Inaugural Bermuda Black Film Weekend Announces Seven Award Winners as International Guests Celebrate an Unforgettable Bermuda Experience
Four-day Founders Edition combined global cinema, Bermudian talent, youth education and island hospitality—positioning Bermuda as the meeting point of Black Atlantic storytelling
HAMILTON, Bermuda — 20 October 2026: The inaugural Bermuda Black Film Weekend: Founders Edition concluded on Sunday, 18 October, after four landmark days of films, panels, workshops, cultural exchange, youth education and distinctly Bermudian hospitality.
Held under the theme Connecting Voices Across the Diaspora, the festival welcomed 30 films, filmmakers and industry professionals representing Bermuda and more than 15 countries and territories. The event created a meeting point where local and international storytellers could share their work, build relationships and explore opportunities for Bermuda within the global film and creative industries.
The Founders Edition also demonstrated that the Bermuda Black Film Festival is more than a film festival. It is a cultural-tourism experience that combines cinema, education, heritage, hospitality, food, music, community and the natural beauty of Bermuda.
“Our vision was always bigger than screening films,” said Dr. Dana Selassie, Founder and Festival Director of the Bermuda Black Film Festival. “We wanted to create a space where voices from across the African diaspora could come together, share their stories, celebrate our cultures and build meaningful relationships. Just as importantly, we wanted our international guests to experience Bermuda beyond the screen. To meet our people, taste our food, discover our history, experience the beauty of our island and connect with the incredible talent within our local creative community.
What unfolded over these four days was everything we had hoped for and more. The conversations, the laughter, the tears, the exchange of ideas and the genuine connections reminded us why we started this journey. Bermuda has a unique place in the Black Atlantic, and I believe we have an important role to play in bringing our stories, our histories and our creative communities together.
I am especially grateful to the Black-owned businesses that heard our call and stepped forward to support this inaugural event. They understood that this was about more than a film festival. It was about creating something that unapologetically celebrates the Black experience, honours our cultural heritage and places our stories and contributions at the centre. Their belief in this vision, particularly in our first year, meant more than they may ever know. I also want to thank our sponsors, community partners, filmmakers, volunteers and everyone who gave their time, resources and encouragement to help bring this festival to life.
Of course, establishing something of this scale for the first time in Bermuda came with its challenges. We have listened carefully to the feedback, embraced the lessons and are already planning for 2027 with an even stronger vision of what this festival can become. But perhaps what excites me most is what happens next. The relationships formed between Bermudian filmmakers and our international guests, the new partnerships across the diaspora and the opportunities for future collaboration are already taking shape. That, to me, is the true measure of our success.
We didn’t set out simply to bring Black films to Bermuda. We set out to make Bermuda a place where Black stories, cultures and creative communities from across the Atlantic could meet, connect and grow together. Our inaugural Bermuda Black Film Weekend has shown us what is possible. Now we have the opportunity to build on that foundation, strengthen Bermuda’s own film industry and establish a signature cultural event that belongs not only on Bermuda’s calendar, but on the international film calendar. This was our first chapter. And we are only just getting started.”
INTERNATIONAL VIP GUESTS SAY “THANK YOU, BERMUDA”
The festival welcomed five international VIP celebrity and industry guests:
- Dakore Egbuson-Akande, acclaimed Nollywood and Netflix actress
- Sienna McLean-LoGreco, California based filmmaker and recipient of the Black Atlantic Storytelling Award
- Ephraim Mateen Salaam, producer with Hidden Empire Film Group
- Tangi Miller, American actress, producer and filmmaker
- B. Monét, award-winning writer and director
An accompanying “Thank You, Bermuda” video features the guests reflecting on their time on the island, thanking the Bermudian people for their warmth and encouraging international filmmakers, film lovers and visitors to experience the festival in 2027.
The guests shared that they did not want to leave Bermuda after experiencing the island’s people, culture, natural beauty and inaugural bermuda black film festival experience.
Their visit was carefully designed as a holistic Bermudian experience. Guests enjoyed their first traditional Bermudian codfish breakfast while learning about its cultural history; explored the island through local tours; visited Bermudian restaurants and attractions; swam at Horseshoe Bay Beach; and concluded the weekend with a sunset yacht cruise. During the cruise, guests experienced Bermuda from the water while enjoying local food, music, dancing, swimming and panoramic ocean views.
This immersive programme demonstrated the festival’s potential as an annual cultural-tourism product—one that gives international visitors compelling reasons to travel to Bermuda, extend their stay, engage with local businesses and return with others.
The public can view the VIP guests’ thank-you messages and festival highlights on the Bermuda Black Film Festival’s social media and website platforms now and throughout the coming days.
SEVEN FILMS RECEIVE INAUGURAL BBFW AWARDS
Seven awards were presented during the inaugural awards ceremony on Saturday, 17 October, in the Main Auditorium at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.
The 2026 Bermuda Black Film Weekend award winners are:
- Best Feature Film: When Love Speaks — Mark Harris, United States
- Best Short Film: Ashes Day — Amingo Thora, France/Guadeloupe
- Best Documentary: Rediscovering Fanon — Rico Speight, Algeria/Martinique/United States
- Best Bermudian Film: Thoughts Become Things — Marquedelle Philip Rodriguez, Bermuda
- Audience Choice Award: Miss Jobson — Amanda Sans Pantling, Jamaica/Spain
- Black Atlantic Storytelling Award: Three Black Men: A Journey into the Magical Otherwise — Sienna McLean-LoGreco, United States
- Emerging Filmmaker Award: Blood on the Crown — Hafiz Dill, Bermuda
The awards recognised excellence in feature films, short films, documentaries, Bermudian filmmaking, emerging talent and stories exploring identity, culture, migration, history, resistance and connections across the African diaspora.
INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS DEBUT THEIR WORK IN BERMUDA
Several international guests experienced the excitement of presenting their work to Bermuda audiences.
Award-winning director B. Monét presented Q.U.E.E.N., the story of a teenage girl who uses her gift of rap to confront her deepest and darkest secrets. The film’s themes of voice, identity and personal courage were closely aligned with the festival’s commitment to creating space for young people and underrepresented storytellers.
Actress, producer and director Tangi Miller presented two films in Bermuda.
Christmas Conflict explores the marriage of Maya, a Christian, and Jamal, a Muslim, as the newlywed couple prepares for its first holiday season together. What begins as a conversation about holiday decorations exposes deeper questions about faith, identity, family expectations, compromise and whether love can bridge their differences.
Miller also presented The Handyman, a narrative feature combining mystery, suspense and deception in a quiet community where appearances prove dangerously misleading.
Producer Ephraim Mateen Salaam of Hidden Empire Film Group joined the festival for the Bermuda presentation of The Intruder, starring Michael Ealy, Meagan Good and Dennis Quaid. The screening was followed by an industry discussion that gave local audiences and aspiring filmmakers access to a professional connected to major Hollywood productions.
The festival’s opening film, Three Black Men: A Journey into the Magical Otherwise, was presented with its director, Sienna McLean-LoGreco, in Bermuda as an official VIP guest. The film received the festival’s signature Black Atlantic Storytelling Award for its powerful exploration of Black male identity, generational trauma, healing and liberation across the Atlantic world.
BERMUDIAN FILMMAKERS TAKE THEIR PLACE ON THE FESTIVAL STAGE
Bermudian filmmakers and creative professionals were central to the Founders Edition.
Hafiz Dill received the Emerging Filmmaker Award for Blood on the Crown, while Marquedelle Philip Rodriguez received the Best Bermudian Film Award for Thoughts Become Things.
The festival also featured Bermudian filmmaker Stephan Johnstone and celebrated Bermudian artist and educator Barbara Dillas, who was featured in director Dan Egan’s film, Walls of Inspiration: Where Cultural Memory Becomes Living Legacy. The film opened the festival’s Friday female-focused film series, Women Who Create Worlds, helping to establish a day dedicated to women’s creativity, leadership, cultural memory and influence within film and the wider arts.
By placing Bermudian storytellers alongside visiting filmmakers, actors, producers and executives, BBFW gave local talent greater visibility while creating opportunities for mentorship, collaboration and international connections.
We are thankful for the support for the 4-day festival of other Bermudian VIPs like former Premier the Hon Paula Cox , Senator the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, theatre legend Patricia Nesbitt (Pogson), Glenn Fubler, Hon. Minister Tinee Furbert, Hon Min. Rev. Dr. Emily-Gail Dill, former Min. Michael Scott, and Kristin White,
GIFTED YOUTH FILM SUMMIT OPENS DOORS TO CREATIVE CAREERS
The festival began with the GIFTED Youth Film Summit, which invited students from Bermuda’s public and private schools to participate in a day of inspiration, education and career exploration.Girls were at the centre of the summit, while boys with an interest in filmmaking and the creative industries were also welcomed.
“As our first Bermuda Black Film Festival, I truly believe it went off really well. There’s room for improvement all around, but the positive feedback has been overwhelming and I’m so excited for what comes next. I’m forever grateful for the alignment in vision with Dr. Dana Selassie and the drive that made this happen. Providing a platform for so many creatives in Bermuda and across the Diaspora, and watching more than 60 young people find their voices at the GIFTED Youth Film Summit, makes this such a proud moment. Congratulations to every filmmaker selected for the festival and to all of our award winners. Thank you to our sponsors, our overseas guests, our staff and volunteers, the schools, and of course every one of our attendees. This is only the beginning.”
– Sia Spence, Producer, GIFTED Youth Film Summit and Bermuda Black Film Festival; Board Member and Programme Coordinator, GIFTED
International and Bermudian industry professionals spoke directly with students and led breakout workshops exploring careers in:
- Acting
- Screenwriting
- Producing and directing
- Cinematography
The sessions helped students understand that the film industry extends far beyond actors and directors. A production creates opportunities for writers, stylists, camera operators, editors, marketers, lawyers, apparel and set designers, administrators and many other professionals.
Bermudian international actress and producer Lana Young appeared as a special surprise virtual panellist. Students were excited to see a Bermudian actress they recognised from film and television speaking directly to them about her journey and the possibilities available beyond the island.
The Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, also attended and addressed the students. The Ministry of Education supported the summit as an Education, Industry and Skills Partner. BBFW are also deeply grateful to the organisations who joined the event as guests, the Office of Youth Affairs, the Centre Against Abuse and Gina Spence Programme, for their support of their vision and of this event.
Footage from the summit and all four days of the festival will be shared across the BBFF social media channels. The videos will show the extraordinary level of planning, partnership and educational investment behind the inaugural event—and the cultural and community return generated by that work.
AN EPIC BLACK CARPET OPENING NIGHT
The festival’s signature Thursday evening opening was an unforgettable celebration of cinema, culture and Bermuda.
VIP guests, visiting and Bermudian filmmakers, sponsors, members of the media, community leaders and elected representatives gathered for the Black Carpet Opening Night Experience at BUEI.
Local guests and International industry guests and representatives of organisations including the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Bermuda Broadcasting Company, BEDC and Inter-Island Communications.
The evening featured music by DJ Korie Minors, beverages by PITT & CO. and event ambience by Spanish Town International.
The Bermuda debut of Three Black Men: A Journey into the Magical Otherwise, presented with director Sienna McLean-LoGreco in attendance, was followed by a powerful conversation with local and international industry professionals.
The Black Carpet was intentionally created as more than a traditional red-carpet experience. It centred Black identity, excellence, culture and storytelling while welcoming filmmakers and audiences of all backgrounds to celebrate the Black experience.
“JAMAICA, LAND I LOVE” BRINGS FILM, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY TOGETHER
The festival also partnered with Our Oceans, Our Films and the Jamaican Association of Bermuda to present Jamaica, Land I Love, a programme featuring three Jamaican films and supporting fundraising efforts for hurricane relief in Jamaica.
Jamaican flag colours filled the audience as the programme celebrated Jamaican history, humour, resilience and cultural influence.
Miss Jobson, directed by Amanda Sans Pantling, received the festival’s Audience Choice Award. The film had audiences laughing from beginning to end as it shared the story of Diane Jobson—Bob Marley’s lawyer and Jamaica’s beloved “Rasta lawyer.”
The programme concluded with discussions featuring representatives of the Jamaican Association of Bermuda and Eugene Dean of Greenrock, connecting film with community action, environmental awareness and regional solidarity.
INTERNATIONAL FILMMAKERS HELP BUILD A GLOBAL FESTIVAL COMMUNITY
Throughout the four-day festival, Bermudian industry professionals Wendy Tucker Tannock, Sia Spence, Dr Dana Selassie, Dion the Creative, Khalilah Robinson, Zina Edwards and Kendal Trott shared the stage with visiting international guests for dynamic discussions on women in film, Black filmmaking, horror and thriller production challenges, artificial intelligence in filmmaking, and the opportunities and resources needed to advance Bermuda’s film industry. Their expertise kept Bermudian voices central to the conversation while creating valuable exchanges, mentorship opportunities and new connections between local and global creatives.
Beyond the five featured VIP industry guests, the Bermuda Black Film Festival thanks the many international filmmakers who travelled to Bermuda to present their work, participate in panels, engage with audiences and support the inaugural event.
Their presence transformed the festival into a genuine global gathering and created meaningful exchanges between Bermudian and international creatives.
Highlights, interviews and thank-you messages from the visiting filmmakers will continue to be shared on the festival’s website and social media platforms in the days ahead.
Rashun Robinson, Technical Manager of Bermuda Black Film Weekend and local filmmaker says “With the inaugural Bermuda Black Film Festival officially wrapped, the positive impact on our island and creative community has been undeniable. A huge congratulations to all of our festival award winners and featured storytellers—your talent, craft, and vision set an extraordinary benchmark for our debut year. While every first year offers valuable lessons and room to grow, the overwhelming support from our attendees, generous sponsors, and creators—both locally in Bermuda and internationally—confirms just how vital this platform is. That shared belief is fueling our momentum, and we cant wait to take the festival to its full potential.”
THANK YOU TO OUR FOUNDING SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
The Bermuda Black Film Festival extends its sincere gratitude to the sponsors, partners, businesses and individuals whose support helped make the inaugural Founders Edition possible:
- CONVEX
- Ministry of Education
- Zhyon International Ltd.
- Frames for the Future Masterclass
- Dr Ewart and Mrs Wanda Brown
- Bermuda Tourism Authority
- Bermuda Economic Development Corporation
- FOCUS Marketing & Development Solutions, Inc., led by Kennette J. Burgess
- Bermuda Sign Printers
- Ambiance Bermuda
- Spanish Town International
- Inter-Island Communications Ltd. — HOTT 107.5 FM and MAGIC 102.7 FM
- Gombey Isle
- Korie Minors
- Our Oceans, Our Films
- CURB
- GIFTED — Girls in Film, Technology, Entertainment and Design
- Buquila Bermuda
- Crown Point Luxury Vacation Home Concierge
- PITT & CO.
- 9 Parishes
- Jamaican Association of Bermuda
- HBCU Bermuda Network
“Convex are delighted to partner this unique opportunity to support 50 Bermudian girls to help them find power in their voices and harness individual creativity. We are always keen to find ways to support the enhancement of educational experiences for young Bermudians, particularly providing help to develop leadership capabilities early on. GIFTED, a registered Bermuda charity, fits really nicely alongside our aspirations.” – Lisa Robinson, Head of HR”
The festival also thanks its volunteers, photographers, videographers, media partners, panellists, workshop leaders, BUEI venue teams, filmmakers, attendees and members of the public who supported this historic first year.
THE JOURNEY CONTINUES IN 2027
The Founders Edition has established a foundation for the Bermuda Black Film Festival to grow as an annual international event at the intersection of film, education, culture, tourism and economic development.
With visiting guests already encouraging others to experience Bermuda in 2027, the festival is preparing to expand its international reach, deepen its educational programming, create additional opportunities for Bermudian filmmakers and welcome new audiences to the island. Achieving that vision will require increased investment from sponsors and supporters who recognise the importance of film, the arts, technology and career-focused education for Bermudians. This support can help build an entire creative-industry ecosystem—equipping more local professionals to be hired for Bermuda’s major sporting, cultural and entertainment events while giving Bermudian talent the skills, connections and opportunities to expand into international markets. By investing in BBFF, partners are not simply supporting an annual festival; they are helping to develop sustainable careers and economic opportunities across media, entertainment, film and technology.
Bermuda: The Meeting Point of Black Atlantic Storytelling.
Festival highlights, award-winner announcements, interviews and the international guests’ “Thank You, Bermuda” video can be viewed at:
Website: www.bermudablackfilmfestival.com
Social media: IG & FB @bermudablackfilmfestival
ABOUT THE BERMUDA BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
Produced by Zhyon International Ltd., the Bermuda Black Film Festival celebrates Black film, television, storytelling, culture and creative industries from Bermuda, the Caribbean, Africa, North America, the United Kingdom and across the African diaspora.
The festival welcomes filmmakers from all backgrounds whose work explores and celebrates Black experiences, histories, cultures and futures.
Led by Founder and Festival Director Dr Dana Selassie, the festival is committed to positioning Bermuda as a boutique international destination for Black cinema, cultural exchange, creative-industry education and Black Atlantic storytelling.
MEDIA CONTACT
Kennette Burgess
FOCUS Marketing & Development Solutions, Inc.
Telephone: 535-7330
Email: kennette@getwithfocus.com OR kennetteburgess@yahoo.com
Website: www.bermudablackfilmfestival.com
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