The 52nd Newark Black Film Festival kicks off in style with the world premiere of When We Free The World, a bold new film from director Kevin Powell.
Join us for an electrifying opening night celebration, followed by a talkback with producers and writers Kevin Powell and Evangeline Lawson of Brooklyn Diego Productions—moderated by Richard Wesley and Darryl Dwayne. Come for the film. Stay for the conversation. Leave inspired.
When We Free The World is a new documentary film produced and written by Evangeline Lawson and Kevin Powell, and directed by Kevin Powell, the GRAMMY-nominated poet and award-winning journalist. It is a deep dive about manhood in America, through the lens and lives of five generations of Black males, from teenagers to 90-somethings.
When We Free The World explores fatherhood and fatherlessness, mental health, violence in all forms, education, history, the prison system, hip-hop, healing, and hope. The doc film is also inclusive of all male identities and expressions, and features the voices of Black males we often do not hear, making it a visual project about manhood in America unlike few we’ve ever seen.
The Newark Black Film Festival is BACK for its 52nd year!
Still the longest-running Black film festival in the nation, 2026 is all about returning to legacy. This year, we’re going back to the roots, more mindful, more intentional, and deeply centered in the community.
Join us every Wednesday from July 8 through August 5 for powerful films made by us, for us.
We’re bringing the experience home to The Newark Museum of Art, Newark Public Library, and Newark Symphony Hall with adult screenings, hands-on workshops, and children’s films. Something for the whole family!
Stay locked in on Instagram for the full schedule and updates.
And here’s the real headline: EVERYTHING is FREE with registration.
Exclusively for Members