The Carver Library introduces the launch of the San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF).  SABIFF will present a local Black independent film showcase featuring a range of indie film and video projects by native San Antonians. A full day of activities from film screenings, Q&A from directors, and film industry-related panel discussions.

Local filmmakers and their films to be showcased include:  Cedric Thomas Smith presenting his award winning film “Melissa”, Ada M. Babino will screen her documentary “I Don’ Been Through The Snake’s Skin & Come Out Clean,” Aundar Maat and Born Logic Allah will show their film Malcolm X, as well as director Dat Mayne DeeWayne, presenting Free Word, and music video presentations.  A community forum on the importance of Black film along with a panel discussion that goes behind the scenes to unveil the professionals and talent involved in film production.

A group of community filmmakers and movie enthusiasts began meeting at the Carver Library in the fall of 2018, with the purpose to create a Black independent film festival in the Alamo City. Birthed from mutual interests, the San Antonio Black International Film Festival was born under the umbrella of Forward Progress, Inc., a 501c3 arts and entertainment organization founded by DeaAnna Brown that “encourages creative dreamers to become authentic artists." The mission of SABIFF is to expose audiences in San Antonio and beyond to the myriad of narratives and diverse images of Diaspora peoples. The goal is to present a variety of video/filmmakers and film professionals of color to audiences through their film products, genres, panel discussions, lectures, and training. The Carver Library, a staple on the Eastside presents the first of many more SABIFF film festivities to come.