Maupintown Film Festival: Bold and Beautiful

The 12th Annual Maupintown Film Festival returns to Charlottesville's historic Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, September 5-7, 2025, with a powerful lineup of films that celebrate the bold resistance and enduring beauty of Black history and culture.

The festival began in 2014, and focuses on showcasing stories from around the world of African American history and culture with feature films, shorts, documentaries, animated films, and discussions with filmmakers as well as experts and community members on topics that are of interest and/or concern of the day.

This year's Maupintown Film Festival, themed Bold & Beautiful, showcases compelling films that highlight the Black community's long tradition of resistance against injustice-fighting back against segregation, police brutality, and systemic inequality-while holding fast to an unshakable sense of pride and cultural identity. Over three days, audiences will experience inspiring stories, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with filmmakers and community leaders. Don't miss this celebration of resilience, power, and the beauty of Black storytelling!

The festival has hosted guests including Actor/Filmmaker Tim Reid, Academy Award-winning Director Paul Wagner, Former Charlottesville City Mayor Nikuyah Walker, Emmy Award-winning Filmmakers Hannah Ayers and Lance Warren, Actress/Filmmaker Karyn Parsons, local area historians, community leaders, and more.