2025 Film Festival

We Don't Just Make History, We Are History

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October 4th @ 10AM until 10pm CDT

October 4th @ 10AM until 10pm CDT

The Black Indie Filmmakers Association International Film Festival

Welcome to The Black Indie Filmmakers Association International Film Festival! Join us at The Power Center for a celebration of independent films from around the world. Experience a diverse range of creative works, engage with talented filmmakers, and immerse yourself in a vibrant artistic community. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to discover new voices and perspectives in the world of cinema. Get ready for a weekend filled with inspiration, creativity, and passion. See you there!

HOSTS

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Phyllis Yvonne Stickney

SPECIAL HONOREE


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Dr. Cam Hill

This Year's Returning Red Carpet Host

Honorees & Award Winners

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Dean Chris C. Ulasi Ph.D

Founders Award


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Denise O'Neal

William and Audrey Lawson Humanitarian Award


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Hans R. Herren

Global Humanitarian Award


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Masterclass Times

9:30 Acting Masterclass with Cynthia Savoie

9:30 Scriptwriting Masterclass with Cash Anthony

10:30 Mastering Performance, Presence and Influence with Oscar Hines

10:30 Photography Masterclass with Missy Burton 

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MASTERCLASSES/WORKSHOPS

Transform Your Talent. Expand Your Impact.

Transform Your Talent. Expand Your Impact.

Mastering Performance, Presence, and Influence with Oscar Hines

Whether you're stepping in front of a camera, standing on a stage, or pitching your next big idea — your presence speaks before you do.


This high-impact, interactive workshop is more than just a training in performance — it’s a transformational experience designed to elevate how you express, connect, and lead.


Led by renowned speaker and influence strategist Oscar Hines, this workshop merges elite performance techniques with the science of Emotional and Social Intelligence (ESIQ) — unlocking your ability to inspire, captivate, and command any room.


What You’ll Learn:


Master the Silent Language – Use body language, micro-expressions, and voice inflection to magnetize your presence on screen and stage.

Speak with Power – Discover pitch, pace, pausing, and vocal control techniques that captivate your audience and bring dialogue to life.

Own Every Room – Learn how to project confidence, authenticity, and emotional resonance whether in auditions, interviews, or meetings.

Craft Unforgettable Moments – Break down live scenes and sharpen your performance with direct coaching and feedback.

Persuade Like a Pro – Apply ESIQ-based techniques to influence directors, producers, and peers — both in the audition room and beyond.



Who Should Attend:

Actors, directors, and producers — from emerging to seasoned — who want to:


• Enhance their on-screen or stage presence

• Command attention in any performance or pitch

• Build lasting influence in the industry

• Connect more deeply — not just as artists, but as humans


This workshop isn’t just about acting better — it’s about greater confidence, clarity, and emotional impact in every area of your life.


Your Guide: Oscar Hines


Oscar Hines is a master trainer, speaker, and author of Ninja Communications: The Art and Science of Influence. He has shared stages with legends like Les Brown, George C. Fraser coached rising stars at Future Stars of Houston, and produced TV, podcast, and commercial content across the U.S.


A leading voice in performance psychology, voice dynamics, and body language, Oscar blends science and soul to deliver training that sticks — and transforms.


BONUS:


Every participant will receive an exclusive invite to take the ESIQ Personal Assessment — a powerful diagnostic that reveals your strengths, blind spots, and communication blueprint for personal and professional growth.


Reserve Now Limited Seats Available!

Dynasty: The Peculiar Search for Totality … From Africa to America

Dynasty: The Peculiar Search for Totality … From Africa to America

BIFA Masterclass Photography Workshop with Missy Burton

FotoShoot Magazine proudly presents Missy Burton, who will showcase her innovative photography exhibit, "Dynasty: The Peculiar Search for Totality. From Africa to America," at the prestigious BIFA Film Festival on October 4th, 2025. In a compelling 75-minute artist talk, Burton, a master photographer and storyteller, will share her inspiring journey in creating this work. The exhibit pays homage to the roots of storytelling through still photography, a medium that predates silent films and continues to captivate audiences. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience her photographs in a virtual reality format, bringing the narratives to life.


Who Should Attend this Master Class Workshop?

  • Scriptwriters, producers, storytellers, and editors seeking to grasp Missy’s method for crafting a compelling story theme.
  • Photographers at all skill levels aiming to enhance their understanding of storyboarding prior to capturing themed master works.
  • Creative professionals interested in refining their narrative techniques and visual storytelling skills.

What Are the Benefits?

  • Explore the synergy of storytelling, photography, set design, costumes, and props in bringing scripts and photography series to life.
  • Gain insights into how AI technology can elevate your narrative, script, or photography project.
  • Discover how leveraging social media and technology can expand the audience reach for your story, script, and photography series.

"Dynasty" intricately weaves together photography, poetry, history, and augmented reality to narrate the ancestral journey of a family seeking freedom. The exhibit, with its deep roots in history and culture, unfolds into three distinct sections. The first features seven portraits of women, each representing a generation descending from a fictional character named "Dada," spanning over 200 years and showcasing a persistent commitment to preserving the family's legacy. The second section, titled "Echoes of the Past," captures the essence of stories passed down through generations, illustrated by intentionally blurred images that reflect the evolving nature of oral history. Finally, the third section includes curated artifacts for each woman in the Dynasty, enhancing the viewer's connection to the stories told and fostering a deep appreciation for the cultural significance of the exhibit.

Write Bold. Write Truth. Write Stories That Matter.

Write Bold. Write Truth. Write Stories That Matter.

 2025 BIFA Script Writing Masterclass with Cash Anthony

Every great film begins with the script.


The 2025 BIFA Script Writing Masterclass is where writers—aspiring and experienced—come to sharpen their pen and ignite their purpose. This session is designed for those who know they have something to say, but need the tools, structure, and confidence to say it well.


Whether you’re crafting a short, a feature, or a series, this class will give you the techniques to structure unforgettable stories, create authentic characters, and write dialogue that hits the heart and echoes in the mind.


️ Why You Should Sign Up


  • Learn the Blueprint of Storytelling
  • From idea to outline to final draft—understand what makes a script compelling, marketable, and emotionally resonant.
  • Write With Power and Precision
  • Explore dramatic structure, pacing, tone, and voice. Discover how to write with clarity, depth, and style that reflects your unique voice.
  • Create Characters That Live Beyond the Page
  • Develop multidimensional characters that speak truth, embody conflict, and drive the story forward.
  • Industry Insight & Real Feedback
  • Learn from professional screenwriters and producers. Get live feedback on your ideas or scenes. Understand how to pitch and protect your work.
  • Network With Filmmakers
  • Connect with directors, actors, and fellow writers looking for new voices and fresh scripts. This isn’t just a class—it’s a creative incubator.


Your story deserves to be told. Your voice deserves to be heard.

Sign up for the BIFA Script Writing Masterclass and turn your ideas into cinematic gold.


Limited space. Serious writers only.


Cash Anthony is an optioned, award-winning Houston screenwriter, a producer/director of short films and stage, and a prolific author of fiction and non-fiction, with short stories in two best-selling collections and in all fifteen Final Twist anthologies. She has been editor of the last eight anthologies by the Final Twist Writers Society and has written eighteen short novels featuring detective Jessie Carr, biker chick/avenging angel. Cash holds a B.A. in Plan II Honors from The University of Texas at Austin and a J.D. from UT School of Law. This year, she serves as president of the Final Twist.
For Actors Ready to Elevate Their Craft

For Actors Ready to Elevate Their Craft

2025 BIFA Acting Masterclass with Cynthia Savoie

Acting, being in the moment is a way to provoke thought and cultivate change.

Your screen presence can make a difference in someone’s life when a speech will not. Ms Cynthia is a blessed Screen, Radio, Television and Voice Actress. She has worked with many talented Directors such as Arlene Russell, Dana Hyder and Bolden Walker Productions. Her film credits include : The Thomas Freeman Documentary, The Need to Feed, Casino Murder and The Sheczar. Radio Credits include

Success Techniques and All God’s Children.


She believes in creating a supportive , safe and challenging environment where students can discover their unique voice. She is committed to empowering actors to not only master their craft but to find the joy and truth in their storytelling.


The 2025 BIFA Acting Masterclass is designed for actors of all ages and experience levels who are ready to advance their careers. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, this immersive session will help you unlock the power of performance, strengthen your presence, and build confidence in front of the camera and on stage.


Led by seasoned professionals, this class focuses on:


  • Emotional truth and character development
  • Audition technique and scene work
  • On-camera performance
  • The business of acting—branding, agents, and longevity in the industry


This is more than a workshop—it’s a transformative experience for storytellers who want to own their space and amplify their voice.


Come prepared. Leave empowered.

Join a community of passionate creatives and take the next bold step in your acting journey.


 Why You Should Sign Up for the 2025 BIFA Acting Masterclass


Because talent alone isn’t enough.


You can have the passion. You can have the potential. But without training, exposure, and the right guidance, even the most gifted actors can remain unseen. That’s why this masterclass exists—to unlock your next level.


This is your moment.


Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, the 2025 BIFA Acting Masterclass will challenge, inspire, and equip you to move with confidence and clarity in today’s competitive film and television industry.


Here’s why you can’t afford to miss it:


 Master Your Craft


This is not a basic acting class. This is a deep dive into emotional truth, scene work, presence, and performance. You’ll learn how to embody a character, command the camera, and bring your soul to the screen. You’ll discover what makes you unique—and how to use it.


 Learn From Industry Professionals


Our instructors are working actors, casting directors, and filmmakers who’ve been where you are and know what it takes to break through. You’ll get raw insight, real feedback, and the kind of mentorship money can’t usually buy.


 Get Seen. Get Connected.


This isn’t just training—it’s visibility. You’ll meet directors, producers, and fellow creatives who are actively casting and building new projects. Relationships are the currency of this industry. Start building yours here.


Build Your Brand


We’ll help you sharpen your image as an actor:


  • Get a free professional headshot
  • Receive expert feedback on your demo reel
  • Learn how to pitch yourself and navigate auditions with confidence


 Leave Empowered, Not Just Informed


This masterclass doesn’t just prepare you for roles—it prepares you for the journey. You’ll walk away with more than techniques. You’ll leave with vision, clarity, and a stronger sense of purpose as an artist.

The opportunity is here.


Don’t just dream about acting. Train for it. Fight for it. Sign up and let this be the moment you stopped waiting and started moving.


Limited spots available. Secure your seat today.


This year's festival is packed with an exciting lineup of movies, captivating discussions, and interactive experiences. Come back here to view our highlighted features for 2025 that make our festival an unforgettable cinematic journey!

2025 Exclusive Screenings


This year's festival is packed with an exciting lineup of movies, captivating discussions, and interactive experiences. Come back here to view our highlighted features for 2025 that make our festival an unforgettable cinematic journey!

Please click the button below to submit your project for the film festival

Please click the button below to submit your project for the film festival

Join us for a showcase of groundbreaking cinema and talent.

2025 Panels

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TO BE ANNOUNCED...

Our Sponsors

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