The 29th Black Harvest Film Festival, themed “Revolutionary Visions,” pays tribute to the rich history, politics and art that commemorate the extraordinary legacy of revolutionary struggles within the Black diaspora. It highlights the interconnection of Black experiences worldwide, from the hardships of the Middle Passage to the battles against apartheid and the fight for racial equity and human dignity during the Civil Rights Movement. These “Revolutionary Visions” invite us to explore the expansive terrain of Black imagination, a tapestry of boundless creativity that transcends temporal and spatial boundaries.
Since its inception in 1994, the Black Harvest Film Festival has stood as Chicago’s annual platform for films that illuminate, celebrate and share the experiences of Black, African American, and African diaspora communities. Following the death of the esteemed film critic and co-founder of the Black Harvest Film Festival, Sergio Mims, last fall, the Gene Siskel Film Center has established the Sergio Mims Fund for Black Excellence in Filmmaking. This fund is a testament to Mims’ commitment to providing a voice and platform for the emerging generation of Black filmmakers.
This year’s festival is being curated by Jada-Amina and Nick Leffel, promising an array of thought-provoking and evocative films that delve into the diverse narratives of the Black experience. Through this cinematic celebration, the Black Harvest Film Festival continues to be a vital conduit for the amplification and appreciation of Black voices in the world of filmmaking.
As we immerse ourselves in the “Revolutionary Visions,” we are reminded of the enduring strength and resilience of Black communities throughout history. The festival serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and visual art in preserving, commemorating and inspiring the ongoing fight for equality and justice for all.
The 29th Black Harvest Film Festival runs Nov. 3–16, 2023. The festival is presenting over 20 features including a retrospective on John Singleton. Buy tickets here.
