Reel Black Film Fest 2026

General admission is free, registration is required. The weekend kicks off Friday night with a VIP opening reception (paid ticket required) and wraps up with an after-party hosted by Vine Street Brewing Co. On Saturday, the celebration continues with a full day of film screenings and community conversations, ending with a closing reception at the American Jazz Museum. Full details below!

GENERAL FESTIVAL ADMISSION

The Gem Theater | FREE

Friday, Feb. 20 | 5 – 8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21 | 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

General Admission includes:

• Access to dynamic films, thoughtful conversations, and community connection.

• Black-Owned Marketplace

• Filmmaker’s Lounge

• Refreshments Available for Purchase

VIP OPENING RECEPTION

The Gem Theater | $150

Friday, Feb. 20 | 4 – 5 p.m.

Purchase includes:

• VIP opening reception (refreshments included)

• One-year Kansas City PBS filmmaker membership (one-year registration)

• Reel Black Film Fest T-shirt

• Reel Black Film Fest Poster

• Early-access Black-Owned Marketplace

• Meet and greet with the Filmmakers

REEL BLACK ON TAP

Vine St. Brewing Co. | FREE

Friday, Feb. 20 | 8 – 10 p.m.

Join us to celebrate the first evening of the film fest with an after party at Vine Street Brewing.

CLOSING RECEPTION

American Jazz Museum | FREE

Saturday, Feb. 21 | 7 – 10 p.m.

We’ll close out the festival with award presentations, filmmaker mingling, light bites and drinks.

SPECIAL MERCH OFFER!

For a limited time, pre‑order* a poster + shirt bundle for a $75 donation, or a shirt for a $60 donation and save on transaction fees. Shirts will be sold at the event in limited quantities and will include additional transaction fees. Posters are only available with a pre‑order or a VIP ticket.

All t‑shirts and posters will be available for pick‑up at the festival near the Black‑Owned Marketplace. See a staff member for details.

*Pre‑order by Friday, Jan. 30 at noon

The Reel Black Film Fest is presented in partnership with Fem the Future.

FAQs

• Street parking and nearby parking lots are available for The Gem Theater, Vine Street Brewing Co. and The American Jazz Museum.

• Additional schedule details will be released Friday, Jan. 30.

• For additional information regarding ADA accessibility, please email communications@kansascitypbs.org.