ST. PETERSBURG, FL – The Tampa Bay Black Art & Film Festival (BAFF) is thrilled to announce its 7th annual event, scheduled for February 20-23, 2025. This four-day festival is dedicated to empowering, inspiring, and elevating Black and African-American visual artists and filmmakers from the Tampa Bay area and beyond.
“This festival is a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to connect us all,” says Cranstan Cumberbatch, Festival Director. “We’re excited to showcase the incredible talent within our community and share these powerful stories with the world.”
The festival’s journey began with the vision of Carla Bristol, Black Art and Film Festival in 2016 who collaborated with Cranstan Cumberbatch and Jabaar Edmond of Dreammakerz Production to curate the film selections. Their dedication has been instrumental in shaping the festival’s cinematic success.
Being a part of the BAFF has been an incredible experience,” shares Jabaar Edmond. “We believe in the transformative power of film, and this festival provides a crucial platform for Black filmmakers to share their unique perspectives.”
The BAFF is deeply rooted in the St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay arts community, collaborating with organizations like Film Tampa Bay, The Lemonade Stand Art Gallery and Studios, where past events, such as the “BAFF25 Kick Party,” will take place. The festival is also part of a larger movement celebrating Black Arts & culture in the region. 
This year’s festival will feature a diverse lineup of events, including:
• Thursday, February 20: Kickoff Party at CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, 1005 1st Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL.
• Friday, February 21: Documentary and Indie Shorts Showcase at The Lemonade Stand Art Gallery and Studios, 2634 Emerson Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL.
• Saturday, February 22: Artist Reception and Indie Shorts Screening at Eckerd College’s Cobb Theater, 4200 54th Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL.
• Sunday, February 23: Feature Films, Music Videos, and Indie Shorts, followed by the festival award announcements and closing party at Eckerd College’s Miller Theater, 4200 54th Ave S., St. Petersburg, FL.
Tickets will be available soon, with options for individual events and all-access passes. For more information and to stay updated on ticket sales, visit the official festival website at https://www.blackartandfilmfestival.com/.
About BAFF:
The Black Art & Film Festival (BAFF) is dedicated to recognizing Black talent and showcasing quality visual art and film content created by or starring Black individuals of all shades and ethnicities. Held annually during the last weekend of February to close out Black History Month, BAFF serves as an outlet for Black artists to come together to share their work, enlighten, and inspire the creative arts community in and around the Tampa Bay area and beyond.
Visit website: https://www.blackartandfilmfestival.com.
