SABIFF 2025 - 'BLACK FRIDAY'
MORNING:
Day 2 of SABIFF brings a powerful blend of culture, community, and cinematic brilliance — a Friday we proudly infuse with Black enlightenment. We begin with a student matinee designed for Creatives, Filmmakers, and Supporters eager to engage, learn from industry pros and social justice advocates, and experience rare, globally resonant stories aligned with our ACTIonVISM theme.
AFTERNOON (free-time)
Out-of-town guests can explore the city at their pace --DISCOVER THE SOUL OF SAN ANTONIO - KARIBU!
EVENING
The evening unfolds at our historic Carver Community Cultural Center with a V.I.P. reception* for All-Access Pass holders and visiting filmmakers, followed by a spectacular Red Carpet Celebration and our signature Ankh Achievement Award honoring two legendary filmmakers: Ava DuVernay and Haile Gerima, with a special guest appearance by his UCLA Rebellion comrade, Charles Burnett. Gerima’s iconic film SANKOFA will be screened, followed by a thought-provoking audience Q&A. *(Dr. DuVernay's appearance will be virtual)
We close the evening with good vibes moving over to San Antonio’s River Walk at Elsewhere-SA.
Day 2 is all about empowerment — through Black Excellence, Disruptors, Change makers; all courageous Visionaries engaged in ACTION. [stroll down for details]
Day 2 of SABIFF brings a powerful blend of culture, community, and cinematic brilliance — a Friday we proudly infuse with Black enlightenment. We begin with a student matinee designed for Creatives, Filmmakers, and Supporters eager to engage, learn from industry pros and social justice advocates, and experience rare, globally resonant stories aligned with our ACTIonVISM theme.
AFTERNOON (free-time)
Out-of-town guests can explore the city at their pace --DISCOVER THE SOUL OF SAN ANTONIO - KARIBU!
EVENING
The evening unfolds at our historic Carver Community Cultural Center with a V.I.P. reception* for All-Access Pass holders and visiting filmmakers, followed by a spectacular Red Carpet Celebration and our signature Ankh Achievement Award honoring two legendary filmmakers: Ava DuVernay and Haile Gerima, with a special guest appearance by his UCLA Rebellion comrade, Charles Burnett. Gerima’s iconic film SANKOFA will be screened, followed by a thought-provoking audience Q&A. *(Dr. DuVernay's appearance will be virtual)
We close the evening with good vibes moving over to San Antonio’s River Walk at Elsewhere-SA.
Day 2 is all about empowerment — through Black Excellence, Disruptors, Change makers; all courageous Visionaries engaged in ACTION. [stroll down for details]
DAY #2 - MORNING 9 AM - 12:45 PM
Gasandra Ntolo Ntolo is currently a junior majoring in Politics and Law while earning a Certificate in Legal Studies. Passionate about advocacy, she aspires to work in family and immigration law to support and empower vulnerable populations. As a first-generation college student, Ntolo is motivated by a strong sense of justice and is dedicated to using storytelling and civic engagement as tools for social change.
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For Out-of-Towners we offer this down time to see our beautiful City, venture to the Riverwalk, Eat, Drink & Be Merry -
Check out the SOUL OF SAN ANTONIO for the 'Black Side' of THINGS TO DO.
For Out-of-Towners we offer this down time to see our beautiful City, venture to the Riverwalk, Eat, Drink & Be Merry -
Check out the SOUL OF SAN ANTONIO for the 'Black Side' of THINGS TO DO.
AN EVENING OF ACTIONVISION
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
A V.I.P. (invitation & ALL ACCESS Pass holders only) private reception starts our evening, (peep our Caterer Spotlight below), followed by our RED CARPET Reception (6:30 pm). This is action time to mix & mingle, and get your photo-ops on before our signature Ankh Award Ceremony begins with a special surprise.
*[5 Reasons You Should Know Haile Gerima]
A special screening of HAILE GERIMA's award-winning film SANKOFA is showcased, followed by an onstage Q&A session Ankh Honorees.
*click on poster for Trailer preview Post program gathering on the Riverwalk takes you Elsewhere
READ MORE ON OUR VISIONARY ANKH HONOREES BELOW -&- PURCHASE TICKETS EARLY!
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LOCAL CATERER SPOTLIGHT:
SABIFF hosts a V.I.P. private reception for ALL ACCESS PASS HOLDERS * FILMMAKERS * and invited GUESTS ONLY. This ticketed event is a special time to mix & mingle, shine for photo ops, and network with special guests before the Red Carpet event begins. We are delighted to provide catering provided by San Antonio's own All Things Gourmet *Soulful Tasting & Memorable!* |
Owners: Cierra & Lee Powell
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Danielle King will serve as the host for SABIFF's Ankh Achievement Awards. An accomplished, award-winning actess, singer and theatre director, King has well over 30-years experience in professional entertainment. She is a co-founder of The Divas of Eastwood, LLC, a locally based performing arts group with an emphasis on BIPOC, history and culture. Dani Kay as she is affectionally called, brings impactful performances to the stage & screen. An ATAC Globe Award recipient, her credits include: The Divas of Eastwood Christmas Special, Nina Simone’s “Four Women”, The Color Purple - The Musical, Ragtime, and Steel Magnolias. She presently serves as an acting instructor for Seniors in Play.
SPECIAL GUEST DIRECTOR - CHARLES BURNETT
SABIFF's FIRST ANKH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE 2020
SABIFF's FIRST ANKH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREE 2020
SABIFF is elated to welcome acclaimed filmmaker Charles Burnett in person this year. Burnett was our inaugural Ankh Achievement Honoree in 2020, during the height of the COVID shutdown. A pioneer of UCLA's L.A. Rebellion movement, Burnett is celebrated for his deeply human, realistic portrayals of African American life. Born in Mississippi and raised in Watts, Los Angeles, he emerged from UCLA’s graduate film program with his landmark thesis film Killer of Sheep (1977), later selected for the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry. Over four decades, he has written, directed, and produced more than a dozen narrative and documentary films, both independently and within Hollywood. His accolades include the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” Grant and the National Society of Film Critics’ Best Screenplay Award for To Sleep with Anger (1990). SABIFF 2025 is honored to have this legendary cinematic voice among this year’s honorees. See an extensive list of Burnett's film credits HERE.
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AFTER THE CARVER... Let's venture to
Elsewhere on the River Walk! 
Established in 2020, Elsewhere Garden is a whimsical 'hidden gem' on the San Antonio Riverwalk. This patio-kitchen & bar is a friendly place to unwind & relax. The trees, plants and porch swings overlooking the river, create an outdoor oasis. [MENU: FOOD & DRINKS]
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