Nation’s largest Black History Month event will take place Feb. 4-17 at new venues

(Black PR Wire) Los Angeles, CA – The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is thrilled to announce a significant expansion in 2025 that includes extending its vibrant presence to Culver City while continuing to grace the beloved Cinemark theaters in Baldwin Hills. This expansion reflects the festival’s remarkable growth, soaring popularity, and the increasing demand from a diverse and passionate audience. The 33rd annual PAFF will take place February 4-17, 2025. Festival passes and more information are available at paff.org.

Under the inspiring theme “Dream Beyond,” PAFF has consistently celebrated and showcased the rich tapestry of Black diaspora stories through film, art, and cultural expression. The decision to broaden the festival’s footprint to Culver City is a testament to the community’s unwavering support and the festival’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices in the arts.

“Dream Beyond” encapsulates PAFF’s vision to empower creators and audiences alike, encouraging them to envision a future where Black excellence and creativity flourish without boundaries. By expanding to Culver City, PAFF aims to reach a wider audience, provide more opportunities for filmmakers and artists, and foster greater cultural exchange within the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

“We are beyond excited to expand PAFF to Culver City while continuing our cherished tradition at Cinemark Los Angeles,” said Oduduwa Olatunji, Executive Director of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival. “Our theme, ‘Dream Beyond,’ perfectly aligns with this growth, as we aim to reach new heights and inspire even more creators and audiences. This expansion is a celebration of our community’s support and the increasing demand for platforms that honor and elevate Black and African diaspora voices.”

Key Highlights of the Expansion:

• New Venue in Culver City: PAFF will host a wider array of films, art exhibitions, panel discussions, and networking events at various Culver City venues including the Westfield Culver City Shopping Center and The Culver Theater.
• Acclaimed ArtFEST moves to new location: PAFF’s iconic ArtFEST will take place at the Westfield Culver City Shopping Center in 2025.
• Continued Presence at Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw and XD: Maintaining its longstanding relationship with Cinemark, PAFF will continue to utilize this beloved location, ensuring that loyal attendees have consistent access to their favorite festival experiences.
• Increased Programming: The expansion allows for an expanded schedule, featuring more screenings, panels, networking events, and community engagements that align with PAFF’s “Dream Beyond” theme.
• Enhanced Accessibility: By adding Culver City to its venues, PAFF makes the festival more accessible to different neighborhoods, fostering greater inclusivity and participation from diverse communities across Los Angeles.

Culver City Councilmember and past mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin said, “We are thrilled to welcome the Pan African Film & Arts Festival to Culver City. As a city that values diversity, arts, and cultural exchange, this expansion represents an incredible opportunity to celebrate the rich storytelling traditions of the African diaspora right here in our community.”

“The Pan African Film & Arts Festival has been a cornerstone in celebrating and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora,” said Culver City Councilmember Freddy Puza. “Their expansion to Culver City is a wonderful development that will enrich our community and provide even more opportunities for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.”

Los Angeles Councilmember Heather Hutt said, “As a proud supporter of the Pan

African Film & Arts Festival, I’m thrilled to see PAFF expanding into Culver City, bringing its powerful celebration of Black culture to an even wider audience. But I’m especially excited that PAFF is staying rooted in the City of Los Angeles, where it has been a cornerstone of our cultural landscape for decades. Congratulations on this incredible growth—here’s to many more years of inspiring, educating, and uplifting our communities!"

“Art and storytelling are at the heart of thriving communities,” added Los Angeles

Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson. “The 2025 Pan African Film and Arts Festival is not just a celebration of creativity—it’s a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to uplifting Black voices and fostering cultural pride right here in Los Angeles.”

About Pan African Film & Arts Festival:

The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is one of the longest-running and most respected cultural events dedicated to showcasing the artistic achievements of the Black and African diaspora. Since its inception, PAFF has provided a dynamic platform for filmmakers, artists, and performers to share their stories, celebrate their heritage, and inspire audiences through powerful and thought-provoking works. More at paff.org.

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Source: Pan African Film & Arts Festival