Denton Black Film Festival named one of 25 coolest film festivals in the world

The Denton Black Film Festival was recently included in MovieMaker Magazine’s list of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals in the World . This recognition comes as DBFF prepares for its 13th festival, taking place Jan. 27–31, 2027 . “DBFF is a cultural festival,” Harry Eaddy, DBFF director and co-founder, said. “What people tend to tell us when they come to the festival is, it feels like a family reunion. Meaning that no matter what background you come from, you feel like you're received openly and you're heard.” MovieMaker gathered a panel of filmmakers and film experts to compile the list. This panel included Ya’Ke Smith, who was honored earlier this year with the DBFF Texas Filmmaker EPIC Award. “They have built more than a film festival,” Smith wrote for MovieMaker . “They’ve created a gathering place for artists, audiences and community to connect, exchange ideas and celebrate one another.” The festival not only screens films, but also hosts poetry readings, musical performances, comedy shows, art exhibitions, panels and workshops, and more. “It's not just entertainment,” Eaddy said. “It's also inspirational and educational.” Eaddy said the 2027 festival will include screenings of Questlove’s documentary about the band Earth, Wind & Fire and Spike Lee’s Malcolm X , which will be celebrating its 35th anniversary. Brandon Collins, the creator of Drunk Black History , will also be there for a special Drunk Black Film History performance. “It’ll be interesting to see what he does,” Eaddy said. “So, that's something that we're really excited about this year, as well. Eaddy said that he was honored that the festival was recognized. “It is a big deal,” he said. “There's over 12,000 film festivals and so to be one of the top 25, that's really quite an honor.” Advance passes are already on sale for the 2027 Denton Black Film Festival.