5th Annual BedStuy Film Festival
“The neighborhood’s best film festival opens with its sole feature, The NextShift, followed by a cocktail reception.”
Three days of independent film, panels, and community storytelling at The Billie Holiday Theatre. October 16-18. Founded in 2017, the BedStuy Film Festival was created to spotlight films from a wide range of cultural, racial, gender, and generational perspectives. The festival is dedicated to supporting local
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creatives while welcoming independent filmmakers from around the world. Join us October 16 to 18, 2026, for the 5th Annual festival: three days of independent film, Q&A sessions, and community storytelling. Opening night includes a cocktail reception following the film, Schedule Friday, October 16 6:00 to 7:30 PM: Feature Film, The NextShift 7:30 to 9:30 PM: Opening Night Cocktail Reception. Stay after the film to celebrate opening night. Included with your Day 1 ticket or 3-Day Pass. Saturday, October 17 12:00 to 1:00 PM: Short Film, The Therapist (30 minutes) 1:15 to 2:15 PM: Panel, Indie vs. Studio: The Filmmaking Dilemma, featuring Ahmad Muhammad (Tyler Perry Studios), Sean Charles (ALLBLK/MACRO), Victorious De Costa, Nya Estep, and more. Sunday, October 18 12:00 to 2:00 PM: Documentary, Through the Night, directed and produced by Loira Limbal. The film explores the personal cost of the modern economy through the lives of working-class mothers and a 24-hour childcare provider. 2:15-3:00 PM: Panel, The World of Vertical Films, What’s Next. Panelist TBA Tickets Day passes are $20 per day. The 3-Day Pass is $50 and covers all three days, including the opening night reception.
The Billie Holiday Theatre
Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn — 1368 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11216