In the summer of 2002, a small film festival started on the Island screening 10 films on VHS. This year, that same festival will screen over 60 films at the Performing Arts Center during an event-packed week in early August.

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival returns August 7 to 15 for its 24th year. It is now a summer staple, attracting celebrities, filmmakers and Islanders alike. 

Festival founders Floyd and Stephanie Rance said the event uniquely appeals to a Vineyard audience.

“For 24 years, MVAAFF continues to be a place where groundbreaking stories are introduced to an audience that truly understands their cultural significance,” they wrote in a statement.

The festival stretches beyond film screenings to include an opening reception, in-depth conversations featuring directors and actors, two luncheons, a brand activation event and multiple after-parties. 

Film topics range from crucial stories about the power of art to the harrowing story of the first all-Black expedition to summit Mount Everest called Full Circle: The First All Black Everest Ascent. The film was directed by Justice A. Whitaker and Rolake Bamgbose, and follows Phil Henderson and a group of climbers as they fight against weather conditions and push against the boundaries of who belongs in outdoor spaces.

The opening day screening of Untouchables is a documentary about Derrick Hoff, the first Black head coach in the United States to win a state fencing title.

Actress Keke Palmer will take part in a panel style discussion, focusing on self-care and burnout.

Some screenings will include sneak peaks of upcoming films, including exclusive clips of the unreleased film Children of Blood and Bone, followed by a conversation with director Gina Prince-Bythewood and star of the film Thuso Mbedu. The theatrical film, based on the fantasy novel by Tomi Adeyemi, follows protagonist Zélie Adebola as she attempts to bring magic back to the kingdom of Orïsha.

The festival closes with an advance screening of the first episode of new HBO series Lanterns, presented by Warner Brothers. The series follows two intergalactic cops as they investigate a mystery in the American heartland. 

For more information, tickets and a complete lineup of films and events, visit mvaaff.com.