MAUPINTOWN FILM FESTIVAL: BOLD & BEAUTIFUL

“Bold & Beautiful”: 12th Annual Maupintown Film Festival to Celebrate Black Resilience and Culture

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Prepare for a powerful and inspiring cinematic experience as the 12th Annual Maupintown Film Festival returns to Charlottesville from Friday, September 5, to Sunday, September 7, 2025. Hosted at the historic Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, this three-day event will showcase a compelling lineup of films celebrating the bold resistance and enduring beauty of Black history and culture.

This year’s festival, themed “Bold & Beautiful,” will delve into the Black community’s long and storied tradition of standing against injustice. The curated selection of feature films, shorts, documentaries, and animated works will highlight powerful narratives of fighting back against segregation, police brutality, and systemic inequality. More than just a retrospective of struggle, the festival is a profound celebration of the unshakable sense of pride, cultural identity, and resilience that defines the Black experience.

Founded in 2014, the Maupintown Film Festival has become a cornerstone of Charlottesville’s cultural calendar. It is dedicated to showcasing stories of African and African American history and culture from a global perspective. The event is renowned for fostering critical dialogue and community engagement. Over the three days, attendees will have the invaluable opportunity to not only watch inspiring films but also to participate in thought-provoking post-screening discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and panel talks with subject matter experts and community leaders.

The festival has consistently attracted a high caliber of guests, including actor and filmmaker Tim Reid, Academy Award-winning director Paul Wagner, and actress and filmmaker Karyn Parsons, among many other local historians and community leaders. This tradition of bringing filmmakers and audiences together in an intimate and historic setting makes the festival a unique and deeply engaging experience.

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, the festival’s longstanding home, provides a deeply meaningful backdrop. As a central institution in the city’s Black history for over a century, its mission to honor and preserve the heritage of the African American community of Charlottesville and Albemarle County resonates profoundly with the festival’s purpose.

Festival Highlights:

• Diverse Film Screenings: A carefully selected program of international and local films that explore the “Bold & Beautiful” theme.
• Filmmaker Engagement: Opportunities to meet and interact with the creative minds behind the films.
• Community Dialogues: Insightful panel discussions on topics relevant to contemporary social and cultural issues.
• Opening Reception: A free opening reception (with RSVP) will kick off the weekend, providing a chance for attendees to mingle.

Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their work for consideration via the festival’s website.

Tickets & Passes:

Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of resilience, power, and the beauty of Black storytelling. Early bird ticket pricing is available until August 1, 2025.

• Early Bird (Before August 1):
  • 1-Day Pass: $10
  • 2-Day Pass: $15
• Regular Price (After August 1):
  • 1-Day Pass: $15
  • 2-Day Pass: $20
• Opening Reception Ticket: Free with RSVP

Tickets can be booked online through the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center’s website.

Event Details:

• What: 12th Annual Maupintown Film Festival: Bold & Beautiful
• When: Friday, September 5, 2025, 6:00 PM – Sunday, September 7, 2025, 6:00 PM
• Where: The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, 233 4th St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22903
• More Info & Tickets: Visit the Maupintown Film Festival or Jefferson School website: MAUPINTOWN FILM FESTIVAL: BOLD & BEAUTIFUL – Jefferson School.