San Antonio's rich Black Heritage is celebrated throughout the year in dozens of local events highlighting the Black experience. One of the most anticipated is the San Antonio Black International Film Festival, held the first week of October.
During this four-day event, you’ll be able to experience Black stories through film, as well as workshops, happy hours, and a filmmakers' brunch. Let’s dive into the weekend itinerary!
Tell Me More About the San Antonio Black International Film Festival
WHEN: Thursday, October 2 through Sunday, October 5, 2025
WHERE: Festival goers can attend events in venue spaces throughout San Antonio’s Eastside, including the Carver Community Cultural Center, In the Eye of the Beholder Black Art Gallery, Carver Library, Lockwood-Dignowity Park, Aiden Hotel, and more.
The San Antonio Black International Film Festival, or SABIFF, now in its 7th year, celebrates the voices, perspectives, and diverse images of historically underrepresented Black people throughout the global diaspora.
The festival includes film screenings from Black filmmakers, panel discussions, networking events, and parties. SABIFF's mission is to advocate for and support filmmakers of African descent and showcase the work of Black creatives.
This year’s event theme is Actionvism, meaning action + vision + activism. It's a call to the urgency of preserving Black stories through film.
THE EVENT LINEUP
This year’s San Antonio Film Festival features four days of themed events. Here are some suggestions to attend below, but feel free to find the complete schedule of events at SABIFF.tv.
Thursday Events
Thrilling Thursday kicks off the festivities with a tour with San Antonio Black History Tours, followed by a beautiful art gallery reception at In the Eye of the Beholder Black Art Gallery.
San Antonio Black History Tours come with a small fee, but the Art Gallery Reception is free and open to the public.
Friday Events
Friday events, known as "Black Friday," feature a student matinee designed for creatives, filmmakers, and supporters. Here, they can learn from industry professionals and social justice advocates who align with the festival's "Actionvism" theme.
Later, a VIP reception awaits at Carver Community Cultural Center made just for All-Access Passholders and visiting filmmakers, complete with a red carpet Celebration and iconic Ankh Achievement Award honoring Ava DuVernay and Haile Gerima.
Saturday Events
Also known as "Soul Saturday," Saturday's events include a day filled with film screenings - 35 films to be exact, split between two screens at the Carver Community Cultural Center.
Then, continue the celebration with the Filmmakers & Ubuntu Community Awards Banquet, honoring this year’s standout films and spotlighting Texas-based leaders using art, law, politics, activism, and spirituality to create meaningful social change.
Sunday Events
It's closing day! End with the festival's "Best of Show" films at Madu Sports Bar & Grill!
How to Attend
SABIFF 2025 takes place in a hybrid format, offering both in-person and online access.
Attendees can choose from single film screening tickets ($10), 1-day passes, or go all-in with the All-Access VIP Pass ($150) that includes priority seating, full access to films, panels, receptions, and extended online viewing through October 12.
Prefer a spotlight experience? Check out Soul Saturday’s day pass, the evening Ubuntu Awards & Dinner, or stream indie Black cinema from home with a 1-day VOD pass.
With flexible options and multiple ways to engage, SABIFF makes it easy to join the celebration of Black film and culture.
Plan Your Trip Now
Whether you’re a film lover, a culture seeker, or a champion of diverse storytelling, the San Antonio Black International Film Festival invites you to connect, celebrate, and be inspired.
With powerful films, community dialogue, and unforgettable events happening across four dynamic days, SABIFF 2025 shines a spotlight on the stories that matter.
However you choose to attend, online, in person, or both, you’ll leave with more than just great cinema. You’ll leave moved, empowered, and part of something bigger.
San Antonio Black International Film Festival FAQ
What is the San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF)?
SABIFF is an annual film festival that showcases stories from Black filmmakers across the global diaspora. It features film screenings, panels, networking events, cultural celebrations, and award ceremonies.
Where does the festival take place?
Events are held at venues across San Antonio’s Eastside, including the Carver Community Cultural Center, In the Eye of the Beholder Black Art Gallery, Carver Library, Lockwood-Dignowity Park, and partner locations.
How much do tickets cost?
Single screening tickets start at $10. Guests can also purchase day passes or an All-Access VIP Pass for $150, which includes priority seating, receptions, panels, and extended online viewing.
Can I attend SABIFF online?
Yes. In addition to in-person screenings and events, SABIFF offers a hybrid format with virtual passes, giving audiences access to films and panels online through October 12, 2025.
What is the 2025 theme of the festival?
The 2025 theme is Actionvism — a blend of action, vision, and activism, highlighting the urgency of preserving Black stories through cinema and inspiring positive change.