Friday, June 19, 2026 | 7:00 PM–9:00 PM
Castaway Restaurant Outdoor Patio
284 Watchung Avenue, Orange, NJ

Every great story begins with a gathering.

Join us as we kick off the 3rd Annual Juneteenth Film Festival with an evening of celebration, connection, and community. This opening reception brings together filmmakers, actors, producers, business owners, artists, community leaders, and film lovers for an opportunity to meet, mingle, and set the tone for an inspiring weekend of storytelling and discovery.

As we commemorate Juneteenth—the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom in 1865—we gather not only to honor that historic moment, but to celebrate what Black creatives have done with that freedom through film, television, animation, performance, entrepreneurship, and artistic expression.

Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to connect with festival filmmakers, industry panelists, local businesses, and community organizations while learning more about the screenings, conversations, and experiences ahead.

This is more than an opening reception. It is a celebration of Black creativity, Black possibility, and the stories we continue to tell. Together, we reflect on the paths that brought us here, dream about where we are going, and build connections that help make those dreams possible.

Come raise a glass, make new connections, and help us begin a weekend dedicated to honoring the past, celebrating the present, and creating the future of Black storytelling.

Because Black history is not only something we remember—it is something we continue to create every day.

Saturday, June 20 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
West Orange Senior Housing
46 Mt. Pleasant Ave, West Orange, NJ 07052

 What does freedom mean to you?

Join us for a joyful, nostalgic celebration of Black childhood, imagination, and community. Through beloved animated stories, conversation, and shared memories, we’ll explore what freedom meant to us as children, what it means now and how those experiences shaped who we are today and who we want to be moving forward.

As we commemorate Juneteenth—the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom in 1865—we also celebrate the freedom Black artists have exercised through storytelling, animation, voice acting, and creative expression. Together we’ll reflect on cherished memories, laughter-filled moments, and the power of seeing ourselves represented on screen.

We will then transition to a film block followed by post screening discussion and some outdoor games, entertainment and refreshments. All are welcome.

Screenings:
• “Zora and Bee” (9 min) – Directed by Tyra Hughes
• “Relationship Pod” (4 min) – Directed by Jennifer Massenat
• “Shattered Reflections” (9 min) – Directed by Tiffani G.
• “Grace” (12 min) – Directed by Kevin Onyeaka

Total Film Runtime: 34 minutes

 Saturday, June 20 | 1:00 PM–3:00 PM
West Orange Arts Center
551 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ

 Freedom looks like community.

Join us outdoors for an afternoon of connection, laughter, movement, and celebration. Enjoy double dutch, chalk art, outdoor games, line dancing, local vendors, and opportunities to connect with neighbors, artists, and entrepreneurs.

Juneteenth is not only a celebration of liberation—it is a celebration of what Black communities have built with that freedom. This family-friendly gathering honors our traditions of gathering, creating joy, supporting local businesses, and making memories together.

 Saturday, June 20 | 4:00 PM–6:00 PM
How Delish
55 Kingsley Street, West Orange, NJ

Every great film begins with an idea—but what really happens between inspiration and the screen?

Join television writers, producers, executives, and creators for an honest conversation about pitching, producing, funding, networking, and building a sustainable career in film and television. This panel pulls back the curtain on the realities of the entertainment industry while providing practical guidance for aspiring storytellers.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we honor the freedom Black creatives have fought for and exercised through storytelling. We also look forward, helping the next generation transform their ideas into the stories that will define tomorrow’s culture.

Featuring panelists’ sizzle reels and exclusive industry insights.

Featured Screening:
• “Celia’s Cabin” (27 min) – Directed by Leslie Black

Total Film Runtime: 27 minutes

Saturday, June 20 | 8:00 PM–10:00 PM
Luna Stage
555 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ

Before a story reaches our hearts, it first reaches our eyes.

Step into an immersive gallery celebrating iconic Black television, film, and cinematic imagery that has shaped generations of storytelling. Through curated stills, photographs, and visual moments, this exhibit honors the artists, performers, and creators whose work expanded our understanding of Black life, joy, struggle, beauty, and possibility.

This installation reminds us that Juneteenth is not simply about freedom achieved—it is about the stories we’ve told with that freedom and the cultural legacy we continue to build.

Featured Screening:
• “The River” directed by Jose Pichardo

Sunday, June 21 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Entertain The Idea
134 South Valley Road, West Orange, NJ

Not everyone in film stands in front of the camera.

Discover the many career pathways that power the entertainment industry behind the scenes. From production assistants and coordinators to camera operators, editors, sound professionals, and department heads, this conversation explores how aspiring professionals can enter the field and build sustainable careers.

Juneteenth calls us not only to celebrate what has been accomplished but also to create access to future opportunities. This session connects attendees with information, training resources, and industry insights that can help turn passion into profession.

Sunday, June 21 | 12:15 PM–1:15 PM
Entertain The Idea
134 South Valley Road, West Orange, NJ

Costumes tell stories long before a character speaks.

Join costume designers and beauty professionals for a conversation about the role of fashion, hair, makeup, and design in shaping cinematic identity. Explore how Black culture, history, beauty standards, and self-expression influence visual storytelling on screen.

As part of our Juneteenth celebration, we honor the freedom to define ourselves, celebrate our beauty, and preserve our cultural narratives through visual artistry.

Sunday, June 21 | 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
The Library Dispensary

5 Washington St. West Orange, NJ

Talent opens doors. Business keeps them open.

Join working actors, creators, and industry professionals as they discuss the realities of building a sustainable acting career. Learn about auditions, networking, representation, self-producing opportunities, and creating pathways when traditional doors remain closed.

This Juneteenth conversation celebrates Black artists who have used their freedom to create opportunities where none existed and encourages future generations to continue expanding what is possible.

Screenings:
• “Leave Now” (7 min) – Directed by Jermel Howard
• “White Meat: Appetizer” (12 min) – Directed by David Thomas
• “Hire” (11 min) – Directed by Ricardo Spence

Total Film Runtime: 30 minutes

Sunday, June 21 | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Family Healing Center

98 Valley Way West Orange, NJ

This special Father’s Day gathering creates space to honor, celebrate, remember, and support the fathers, father figures, and men who have shaped our lives.

Together we will share memories, discuss mental health and emotional wellness, explore healthier ways to communicate and connect, and provide resources that strengthen families and communities.

Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is not only political—it is emotional, relational, and generational. This conversation invites us to imagine what healing, support, and freedom can look like for Black men, fathers, and families today.

Featured Screenings:
• “Boys Cry Too” by Samuel L. Fudge (20 min)
• “Lyrical” by Carter Stewart (18 min)

Total Film Runtime: 38 minutes

Sunday, June 21 | 8:00 PM–10:00 PM
South Valley BBQ
34 South Valley Road, West Orange, NJ

As our Juneteenth Film Festival comes to a close, we gather one final time to celebrate the stories, conversations, connections, and possibilities that emerged throughout the weekend.

Join filmmakers, artists, entrepreneurs, community members, and festival guests for awards recognition, photographs, networking, and meaningful conversation.

Juneteenth is both remembrance and responsibility. We honor those who fought for freedom, celebrate what Black creatives have accomplished with that freedom, and commit ourselves to creating new possibilities for those who will follow behind us.

Because Black history is not only something we remember—it is something we continue to create every day.

Price includes both days.

Vendor opportunities are available on:

6/20 at the West Orange Arts Center (551 Valley Rd, West Orange, NJ)

6/21 at The Library Dispensary (5 Washington St, West Orange, NJ)

Please bring your own tables and chairs. Contact the organizer for additional information.

[email protected].