2nd Annual Reel Black Festival
Friday, Feb. 20 - Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026
The Gem Theater & American Jazz Museum
Join Kansas City PBS in honoring the vibrant culture, history and creativity of Black Kansas City through the power of film.
The 2026 program invites audiences to experience intimate character journeys, from Gwen Carr’s ten-year pursuit of justice to the experimental intimacy of a Black family’s holiday weekend. Each project was selected for its ability to both identify and confront battles and celebrate the enduring legacies of Black life.
The deadline for entries was Oct. 17, 2025.
This year’s festival will feature non-fiction shorts and features, conversations, an opening and closing reception, a Black-owned marketplace, filmmaker lounge and the announcement of four awards; one Grand Jury Award: Best Feature Film, one Grand Jury Award: Best Short Film, one Audience Choice Award: Best Feature Film, and one Audience Choice Award: Best Short Film. The Grand Jury Awards have been selected by the festival's screening jury while the Audience Choice Awards will be determined by votes from festival attendees on-site.
Tickets are now available! Secure your spot using the form below.
The full festival schedule will be announced on Friday, Jan. 30.
Kansas City PBS Members received early access to tickets as a thank-you for their support. Not a member yet? Join today by clicking "Donate" at the top of this page to enjoy exclusive benefits for future events.
View last year's films and program here and keep up with us on Instagram.
REEL BLACK FILM FEST TICKETS
The 2026 Reel Black Film Festival Premiere Event:
Aunt Sister: The Legacy of Sarah Rector (Feature) | Director: Jacob Handy
Aunt Sister: The Legacy of Sarah Rector chronicles the captivating story of an 11-year-old Black girl from Oklahoma who transformed into one of history's wealthiest Black figures. Through stunning reenactments and intimate conversations, the docudrama follows her extraordinary journey from the unexpected oil boom on her family's land to her rise to prominence in Kansas City. Based on the memories and perspectives of her descendants and the insight of a local historian, the film delves into Rector's resilience, philanthropy and enduring legacy. To learn more about Aunt Sister: The Legacy of Sarah Rector and filmmaker Jacob Handy visit kansascitypbs.org/local-shows/aunt-sister/.
The 2026 Reel Black Film Festival Special Screening:
The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks (Feature)|Director: Kevin Wilmott
Based on Brooks’ 2021 memoir, "Binding Us Together: A Civil Rights Activist", The Heroic True-Life Adventures of Alvin Brooks reflects on a lifetime of community and public service. The 93-year old has long been a stalwart of the Kansas City community. The film explores his time as a police officer, detective, mayor pro tem of Kansas City, and founder of the AdHoc Group Against Crime.
The 2026 Reel Black Film Festival Official Selection:
Her Fight, His Name: The Story of Gwen Carr and Eric Garner (Feature) | Director: Brad Bailey
Filmed over six years, Her Fight, His Name: The Story of Gwen Carr and Eric Garner follows Gwen Carr as she seeks justice for her son, marking the 10th anniversary of his death.
The Restore Fellowship Documentary (Feature) | Director: Ken Williams
The Restore Fellowship Documentary follows five system-impacted individuals from Chicago on a transformative journey to Benin, West Africa.
Something in he Water (Feature) | Director: Nateya Taylor
Something in the Water features five water justice advocates as they discuss how Milwaukee’s Black communities are disproportionately affected by lead poisoning and the path toward equitable change.
For Those That Lived There (Short) | Director: Shawn Antoine II
Set within the gentrified remains of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green, For Those That Lived There traces displaced Black legacies and emerging migrant narratives.
Everything Is Everything (Short) | Director: Kin Marie
Everything Is Everything is a conversational documentary exploring the heartfelt commemorations of Juneteenth by Chicago natives during the summer of 2024.
4 (Short) | Director: Israel Barnes
4 is an experimental short film observing an African-American family over the Fourth of July weekend, capturing moments of intimacy and reflection.
We Use Our Hands to Fight (Short) | Director: Israel Barnes
We Use Our Hands to Fight is a cinematic exploration that redefines fighting as a spiritual act, using internal gifts to confront unseen battles.
Be Home Before the Streetlights (Short) | Director: Gee Horton
In Be Home Before the Streetlights, artist Gee Horton embarks on a visually symbolic journey to reconcile with his father and trace a path of generational healing.
O (Short) | Director: Ace Lovelace
O follows a group of men confronting oppression, exposing how silence, restraint and power shape identity.
Become a Sponsor
The Reel Black Film Festival is a vibrant showcase of Black filmmakers, stories and experiences that deserve to be seen and celebrated. To learn more about how your organization can be part of this important celebration through Sponsorship, contact Gina Holt, Senior Corporate Relations Manager at gholt@kansascitypbs.org.
Volunteer
If you would like to be a part of The Reel Black Film Festival or other Kansas City PBS events, visit kansascitypbs.org/support/volunteer/.
