DIASPORA SHORTS: The Molt, Partly Cloudy & Hot, Ampe: Leap into the Sky, Black Girl, The Anniversary / FEATURE: Finding Freedom on The Sixteen

The Molt

France (2021) - Director: Willy Orr

MARYLAND PREMIERE

Ashille lost his dad a few months ago. He locked up in the little house he just inherited. He founds out some bedbugs are in the house and eat him every night. It makes his older brother Steve very angry, since he wants to sell the house as quickly as possible. Yet, Ashille would like to stay a bit longer. The brothers are gonna have to take care of the bedbugs. It will bring them closer than ever.

Ampe: Leap into the Sky, Black Girl

Ghana, United States (2022) - Director: Claudia Owusu

MARYLAND PREMIERE

Set in the sister cities of Accra, Ghana and Columbus, Ohio, “Ampe: Leap into the Sky, Black Girl” is a rhythmic love letter to Black girlhood across the African diaspora. Through the lens of the Ghanaian traditional jumping and clapping game, Ampe, the film takes us on a journey of sisterhood, loyalty, and nostalgia in a space created for us, by us.

Finding Freedom On The Sixteen

Canada (2023) - Director: Anthony Sherwood

WORLD PREMIERE

The amazing story of former enslaved African-Americans from the State of Maryland and Louisiana who fled in search of freedom to the small town of Oakville, Ontario in Canada. During the mid 1800's, these early Black settlers helped reshape the future of Oakville and made significant contributions to the history of Canada. These new citizens of Oakville and their descendants became famous inventors, business entrepreneurs, world record-holding athletes and accomplished artists in the entertainment industry.

2023 BIBFF Official Reel

The 10th Annual Black Film Festival features over 60 films from 21 countries on October 5-9, 2023. We are proud to bring this amazing group of "Official Selections" to Baltimore City both in our Virtual Theatre and at the Prid Center of Maryland, Arch Social Club and SNF Parkway Theatre in Baltimore's Station North and Black Arts Districts. Enjoy the films and be sure to use the unique pairs and shorts programs to have your own #ReelUnity moment.

Partly Cloudy & Hot

Botswana (2023) - Director: Moreetsi Gabang

BALTIMORE PREMIERE

A husband’s manhood is tested when his wife hands him a male fertility test.

The Anniversary

Canada (2022) - Director: Shaun Boyd

MARYLAND PREMIERE

Prospero is burdened with guilt after his wife’s death during a student protest many years past. On the anniversary of his wife’s passing, Prospero witnesses the brutal suppression of a Black Lives Matter protest in Toronto’s Little Jamaica by armed police. Traumatized by the seeming perpetuity of violence, he longs to be reunited with his wife.