Spelman College and BronzeLens Film Festival Partner to Launch First Summer Film Series
Friday, July 17th, 2026
Spelman College and the BronzeLens Film Festival (BLFF) are pleased to announce the BLFF Encore Series, a collaborative summer film series designed to celebrate the power of independent cinema while providing audiences with engaging conversations around culture, creativity, innovation and identity. The screenings will take place every Thursday beginning July 16 and continuing through August 6, at Spelman’s Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation and the Arts.
The four-week series will feature curated screenings of award-winning and emerging films by Georgia filmmakers. Each evening will explore a unique theme, showcasing the breadth of Black storytelling across multiple genres and generations. To purchase tickets, visit Spelman College Marketplace Mall: CI&A-PAC. Each screening will begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.
The series themes include:
- July 16 – Afrofuturism: A collection of visionary films exploring technology, imagination, healing, and the future through Black perspectives.
- July 23 – Family Night: Inspiring stories for audiences of all ages that celebrate imagination, resilience, and community.
- July 30 – Arts: Documentary and narrative films highlighting influential artists, cultural icons, and creative voices whose work has shaped Black history and contemporary culture.
- August 6 – All Shorts/All Night: A powerful evening of short films examining self-discovery, legacy, resilience, and personal transformation.
Collectively, the screenings feature works by independent filmmakers whose stories span science fiction, drama, documentary, fantasy, dance and social commentary. The collaboration reflects both organizations' commitment to amplifying diverse voices and creating meaningful opportunities for audiences to engage with independent Black cinema.
"After every film festival, the same questions always arise: 'That was SO good! How can I see that film again?’ or 'I heard that film was a MUST SEE, but I missed it. When and where can I watch it?' Now, here's your chance,” said Barbara Chirinos, artistic director of the Center for Innovation and the Arts at Spelman. “The BronzeLens Film Festival, in partnership with the Mary Schmidt Campbell Center for Innovation and the Arts at Spelman College, proudly presents the BLFF Encore Series—a special four-week celebration of outstanding films by Georgia filmmakers that previously screened at BronzeLens. Great films deserve an encore."
"We're excited to partner with Spelman College to launch the Summer Film Screening Series, creating a dynamic space where independent films spark meaningful conversations and bring our community together,” said Kathleen Bertrand, BronzeLens Executive Producer. “Independent filmmakers have long challenged how we see the world, and this series celebrates their creativity, courage, and vision. Beyond the screenings, we invite audiences to engage in thought-provoking discussions about culture, innovation, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling. We believe this collaboration will inspire, connect, and entertain audiences all summer long.”
The film series underscores the shared mission of Spelman and BronzeLens Film Festival to support emerging artists, promote cultural exchange and foster conversations that extend beyond the screen. Additional information regarding guest speakers and film titles will be announced soon.
Tickets are available for purchase at Spelman College Marketplace Mall: CI&A-PAC.
