The BlackStar Film Festival 2026 is a celebration of Philly's rich hip-hop history, with a special focus on the women who paved the way. One of the festival's highlights is the screening of Maori Karmael Holmes' 2006 documentary, Scene Not Heard: Women in Philadelphia Hip-Hop. This 44-minute film, which will be shown for the first time at BlackStar, offers a captivating glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of female emcees, deejays, and poets in the late 90s and early 2000s. Holmes, a filmmaker and arts worker, shares her personal journey and the impact of her work on the BlackStar Film Festival's origin story. The documentary features powerful interviews with legendary rappers like Bahamadia and Monie Love, and poets Ursula Rucker and Lady Alma, who open up about their experiences in a male-dominated industry. The film's release is a testament to the changing landscape of hip-hop, where women like Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tierra Whack have found their footing. Holmes reflects on the evolution of the scene, noting the increased visibility for women in hip-hop today. The festival also showcases other notable films, such as The Keeper, a horror film by Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes, and Haile Gerima's five-part documentary, Black Lions-Roman Wolves: The Children of Adwa. BlackStar's health and wellness program, featuring yoga, acupuncture, and breathing sessions, adds a holistic dimension to the festival. The festival's curator, Nehad Khader, emphasizes the importance of revisiting these films to pay homage to independent filmmakers from previous generations. The screening of Scene Not Heard is a reunion of Philly's hip-hop greats, offering a chance to reminisce about the scene's past and its impact on the present. Holmes' curiosity and drive to make things happen have fueled her success, from her exhibitions to her films. The festival promises to be a celebration of Philly's cultural heritage, with a focus on the women who have shaped the city's hip-hop scene. The BlackStar Film Festival 2026 will screen movies throughout Philadelphia from Thursday, August 6, to Sunday, August 9. Don't miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture and history of Philly's hip-hop scene.
