Kuumba Film & Arts Festival

Kuumba Black Arts and film Festival events showcase short films from independent film makers throughout the African diaspora, including several from local filmmakers and the work of the CRNY team. Attendees can enjoy food and craft vendors throughout the day. Events will also include Award ceremonies, a keynote speaker and a panel discussion with special guests. Artisans, vendors, music, food and a marketplace.

The Kuumba Black Arts & Film Festival is the second festival produced by the Hamilton Hill Art Center’s Creatives Rebuild New York Media Team. “The Media team is focused on telling the stories of the African Diaspora and this filmfest is the perfect platform to highlight that conversation in the capital region” says Jermaine Wells Head of the Media Team.

Kuumba, a Swahili word, means creativity and is often used in the Pan African movement to refer to the act of using one’s talents to improve their community. “Stories are powerful”, says Rachel Conn, HHAC’s Executive Director,” they tell us who we are, where we have been and to envision our path to the future, that is why it is imperative that the stories of the African diaspora are included in the global narrative.” “Our region has so much talent, giving a platform to our creatives and bringing some Regional and Hollywood producers to the area to spread knowledge and educate us is just the beginning” says Jermaine Wells.

Straight off of Sundance film festival success, Our Keynote Speaker is Ramfis Myrthil (A Boy,A girl and a Dream & Ricky) and many other projects. He will be talking to us about the industry and answering questions. Ramfis just recently opened the doors to his own production company Ramfis productions.

518 native and world-renowned artist and Afrofuturist Stacey Robinson will be honored and will receive our “Greatness in the Arts”award at the festival.

Special thanks to sponsors Film Schenectady, Armory Studios NY, Electric City Entertainment, Ambition coffee and eatery and Super Jermaine Entertainment.

February 16, 2024
Time: 5:30-8:30pm (7:15 film Premeire)
Food catered by 518 Love
Featuring the original projects from The Hamilton Hil Arts Center’s Kuumba Media Team “The Family Coin”, “Clearly” & “Wiley and the Hairy Man”

February 17, 2024
Time: 11am-6pm Kuumba Black Arts & Film Festival
Where: Proctor GE Theatre Schenectady, NY