At a Glance
- The Denton Black Film Festival runs from January 28 – February 1, 2026 in Denton and virtually until February 8.
- The festival showcases 95 independent films and offers music, comedy, spoken word, and art.
- The opening reception on January 28 was canceled due to inclement weather.
- Why it matters: Families and film lovers can plan a full week of cultural events and virtual screenings.
The Denton Black Film Festival (DBFF) is set to return this winter, offering a vibrant lineup of films, workshops, and panel discussions. The event will span five in-person days in Denton and an additional week of online content. The opening reception, originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, was called off because of weather concerns.
Festival Overview
The DBFF is a hybrid celebration that blends live screenings with digital access. It invites filmmakers, creatives, and audiences to engage with stories that highlight Black culture and creativity. The festival’s theme, “Hope and Courage,” encourages viewers to envision possibilities and act toward them.
The festival’s programming includes:
- Film screenings at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Denton and venues near the historic Downtown Square.
- Workshops and panel discussions featuring filmmakers.
- Live music, comedy, spoken-word performances, and visual art.
The event’s online component extends from February 1 to February 8, allowing viewers to watch the film collection from home.
Dates and Locations
| Event Type | Date(s) | Venue(s) |
|---|---|---|
| In-person | January 28 – February 1, 2026 | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Denton; Downtown Square locations |
| Virtual | February 1 – 8, 2026 | Online platform |
All in-person screenings will be held at various locations across Denton. The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Denton will host the majority of film showings, while additional venues near Downtown Square will offer select screenings and events.
Pass Options
Attendees can choose from several pass types, each providing different levels of access:
| Pass | Description |
|---|---|
| VIP All Experience Pass | Full access to all screenings, workshops, panels, and live events. |
| Film Only Experience Pass | Access to all film screenings only. |
| Virtual Only Experience Pass | Online access to the entire film lineup and virtual events. |
| Five Block Film Pass | Limited to five selected film screenings. |
Tickets and passes can be purchased through the festival’s official website. Detailed information on each pass is available on the site.
Virtual Experience
The DBFF’s virtual component runs from February 1 to February 8. Viewers can stream the festival’s film collection from the comfort of their homes. The online platform will feature the same schedule as the in-person events, with the added convenience of remote viewing.
Community and Outreach
The festival is open to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement. By offering a hybrid format, the DBFF ensures that those who cannot attend in person can still participate. The festival’s partnership with local venues and media, including News Of Fort Worth and Telemundo 39, helps promote the event to a broader audience.
Cancellation of the Opening Reception
Due to inclement weather and in alignment with Denton ISD’s closure and safety protocols, the 2026 DBFF Opening Reception on Wednesday, January 28, has been canceled. All other DBFF events will continue as scheduled unless otherwise notified.
The cancellation was announced by festival organizers and confirmed by local authorities. Attendees who had purchased tickets for the opening reception will receive refunds or the option to apply the cost toward another pass.
Key Takeaways
- The Denton Black Film Festival will run from January 28 – February 1, 2026, with virtual access until February 8.
- The opening reception was canceled due to weather.
- The festival offers 95 independent films, workshops, panels, and live performances.
- Passes range from VIP all-access to film-only and virtual options.
- The event embraces a hybrid format, ensuring accessibility for all community members.
The DBFF continues to be a cornerstone of cultural celebration in Denton, providing a platform for Black filmmakers and a rich experience for audiences. Attendees can look forward to a week of inspiring stories, creative workshops, and community engagement, both in person and online.
