Martha's Vineyard, a haven of natural beauty, transforms into a beacon of Black creativity and influence, drawing filmmakers, actors, and cultural icons such as Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil, and Michelle Obama. For over two decades, the Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF) has served as a cultural homecoming, a summer retreat, and a secure space where the most influential voices in the industry converge in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts.
This annual nine-day celebration has become a cornerstone event, and its latest iteration promises an exciting lineup, including appearances from singer-actor Jennifer Hudson and basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, screenings of works such as Spike Lee's "Highest 2 Lowest," and intimate discussions with figures like the Rev. Al Sharpton.
A Legacy of Black Excellence
Over the years, the festival has attracted a who's who of Black Hollywood, including Ava DuVernay, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry, and Regina King. Even the Obamas made a surprise appearance in 2022, further solidifying the festival's status as a must-attend event.
Tracee Ellis Ross, who will be screening her new Roku Channel series "Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross," describes the festival as a moment when "so many of us converge and gather in a location that has historically received us incredibly well." Her three-episode show follows Ross as she embarks on solo journeys to Morocco, Mexico, and Spain, seeking to unplug, indulge, and reconnect.
Ross highlights the personal significance of travelling solo, describing it as a way of life. She felt that sharing her project at MVAAFF was the perfect fit, particularly as an episode of Akil's "Forever," set on the Vineyard, captures the island's spirit and beauty. "It felt like the perfect location to kind of share," she said, emphasising the impeccable timing of the show's release and the festival.
A Hub for Inspiration and Connection
The festival, situated on the campus of the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center and the Vineyard Lounge, has evolved from a grassroots gathering into a premier destination where Black creatives can find inspiration, connection, and support.
Akil paid tribute to festival founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance, acknowledging their role in building a creative pipeline where stories rooted in Black culture are not only told but also celebrated. "They know the value. They know the need," said Akil, who will be screening "The Vineyard" episode from the Netflix series "Forever" at the festival. "Regardless of what the institution or systems of Hollywood sees as valuable, we claim the value of our stories. We have a chance to celebrate them, complete them, tell them, view them and share them with an audience. It allows for the completion of the story, so that we can move on to many, many, many more stories that need to be told."
Floyd Rance describes MVAAFF as a vital component of the entertainment ecosystem, providing a platform where Black voices and narratives are given the attention they deserve. "It's always good to have somewhat of a convergence for folks of like mind in the arts and entertainment to gather, coalesce, share ideas, rekindle friendships and fellowship," said Floyd, who, along with Stephanie, admits they never anticipated their festival becoming such a major attraction. "Despite the political climate and what's going on in entertainment, it's always a good time for birds of a feather to flock together."
A Focus on Joy and Celebration
In addition to the panels and screenings, Stephanie Rance said this year's festival centres on the theme of joy, placing a greater emphasis on celebration than on struggle. She is particularly excited for attendees to experience a diverse range of conversations, from lesser-known moments in Black history to a panel on Ralph Lauren's Oak Bluffs collection with Morehouse and Spelman.
The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture will host a discussion on Black dandyism, honouring the late fashion icon André Leon Talley. "The community at large on the Vineyard and the folks that come from all over the world to the festival really embrace the filmmakers," she said. "Everybody loves the studio and the streaming content and the talent that comes in. But we really are a filmmakers' film fest at heart."
A Dynamic Programme
This year's festival features a dynamic programme that combines star power, insightful conversations, and creative exploration.
- Spike Lee will present exclusive clips from his upcoming film "Highest 2 Lowest," starring Denzel Washington.
- Courtney B. Vance will lead a panel on Black storytelling, examining how content creation can maintain cultural authenticity.
- Jennifer Hudson will discuss her Emmy-nominated daytime talk show.
- Dwyane Wade will participate in a men's luncheon with industry leaders to discuss leadership, legacy, and capital in today's evolving media landscape.
- Joy Reid is hosting a fireside chat on power and purpose.
- Issa Rae returns with a preview of part two of her documentary "Seen & Heard," continuing her exploration of visibility for Black creatives.
- Debbie Allen will be honoured with a tribute to "A Different World," celebrating the show's enduring impact.
The screenings will showcase a wide array of Black storytelling, including Starz's "Magic City: American Fantasy," the Tyler Perry-produced "Old Mary Mare," HBO Max's "The Gilded Age," and Ryan Coogler's critically acclaimed "Sinners." Michelle Obama and her brother, Craig Robinson, will conduct a live recording of their podcast, featuring an interview with Teyana Taylor.
A Cultural Home for Filmmakers
For returning filmmakers like Andre Gaines, the festival has become a cultural home to showcase their work. This year marks his third screening at MVAAFF, where he will present "The Dutchman," a bold reimagining of Amiri Baraka's powerful 1964 play.
"It's great to show our stories in front of our people and get this visceral and genuine reaction when it comes to things that we're familiar with," said Gaines, who is also collaborating with MVAAFF founders Stephanie and Floyd Rance on a documentary about the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott.
Gaines emphasises that the festival affirms the importance of Black storytelling in a way that mainstream spaces often neglect. "Some people look at our festivals, media or award shows as being less than what the mainstream or our white contemporaries might consider them to be, but they aren't," he said. "That's the beauty of this festival. We talk to each other and herald the filmmakers that came before us and the ones currently working. We get this grand opportunity to come together in that form."
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