PAFF Expands to Culver City for 2025 Festival
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The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF), a cornerstone of Black History Month celebrations, is thrilled to announce a major expansion for its 2025 event.The festival, known for its vibrant showcase of Black cinematic and artistic talent, will not only continue its long-standing tradition at the Cinemark theaters in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles, but will also extend its reach to Culver City. This exciting development reflects PAFF’s remarkable growth and the increasing demand for its unique blend of film screenings, art exhibitions, and cultural experiences.
The 33rd annual PAFF will run from February 4th to 17th, 2025, under the inspiring theme, “Dream Beyond.” This theme perfectly encapsulates the festival’s commitment to empowering creators and audiences, fostering a vision of a future where Black excellence and creativity know no bounds. The addition of Culver City venues signifies PAFF’s dedication to reaching a broader audience and providing more opportunities for artists and filmmakers.
“We are beyond excited to expand PAFF to Culver City while continuing our cherished tradition at Cinemark Los Angeles,” said Oduduwa Olatunji, Executive Director of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival. “Our theme, ‘Dream Beyond,’ perfectly aligns with this growth, as we aim to reach new heights and inspire even more creators and audiences. This expansion is a festivity of our community’s support and the increasing demand for platforms that honor and elevate Black and African diaspora voices.”
Key Highlights of the PAFF 2025 Expansion
- new Culver City Venues: PAFF will utilize various locations in culver City, including the Westfield Culver City Shopping Center and The Culver Theater, to host a wider range of films, art exhibitions, panel discussions, and networking events.
- ArtFEST Relocation: The acclaimed ArtFEST, a beloved PAFF component, will find a new home at the Westfield Culver City Shopping Center in 2025.
- Continued Cinemark Partnership: PAFF will maintain its strong relationship with Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw and XD, ensuring continued access for loyal attendees.
- Expanded Programming: The expansion allows for a significantly enriched schedule, featuring more screenings, panels, workshops, and community engagement opportunities.
- Enhanced Accessibility: The inclusion of Culver City venues enhances accessibility for diverse communities across Los Angeles, promoting greater inclusivity and participation.
Culver City officials have enthusiastically welcomed the festival’s expansion. “We are thrilled to welcome the Pan African Film & Arts Festival to Culver City,” said Culver City Councilmember and past mayor Yasmine-Imani mcmorrin. “As a city that values diversity, arts, and cultural exchange, this expansion represents an unbelievable prospect to celebrate the rich storytelling traditions of the African diaspora right here in our community.”
Councilmember Freddy Puza added, “The Pan African Film & Arts Festival has been a cornerstone in celebrating and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora. Their expansion to Culver City is a marvelous development that will enrich our community and provide even more opportunities for artistic expression and cultural dialog.”
For more information and to purchase festival passes, visit paff.org.
PAFF Expands to Culver City, Strengthening its Los Angeles Roots
The Pan African Film & arts Festival (PAFF), a celebrated institution showcasing the artistic achievements of the Black and African diaspora, is expanding its reach. While maintaining its strong presence in Los Angeles, PAFF will now also grace the cultural landscape of Culver City, bringing its powerful celebration of Black culture to an even wider audience.
Los Angeles Councilmember Heather Hutt expressed her enthusiasm,stating,“As a proud supporter of the Pan African Film & Arts Festival,I’m thrilled to see PAFF expanding into Culver City,bringing its powerful celebration of Black culture to an even wider audience. But I’m especially excited that PAFF is staying rooted in the City of Los Angeles, where it has been a cornerstone of our cultural landscape for decades.Congratulations on this incredible growth—here’s to many more years of inspiring, educating, and uplifting our communities!”
The expansion underscores the festival’s critically important impact on the community. Los Angeles Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson added, “Art and storytelling are at the heart of thriving communities. The 2025 Pan African Film and Arts Festival is not just a celebration of creativity—it’s a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to uplifting Black voices and fostering cultural pride right here in Los Angeles.”
For decades, PAFF has served as a vital platform for filmmakers, artists, and performers from the Black and African diaspora. The festival provides a space to share stories, celebrate heritage, and inspire audiences with powerful and thought-provoking works. This expansion into Culver City signifies a significant step in amplifying these voices and enriching the cultural tapestry of Southern California.
the 2025 festival promises to be even more impactful, reaching a broader audience while remaining deeply connected to its Los Angeles roots.This expansion reflects PAFF’s enduring commitment to showcasing the richness and diversity of Black art and culture.
Interested in attending or covering the event? Media credentials for the 2025 Pan African Film & Arts Festival are available now. Apply here.
Learn more about the Pan African Film & Arts Festival at paff.org.
PAFF Expands too Culver city, Bringing Black Excellence to a Wider Audience
The celebrated Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is expanding its reach for its 2025 event, a move that promises to broaden the platform for Black and african diaspora artists and broaden access to their work.
Celebrating Black excellence: An interview with Dr. Imani Roberts
Dr. Imani Roberts, a prominent film historian specializing in Black cinema and cultural festivals, discusses the significance of PAFF’s expansion and its impact on the artistic landscape.
World Today News Senior Editor: Dr. Roberts, thanks for joining us. The pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) has long been a beacon for Black artists and film lovers. What are your thoughts on its expansion into Culver City?
Dr.Imani Roberts: It’s incredibly exciting news! This expansion demonstrates the growing recognition of PAFF’s importance and the demand for platforms that showcase the depth and breadth of Black creativity.
World Today News Senior Editor: what advantages does this move bring to both the festival and the community?
Dr. Imani Roberts: Primarily, it increases accessibility. Moving into Culver City, a vibrant and diverse community, allows PAFF to reach a wider audience beyond its traditional los Angeles base.this means more people will have the possibility to experience the powerful storytelling, art, and cultural richness that PAFF offers.
World Today News Senior Editor: How might this impact Black artists and filmmakers?
Dr. imani Roberts: This expansion translates into more opportunities for black artists to share their work with a broader audience. It amplifies their voices, provides a platform for networking and collaboration, and ultimately helps to foster a more inclusive and representative artistic landscape.
World Today News Senior Editor: But PAFF is retaining its presence in Los Angeles. What’s the significance of this dual-city approach?
dr. Imani Roberts: It’s a smart move. It honors PAFF’s history and its strong connection to Los Angeles while embracing growth and evolution. Think of it as planting seeds in fertile ground.
World Today News Senior Editor: What are your hopes for the future of PAFF, especially in light of this expansion?
Dr. Imani Roberts: I hope it continues to be a leading force in championing Black cinema and artistic expression. I envision PAFF evolving into a truly national, perhaps even international, destination for celebrating Black art and culture, fostering dialogue, and inspiring future generations of artists.
World Today News Senior Editor: Dr. Roberts, thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. Imani Roberts: My pleasure.
