SABIFF 2026 Will Bring Black Filmmakers, International Cinema, Workshops, Networking, Awards and Free Community Events to San Antonio Oct. 1-4
SABIFF 2026 returns Oct. 1-4 with more than 50 films, visiting filmmakers, workshops, awards and free community events across San Antonio.
The San Antonio Black International Film Festival will return Oct. 1-4 for its eighth year, bringing Black filmmakers and international cinema back to San Antonio under the theme #HistoryUpRising.
This year’s festival will feature more than 50 films from the United States and countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Canada, France and Jamaica, along with visiting filmmakers, workshops, networking opportunities, awards and community programming. SABIFF will again use a hybrid format, with in-person events across San Antonio and select virtual programming available to audiences beyond the city.
Founder and Artistic Director Ada M. Babineaux said this year’s #HistoryUpRising theme reflects the festival’s focus on preserving and reclaiming Black stories at a time when Black history and diversity initiatives are facing increased political scrutiny.
Related: See the Full SABIFF 2026 Schedule, Events and Ticket Information
Opening Night will feature The Eyes of Ghana, directed by Ben Proudfoot and executive produced by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama. The documentary centers on Ghanaian filmmaker Chris Hesse and his effort to preserve film documenting Ghana’s independence era.
The festival will also include film competitions, a student matinee, an AI and filmmaking workshop, a San Antonio Black history tour and the annual Filmmaker and Ubuntu Community Awards Gala.
SABIFF closes Sunday, Oct. 4, with a free community celebration and Cinema Under the Stars, featuring Best of Show films, food trucks, vendors and an outdoor screening at VelocityTX.
Tickets, passes and additional festival information are available at SABIFF.tv.
