BLACK HARVEST FILM FEST  NOV 7-16, 2025

Celebrating its 31st year in 2025, the Black Harvest Film Festival is Chicago’s annual showcase for Black film across the diaspora. Born from an urgent need to celebrate the Black experience, the Black Harvest Film Festival unites filmmakers and audiences to showcase the power of Black cinema. This annual festival highlights emerging and established talents and historical narratives, enriching the landscape of Black culture. The festival curates both short and feature length films, proudly presenting influential auteurs and emerging filmmakers of color side by side.

About the Black Harvest Community Council

The Black Harvest Community Council (BHCC) elevates and uplifts the Black Harvest Film Festival (BHFF) by incorporating Black artists, communities, organizations and entrepreneurs as vital parts of the annual film festival celebrating Black creativity and storytelling at the Gene Siskel Film Center. The Council is composed of volunteers who are actively engaged in their communities, and who act as ambassadors to help ensure BHFF reaches the widest possible audience while authentically representing a range of Black experiences throughout Chicago and beyond. The Council is an asset to the planning and execution of BHFF, complementing the efforts and existing resources of the Gene Siskel Film Center and various departments of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

If you are interested in joining the Black Harvest Community Council, please fill out this form. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed by the Black Harvest Community Council and Gene Siskel Film Center leadership.