Black Alphabet Film Festival (BAFF) – Lights, Camera, Empowerment!

​

In 2013 we lit the spark with Chicago’s first Black LGBTQ+ film festival, and it’s now our flagship event. The Black Alphabet Film Festival (BAFF) showcases stories by and about Black LGBTQ+ people, giving our narratives a dedicated screen to shine on. From powerful documentaries to joyful rom-coms, every film is a hook point that captures attention and invites empathy – opening viewers’ eyes to the rich tapestry of Black queer experiences.

​

Over the past decade, BAFF has grown from a local gathering into a nationally recognized celebration of culture. We’ve expanded beyond Chicago, bringing pop-up film festivals and drive-in screenings to cities like Cincinnati, Seattle, and Covington. We also host virtual film events that unite viewers from around the world. This means a young queer creator in Chicago and a curious ally in another country can share the same inspiring experience simultaneously. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking for an audience or a film lover hungry for representation, BAFF welcomes you. Join us at the next festival – grab some popcorn, take a seat, and watch what happens when our community takes the spotlight on screen.

​

You may review a list of past films screened by Black Alphabet and get information about the films.

​

Visit the Upcoming Events page for more information or to reserve tickets for the upcoming events.