At a Glance
- The 2026 Denton Black Film Festival runs January 28 – February 1 in person and February 1-8 online
- A record 95 independent films will screen under the theme “Hope and Courage”
- Pass options range from virtual-only to all-access VIP
- Why it matters: The hybrid format lets North Texans and global audiences celebrate Black storytelling on their own terms
North Texas’ largest celebration of Black cinema is back. The Denton Black Film Festival (DBFF) will showcase 95 independent films, music, comedy, spoken word and visual art across five days in person and an additional week online.
What to Expect in 2026
This year’s festival centers on “Hope and Courage,” a theme chosen to highlight the power of hope to envision change and the courage required to make it real. Organizers say the lineup is the richest in the event’s history, with more than 95 features, shorts and episodic projects screening both in Denton theaters and via the festival’s streaming platform.
Key Dates and Formats
| Experience Type | Dates | Access |
|---|---|---|
| In-person | January 28 – February 1 | Venues across Denton |
| Virtual | February 1 – 8 | Nationwide streaming |
Events stretch from the historic Downtown Square to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Denton, while the virtual extension lets viewers outside North Texas join the conversation.
More Than Movies
DBFF positions itself as a hybrid arts gathering. Beyond the screenings, attendees can catch:
- Live music sets spotlighting emerging Black artists
- Stand-up comedy showcases
- Spoken-word performances
- Panel discussions with filmmakers
- Hands-on workshops for creatives
The mix is intentional, organizers say, designed to let audiences “enjoy, learn and honor Black culture through film, music, art and storytelling.”
Pass Options and Prices
Four ticket tiers give flexibility:
- VIP All Experience Pass – complete access to every in-person and virtual event
- Film Only Experience Pass – entry to all screenings and filmmaker Q&As
- Virtual Only Experience Pass – streaming of the full film catalog from home
- Five Block Film Pass – admission to any five screening blocks of your choice
Full pricing and purchase links are listed on the festival’s official site.
Why the Hybrid Model Matters
By extending the window online, DBFF removes geographic and scheduling barriers that often limit who can attend cultural festivals. Local students can catch weeknight screenings in person, while out-of-state cinephiles stream the same films over the weekend. The approach also gives filmmakers a longer runway to reach audiences and distributors.
Community Roots
The festival is presented by News Of Fort Worth, Telemundo 39 and the Denton Black Film Institute. Together they stress that the event is “open to audiences of all ages and backgrounds,” framing it as a community space where conversation and networking happen alongside the screenings.
Plan Your Visit
Most films will unspool at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Denton, with additional venues clustered near the downtown square. Parking, transit options and venue maps are updated on the DBFF website as the festival nears.
Key Takeaways
- Mark your calendar for January 28 – February 1 in person and February 1-8 online
- Choose a pass that fits your schedule and budget
- Expect a lineup bigger than ever: 95 films plus live performances
- Bring friends or log in solo-everyone is welcome
