The 8th annual Halifax Black Film Festival, #HBFF24, returns both in-person and online this year to celebrate African Heritage Month, running from February 23 to 27, 2024. Organized by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and presented by TD Bank Group in collaboration with Global News, the festival will showcase 45 films from 11 countries, available virtually and at Cineplex Park Lane, with special events at the Halifax Central Public Library.

Highlighted films include Manga D’Terra, Mixed Memories, Sway, and The 50. Opening Night features Brenton Gieser’s powerful film The 50, exploring trauma and healing, screening on February 23 at 7 p.m. at Cineplex Park Lane.

BEING BLACK IN CANADA, presented by NETFLIX in collaboration with the National Bank and supported by Telefilm Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts, will showcase its 2022 program, followed by a Q&A session, on February 24 at Cineplex Park Lane.

Local Halifax filmmakers, aged 18-30, will present short documentaries addressing issues impacting Black communities across Canada, including Mum by Kimber Wesley, From the Ashes by Hailey Ramsey, Essance &. by Essance MacKinnon, and Floating by Nikita Morris.

“This 8th edition of the Halifax Black Film Festival (HBFF) coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Fabienne Colas Foundation – creator of the HBFF – which makes this year’s African Heritage Month a more meaningful celebration.

HBFF is an important platform that celebrates Black talent and empowers filmmakers to create impactful work. Our aim is to connect members of all cultural communities through films, allowing us to better understand one another and to see the world through each other’s experiences.” wrote Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Black Film Festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver

The festival runs in-person on February 23-24, 2024, and online until February 27, 2024. Additionally, the HBFF Black Market, co-presented by the Halifax Regional Library, will host industry panels covering topics like Nova Scotia’s film support system, podcast writing, and industry support resources.

Tickets for in-person screenings range from $12 to $20, while All Access Passes for both in-person and online programs are available at $39 and $49, respectively.