San Antonio will host the seventh annual San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF) from October 2 to October 5, 2025. The event aims to celebrate Black heritage and highlight the work of filmmakers of African descent.
Festival activities are scheduled across several venues on San Antonio’s Eastside, including the Carver Community Cultural Center, In the Eye of the Beholder Black Art Gallery, Carver Library, Lockwood-Dignowity Park, and Aiden Hotel. SABIFF features film screenings by Black filmmakers, panel discussions, networking events, workshops, happy hours, and a filmmakers’ brunch.
According to organizers, “The San Antonio Black International Film Festival, or SABIFF, now in its 7th year, celebrates the voices, perspectives, and diverse images of historically underrepresented Black people throughout the global diaspora.”
The theme for this year’s festival is “Actionvism,” which combines action with vision and activism. Organizers say it serves as “a call to the urgency of preserving Black stories through film.”
The four-day schedule includes a Thursday tour by San Antonio Black History Tours and an art gallery reception that is free to attend. Friday’s program offers a student matinee focused on creative learning from industry professionals and social justice advocates. There will also be a VIP reception at Carver Community Cultural Center for All-Access Passholders and visiting filmmakers. The Ankh Achievement Award will honor Ava DuVernay and Haile Gerima.
Saturday’s agenda consists of screenings for 35 films at two screens in the Carver Community Cultural Center. The day concludes with the Filmmakers & Ubuntu Community Awards Banquet recognizing standout films and Texas-based leaders involved in social change.
On Sunday, attendees can view “Best of Show” films at Madu Sports Bar & Grill.
SABIFF 2025 offers both in-person and online participation options. Single screening tickets are available for $10; there are also day passes or an All-Access VIP Pass priced at $150 that provides priority seating and access to all events plus extended online viewing until October 12.
For those interested only in specific experiences such as Soul Saturday or streaming content from home, one-day video-on-demand passes are available.
Organizers describe SABIFF as “an annual film festival that showcases stories from Black filmmakers across the global diaspora. It features film screenings, panels, networking events, cultural celebrations, and award ceremonies.”
Venues include multiple locations on San Antonio’s Eastside: “Events are held at venues across San Antonio’s Eastside, including the Carver Community Cultural Center, In the Eye of the Beholder Black Art Gallery, Carver Library, Lockwood-Dignowity Park, and partner locations.”
Tickets start at $10 per screening with other pass options available: “Single screening tickets start at $10. Guests can also purchase day passes or an All-Access VIP Pass for $150…”
A hybrid format allows virtual attendance: “Yes. In addition to in-person screenings and events, SABIFF offers a hybrid format with virtual passes…”
This year’s focus is on “Actionvism”: “The 2025 theme is Actionvism — a blend of action, vision, and activism…”
More information about schedules or ticketing can be found on SABIFF.tv.
