Nicco Annan and Shannon Thornton headline HBCU First LOOK festival at Howard University

The 4th annual HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival brought three days of screenings, panels and networking to Howard University from Nov. 5-7, with STARZ serving as the inaugural presenting sponsor. The event drew more than 450 film challenge submissions and spotlighted HBCU talent, industry access and career pathways for aspiring Black creatives.

Why it matters: - The festival is built to connect HBCU students and emerging Black creatives with industry access, mentorship and career opportunities. - STARZ’s role as inaugural presenting sponsor gave the event additional reach and industry visibility. - The Film Challenge, awards and career lounge created direct pathways from student work to professional exposure.

What happened: - The 4th annual HBCU First LOOK Film & TV Festival took over Howard University’s Yard from Nov. 5-7. - STARZ served as the festival’s inaugural presenting sponsor. - Nicco Annan and Shannon Thornton of STARZ’s P-Valley opened the festival with conversations about their craft and television careers. - Kennedi Reece and DaSan Frazier of Netflix’s A Different World spoke about the series, which has already been renewed for a second season. - Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis joined Tony Award winner Myles Frost for a discussion on the business of music. - Actress and filmmaker Nicki Micheaux focused on opportunities in the vertical drama market presented by TVOne. - The festival also included screenings, immersive exhibits and closing-night programming centered on Black culture and sports storytelling.

The details: - Festival opening night featured the Friday Night Lights showcase with award-winning films Rise of the Legion and 93 ’Til. - 93 ’Til was produced by and starred LaRoyce Hawkins, formerly of Chicago PD. - A special GOD WITH US Clips & Conversation featured writer-director Jimmy Jenkins and actress Ashley Olivia Fisher, with TV producer Jawn Murray moderating. - The film is set for a Nov. 13 theatrical release. - FRAMEWRK Vol. 001: BELLY honored the visual legacy of Hype Williams’ film through contemporary art, music and installations. - Closing night paid tribute to ANDSCAPE’s 10th anniversary and its focus on Black culture and sports storytelling. - The HBCU First LOOK Film 2026 Challenge drew more than 450 submissions. - Three winners shared $8,500 in awards. - Jada Davis of Florida A&M University won the $5,000 grand prize for Rooted in Resilience: Black Farmer Perspectives on Land, Loss, and Legacy. - Mya Delgado of Howard University won $2,500 for Flowers. - Christian Sutton of Coppin State University won $1,000 for My Alter Ego. - Co-ambassadors Laya DeLeon Hayes and DaSan Frazier helped celebrate the Film Challenge winners and the 2026 I Aspire 25 honorees during the Salute THEM Awards Luncheon. - Colby Nixon of CBS’s Beyond the Gates received the “Storytellers” award. - Alexis Powell received the “Visionary” award for work including The Spirit Tunnel on The Jennifer Hudson Show. - Jade & Jadah of Howard University received “Storyteller” honors. - Broadcast journalist Jamila Mustafa of Delaware State University received the “Changemaker” award. - The Fuel Your Future Career & Wellness Lounge, supported by STARZ, Black Girl Vitamins and aspireTV, offered professional headshots, video elevator pitches, career resources, networking and wellness programming.

Between the lines: - The festival is functioning as both a showcase and a pipeline, blending entertainment programming with practical career-building support. - The mix of established stars, student creators and industry partners points to a strategy aimed at making HBCU campuses a recurring talent hub for Hollywood. - The film challenge and honoree program reinforced the festival’s message that Black storytelling spans film, TV, music and live media.

What’s next: - HBCU First LOOK will keep building around its partner network, student programming and awards platform. - The Nov. 13 theatrical release of GOD WITH US gives one of the festival’s featured projects an immediate next step. - The festival’s website offers additional materials, including videos and photos, at more information.