BlackStar creates the spaces and resources needed to uplift the work of Black, Brown and Indigenous artists working outside of the confines of genre. We do this by producing year-round programs including film screenings, exhibitions, an annual film festival, a filmmaker seminar, a film production lab, and a journal of visual culture. These programs provide artists opportunities for viable strategies for collaborations with other artists, audiences, funders, and distributors.

We prioritize visionary work that is experimental in its aesthetics, content, and form and builds on the work of elders and ancestors to imagine a new world. We elevate artists who are overlooked, invisibilized or misunderstood and celebrate the wide spectrum of aesthetics, storytelling and experiences that they bring. We bring that work to new audiences as well as place it in dialog with other past and contemporary work. And, we curate every aspect of our events to be intentional community building efforts, connecting diverse audiences in a Black-led space centered on joy and thriving.

Film

BlackStar

BlackStar's headquarters in Philadelphia, PA, United States

Maori Karmael Holmes

Shaakira D.

Catherine L.

Autumn F. Valdez

Terri Hall

Nehad Khader

Heidi Saman

The Program Management Team at BlackStar oversees the planning, execution, and coordination of all year-round programs, including film screenings, exhibitions, the annual film festival, a filmmaker seminar, a film production lab, and a journal of visual culture. This team ensures that each program aligns with the organization's mission to uplift and celebrate Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists. They work collaboratively to curate intentional community-building events, manage resources, and facilitate strategic partnerships with artists, audiences, funders, and distributors.

Program Management Team

The Communications and Media team at BlackStar is responsible for shaping and disseminating the public image and messaging of the company. Led by the Chief Communications Officer, the team works to promote BlackStar’s programs and initiatives through various channels, including social media, press releases, and specialized media content. The Director of Documentary Series (Netflix) lends expertise in content production and distribution, while the Social Media Coordinator manages online presence and engagement. The Section Editor of Seen Journal ensures the journal’s content aligns with BlackStar’s mission, and the Press Coordinator handles media relations and outreach. Together, they amplify the visibility of Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists and their work.

Communications and Media

The Operations and Administration team at BlackStar ensures the seamless execution of the organization's year-round programs and events. This team oversees logistical planning, administrative support, and operational efficiency, enabling the elevation of Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists. They manage crucial tasks such as event coordination, resource allocation, scheduling, and overall organizational operations to support BlackStar's mission and vision of community building and collaboration.

Operations and Administration

The Leadership Team at BlackStar is responsible for setting the strategic vision and direction of the organization. Comprising the Chief Communications Officer, Co-founder of Kilo Films, and the Chief Executive & Artistic Officer, this team ensures that all programs and initiatives align with BlackStar's mission to uplift and celebrate Black, Brown, and Indigenous artists. They oversee organizational governance, foster collaborations, secure funding, and cultivate community engagement while championing experimental and visionary artistic expressions.

BlackStar

Org chart

Teams

Program Management Team

Communications and Media

Operations and Administration

Leadership Team

Offices

BlackStar

Org chart

Teams

Program Management Team

Communications and Media

Operations and Administration

Leadership Team

Offices

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