Full Breakdown
Stanford Hosts Inaugural Black Women’s Film Festival
4/19/2026, 10:07:47 PM
Celebrating Black Women’s Voices in Film and Poetry
The inaugural Black Women’s Film Festival, titled “But Some of Us Are Brave,” took place at Stanford University on April 10-11, 2026. Organized by Kyéra Sterling, a Ph.D. candidate in art and art history, the festival aimed to honor National Poetry Month and highlight the contributions of Black women in film and poetry. The event featured a participatory movement exercise led by amara tabor-smith, a choreographer and artist-in-residence, which set a collaborative tone for the festival.
The two-day program included a panel discussion on Black poetics, a conversation with filmmaker Cheryl Fabio, and screenings of significant yet rarely seen films such as Maya Angelou’s “The Tapestry” (1976) and “A Place of Rage” (1991), which features prominent figures like June Jordan and Angela Davis discussing civil rights.
Insights from Panelists and Filmmakers
During the panel titled “Opening Riffs: Sounding Black Poetics,” artists discussed the intersection of their creative practices. Tabor-smith emphasized the resilience of Black and Brown communities, stating, “It is poetry to survive. The ways that [Black and Brown people] find breath and perseverance, joy, laughter — I feel that the poetry is in our motion.” Abdurraqib reflected on the legacy of Black women’s intellectual contributions, highlighting the significance of their cultural works despite systemic oppression.
Sterling faced challenges in curating the festival, noting the difficulty in accessing films and the necessity of building trust with institutions to secure screenings. Hayley O’Malley, a professor of art history, played a crucial role in facilitating access to some titles, reinforcing the belief that the creative work of Black women is invaluable.
Community Engagement and Impact
The festival attracted a diverse audience from across the Bay Area, fostering a sense of community. Attendees expressed motivation and inspiration from the powerful narratives presented. Filmmaker Imani Dennison described “Spin Cycle” as “an incredible love letter to the past,” while audience member Andrea Davis remarked on the strength of Black women depicted in the discussions.
Sterling noted the profound connections that emerged during the festival, including a surprise appearance by Fabio’s family, which underscored the importance of lineage and community in the arts.
Conclusion: A Step Towards Greater Representation
The Black Women’s Film Festival at Stanford marks a significant step in recognizing and celebrating the contributions of Black women in the arts. Despite logistical challenges, the event successfully convened a community and highlighted the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural heritage. As Sterling stated, the festival's impact is profound, emphasizing the need for continued support and visibility for Black women’s narratives in film and poetry.
