Posthumous meditations on the departed.

A Luta Continua // Ataraxy 44 tells the poignant story of Hif Belowi Anga, a Congolese saxophonist who once played in President Mobutu’s band but fled Congo in the early 1990s, disillusioned by the regime. His melancholic melodies blend with archival audio of Patrice Lumumba, whose words remain strikingly relevant today. Anga’s reflection, “Everything fell apart when Lumumba was gone,” anchors the film, highlighting the enduring impact of neocolonial powers on Africa. Yet, amidst the sorrow, the film offers a message of resilience and hope, captured in the enduring phrase “a luta continua,” the fight continues.

English

A Luta Continua // Ataraxy 44

Dooni is the eulogy, voiced by actor Timothy Johnson, of the American soul singer and disco legend Sylvester (1947-1988) as delivered by the gospel singer and preacher Walter Hawkins.

Dooni

Highway to the Moon is a coming-of-age fantasy drama that unravels the mysterious aftermath of young boys whose lives have been abruptly snatched away. Set in a fantasy world between heaven and earth, the story delves into the themes of brotherhood, unity, forgiveness and hope. Content Warning: Flashing lights - 01:00:11-01:00:41, 01:10:29-01:10:46, 01:15:47-01:16:52

Highway to the Moon

In Bahia, Brazil, Benicio is born into silence, loss and ancestral grief. Haunted by inherited pain, he turns inward, recording messages to his unborn self. Through remembrance and release, he begins to break the cycle. By embracing his darkness with acceptance, he confronts his past, rewrites his story and creates space for healing.

Natimorto

During the summer, 16-year-old Najib spends his days gaming until his mother, Asma, informs him of their old neighbor's passing. Intrigued, Najib takes the keys to the neighbor's apartment, uncovering an unexpected world within.

Oceania

In Memoriam Shorts

Virtual Admission

BlackStar Projects1901 South 9th StreetBok 414Philadelphia, PA 19148267-603-2755 Phone

Donation to BlackStar

Donate

Gift Cards

These are all the passes tied to your account. Now, use our online schedule to reserve tickets. You can access your tickets via {{my_tickets_link|"My Tickets"}} or via the PDFs attached to each ticket order confirmation email. {{buy_pass_link|Looking to buy more passes?}}

These are all your purchased tickets. Open this page on your phone, and at the door tap the "Show Barcode" button and show your screen to the attendant. Prefer paper? You can always print the PDF attached to the order confirmation email, or click one of the gears below and select "Download tickets PDF". If purchasing multiple tickets for an event, be sure to print or show each unique ticket barcode.

10-Ticket Bundle

All Access Pass

One Day Pass

BlackStar @ the Mann 

Virtual Screening Pass

None available

Passes

BlackStar Film Festival an annual celebration of the visual and storytelling traditions of Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities globally. 

All panels are recorded in-person and will be posted within the week of the festival.