AUGUST 21 - AUGUST 24
10 YEARS OF FRESH
STORIES FROM THE CULTURE TAKE CENTER STAGE
ABOUT THE HIP HOP FILM FESTIVAL
The Hip Hop Film Festival (HHFF) returns to New York City from August 22 - 24, 2025, marking a decade of celebrating cinematic storytelling rooted in the culture, for the culture, and by the culture.
Produced by Harlem Film House, this milestone 10th anniversary edition pays tribute to the G.O.A.T.—Spike Lee—whose visionary work has profoundly shaped the cinematic landscape and amplified authentic narratives from the community. With an impressive lineup of films, master classes, live competitions, and more, the festival promises an immersive experience that showcases the breadth and depth of hip hop’s impact.
The festival hosts directors and producers from ALL OVER THE WORLD including : France, Australia, Poland, Canada, the UK, Israel, Switzerland, South Africa, India, Iran, Germany, Greece, China, Japan, the US... basically every continent on earth where narratives are being shaped and created by young artists who are fearlessly pushing culture forward.
MARQUEE EVENTS
HHFF 10 YEARS OF FRESH
ACT UP!
ACT UP! is a cornerstone initiative of Harlem Film House that empowers independent writers and actors by providing a dynamic platform to develop, showcase, and refine their creative work. Through live theatrical readings, immersive workshops, and networking events, ACT UP! fosters collaboration between storytellers and performers, enabling them to bring authentic narratives to life. The program not only highlights the critical role of writers in the entertainment industry but also offers actors unique opportunities to connect with industry professionals. By bridging the gap between emerging talent and industry insiders, ACT UP! cultivates an ecosystem of access, opportunity, and creative growth.
FROM SCRIPT TO SCREEN
SCRIPT TO SCREEN is one of Harlem Film House’s premier programs, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey through the creative process of filmmaking from a true industry legend. In this intimate experience, a celebrated independent writer/director walks the audience through the real-life evolution of a project — from the initial spark on the page to the final cut on the screen.
Through personal storytelling, script breakdowns, and scene-by-scene analysis, the filmmaker unveils the artistic and strategic decisions that shaped their work. Audiences are treated to rarely seen clips from the director’s catalog — whether iconic films or acclaimed television episodes — revealing the challenges, pivots, and triumphs along the way.
As a special highlight, SCRIPT TO SCREEN concludes with a secret, first-look preview of the filmmaker’s upcoming work set to launch on television or in theaters — giving attendees an insider’s view into the next chapter of cinematic excellence. Whether you’re a film lover or a future storyteller, this is an unforgettable masterclass in bringing stories to life.
MASTER CYPHERS
MASTER CYPHERs is Harlem Film House’s powerful answer to the TED Talk — created specifically for filmmakers, storytellers, and cultural disruptors. This signature series gathers some of the most influential minds in Hollywood and the independent film world to drop real knowledge on how to navigate the ever-evolving entertainment landscape. Each cypher shares groundbreaking new technology, cutting-edge trends, and practical tools to help creators stay ahead of the curve. From raising capital and landing distribution deals to building audiences and leveraging emerging platforms, no topic is off limits.
These are not panels. These are 360-degree knowledge exchanges — dynamic, no-fluff sessions designed to empower creators from the culture with the tools to move their work from concept to global screen. MASTER CYPHERs are conversations for elevation, where everyone in the room walks away sharper, stronger, and ready to take the industry by storm
FESTIVAL STREAMING NETWORK
FRESH TV is the official streaming network of the Hip Hop Film Festival and the digital home for bold, dynamic storytelling that moves culture forward. Curated with intention and powered by Harlem Film House, FRESH TV showcases award-winning documentaries, groundbreaking narratives, and exclusive content from the global independent film community.
This is more than just a platform — it’s a space where stories rooted in truth, authenticity, and innovation come to life. FRESH TV centers the voices of creators from the culture, for the culture, offering a lineup of films that challenge the norm, shift perspectives, and inspire action.
From raw documentaries that spark dialogue to cinematic narratives that reflect the richness of our experiences, FRESH TV is where independent cinema meets cultural revolution — streaming 24/7, wherever you are.
FESTIVAL ATTENDANCE
The Hip Hop Film Festival hosts upwards of 2,500 people in-person across multiple venues in NYC, while our streaming and immersive experiences extends the festival reach globally.
HIP HOP FILM FESTIVAL VENUES
The Hip Hop Film Festival partners with world famous APOLLO THEATER, THE SCHOMBURG CENTER, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, CHASE, The Alamo and other high profile venues / satellite locations to deliver a hybrid festival solution that features in-person events and a robust virtual offering in the newly minted Harlem Film House Metaverse.
SPONSORS & PARTNERS
SPONSOR LEVELS
What They Are Saying
What They Are Saying
Press, Film Makers, Fans
Avoiding the all too common pratfalls of pageantry and name-dropping, the organizers created a genuine promotion and educational vehicle for up and coming talent.
-Rory Winston, Writer, The Resident
The festival provided a great and unique experience. The people behind it work hard, and the lines of communication were terrific. I can see this being a monster festival in years to come...
-Chris Thorne, Film Maker
The founders were incredible supportive and made sure that each filmmaker was given valuable feedback, marketing advice and tips on how to make their submissions better. A great community!
Melissa Mickens, Film Maker
Credits:
CR Capers for Harlem Film House