured a powerful selection of films that captured the rich diversity of Black, African, and Caribbean narratives, sparking an overwhelmingly positive response from the community.
In just one year, the volunteer-driven Organizing Committee has grown, bringing in fresh perspectives and passionate minds. The 2025 festival committee includes dedicated individuals like Daniel Akinshola, Happiness Akingbade-Adebayo, Hardley Williams, Kenneth Obiaktor, Kimona, Omujale Okeoghene, Mary Falade, Nyamal Lol, Radhika Tabrez, and Sally Martin, whose collective vision will continue to shape the festival’s future.
“At its core, the KBFF is about empowering and uniting diverse communities through the celebration of Black culture,” says Daniel Akinshola, founder of the Kamloops Afro Films Society. “By elevating Black voices, we not only enrich Kamloops’ cultural landscape, but we also drive important conversations about race, inclusion, and identity.”
The buzz around the KBFF’s return is palpable, and for good reason. As organizers gear up for the festival’s second edition, plans are already underway to expand the programming, strengthen community engagement, and form new partnerships. While the full lineup and event details are still under wraps, one thing is for certain: the 2025 festival promises to offer an even more diverse range of films, genres, and cultural experiences, all carefully curated to create a memorable experience for attendees.
One of the standout aspects of the KBFF’s first year was its commitment to youth engagement. Special school screenings gave local students the chance to experience films they might never have encountered otherwise.
“This initiative is about more than just entertainment,” says Sally Martin, Executive Director of the Valid Dreams Foundation. “It’s about opening the door to cultural exploration, fostering inclusivity, and sparking dialogue between generations.”
As the festival continues to grow, there are plans to broaden these efforts, ensuring that Kamloops’ younger audiences are not only exposed to important cultural stories but also given a platform to engage with them in meaningful ways.
The KBFF isn’t just about watching films—it’s about creating spaces for deeper conversations. Each screening is paired with engaging discussions that explore the themes of the film, often featuring filmmakers, cultural experts, and community leaders.
“These discussions are what make the KBFF so special,” says Mary Falade, Committee member and Assistant Festival Coordinator for 2024. “They allow the audience to reflect on the diverse experiences within the Black community and spark important dialogues on race, identity, and inclusion.”
The KBFF is a community-driven initiative, and there are many ways to get involved. Attending screenings, volunteering, and sharing the festival with your network are all great ways to show support. The organizers have also launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the festival’s ongoing success, helping ensure that this incredible cultural event can continue to thrive for years to come.
Looking ahead, the KBFF’s organizers are excited about the festival’s potential to become an annual celebration of Black culture in Kamloops. As the city becomes more diverse, there is a growing hope that the KBFF will evolve into a must-attend event, attracting visitors from all backgrounds and creating a space for cultural exchange.
“We envision the KBFF becoming a significant part of Kamloops’ cultural calendar,” says Hardley Williams, a festival committee member. “It’s a celebration of Black creativity, culture, and community — and there’s room for everyone to join in.”
Whether you’re a film enthusiast, an advocate for diversity, or simply someone eager to learn more about the world around you, the KBFF offers something for everyone. Through its films, discussions, and cultural programming, the festival promises to be a rich and transformative experience that will leave a lasting impact on all who attend. By joining in, you’re helping to create a more inclusive, connected Kamloops.
Mark your calendars for February 1st and 2nd, 2025, and get ready for an unforgettable celebration of Black culture at the Paramount Theatre. The second edition of the Kamloops Black Film Festival is coming soon—and you won’t want to miss it.