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EARLY BIRD PREMIERE TICKETS AVAILABLE UNTIL JUNE 1, 2026!
PREMIERE SCREENING AND AWARDS GALA
7:30 PM – 11:00 PM | NASCAR Hall of Fame
Celebrate the brilliance of the next generation of filmmakers at Black Girls Film Camp’s 6th Annual Premiere Weekend finale. Experience an unforgettable evening of original short films written and directed by nationally selected teen girls from the 2026 BGFC cohort, and join us as we honor acclaimed filmmaker Christine Swanson as this year’s Luminary Award Recipient.
Evening Schedule:
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Doors Open: 6:45 PM
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Red Carpet Mixer: 7:00 PM
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Premiere Screening: 7:30 PM
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Dinner & Awards Gala: 9:00 PM
Attire:
Evening Chic/Red Carpet Ready
FREE PREMIERE WEEKEND EVENTS
THE PREMIERE WEEKEND LUMINARY HONOREE SCREENINGS
Join Black Girls Film Camp as we celebrate acclaimed TV and film director Christine Swanson during our 6th Annual Premiere Weekend. This special event series honors her powerful contributions to storytelling, cinema, and representation through community screenings, a featured fireside chat, and a formal Luminary Award presentation.
Celebrate Christine Swanson’s body of work through special evening and afternoon FREE community film screenings at Independent Picture House.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Thu. June 25 | The Clark Sisters (Directed By Christine Swanson)
Location: Independent Picture House (4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213)
Admission: Free Community Event
Ticket Required: Yes, Reserve on the Independent Picture House Website
5:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Fri. June 26 | Albany Road (Directed By Christine Swanson)
Location: Independent Picture House (4237 Raleigh St, Charlotte, NC 28213)
Admission: Free Community Event
Ticket Required: Yes, Reserve on the Independent Picture House Website
THE PREMIERE WEEKEND FIRE STORIES SERIES
As part of Black Girls Film Camp’s Premiere Weekend, the Fire Stories Series is a free signature author series hosted in partnership with the Harvey B. Gantt Center to curate powerful conversations with visionary Black women storytellers and narrative change agents.
On Friday, June 26, we are honored to feature two extraordinary voices:
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Fri. June 26 | A Conversation with Author and TV Writer Angela Nissel
Location: Harvey B. Gantt Center (551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202)
Join Emmy-nominated TV writer, producer, and author Angela Nissel for a heartfelt and humorous discussion of her new memoir, Good Grief: Pass the Bread, Mom Is Dead. Through wit, vulnerability, and cultural insight, Angela explores grief, family, and healing and invites audiences into an intimate journey that reminds us of the power of storytelling to hold both pain and joy at once.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Fri. June 26 | An Evening with Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw
Location: Harvey B. Gantt Center (551 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202)
We are deeply honored to welcome renowned legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw for a dynamic conversation centered on her new book Backtalker. Known for shaping how we understand identity, power, and justice, Crenshaw’s work continues to influence generations of scholars, activists, and storytellers. This conversation will explore the power of speaking truth to systems and the role of narrative in advancing social change.
THE ALUMNI FILM FEST
11:00 AM – 2:30 PM | Sat. June 27 | Alumni Film Screenings and Panels
Location: ImaginOn (300 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202)
Join us at the Black Girls Film Camp Alumni Film Fest at ImaginOn for a day of cinema, teen storytelling and fun with future filmmakers in action! From screenings to Hollywood industry panels, workshops let by CPCC's Film and Media program, and interactive sessions, this FREE event brings the magic of filmmaking straight to the Charlotte community for teens and families. Free lunch provided with registration!
POWERHOUSE HOLLYWOOD PRODUCERS PANEL
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM | Sat. June 27
ImaginOn: The Round
Step into an inspiring conversation with some of Hollywood’s most influential producers. This dynamic panel will explore career journeys, producing at the highest levels, and building impactful stories that shape culture and representation in film and television.
Featured Panelists:
Tressa Azarel Smallwood (Megamind Media), Autumn Bailey-Ford (Autumn Bailey Entertainment), Diane Houslin (B.O.B. Film House), Karen Peterkin (Kronicle Media)
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FEATURED FIRESIDE CHAT:
CHRISTINE SWANSON
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Sat. June 27
ImaginOn: Wells Fargo Theater
Join us for an intimate conversation with Christine Swanson on her creative journey, directing for film and television, and the power of centering meaningful stories on screen.