By Cynthia Gibson
Contributing Writer
SOUTH LOS ANGELES — With the theme PAFF Soul 2026, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival returns to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza and Culver Theater, Feb. 7–22.
This year marks the 34th year for the country’s largest Black film festival, which spotlights African-centered art, film and culture from around the globe. This year’s theme reflects the emotional, spiritual and cultural core of Black storytelling, organizers said.
The ArtFest, film festival and other festival=related events will run consecutively at separate locations.
The Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza will host the ArtFest, Feb. 7-16. More than 100 visual artists, craft makers, designers, and artisans from across the African diaspora will display their works on both levels of the shopping center. Works range from paintings with bold oils and delicate watercolors, glass, and glass to ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and mixed media. Artists and designers will be onsite to discuss their process, history and answer questions.
ArtFest’s Director and Curator Allohn Agbenya has been associated with the ArtFest for more than 20 years — first as a vendor, and for the last 12 years in his current position. Agbenya said what makes a festival worth seeing year after year is a mix of returning artists that have built a clientele over the years and new and emerging artists who bring a fresh aesthetic.
“People want what’s new, but they also look forward to coming in to see works from their favorite artists,” Agbenya said.
Comedian and actors Tommy Davidson and Finesse Mitchell will headline the Pan African Film Festival’s Soul Comedy at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood Feb. 11. Davidson is best known for his role as an original cast member of hit comedy sketch show “In Living Color.” Mitchell was a cast member of “Saturday Night Live” from 2003–2006. The comedy show will be hosted by Anthony Rock, the younger brother of comedian Chris Rock. Rock starred as Uncle Ryan on “Everybody Hates Chris” and Dirk Black on the UPN/CW series “All of Us.” In addition to Davidson and Mitchell, six other comedians will take the stage throughout the evening.
From Feb. 16–22, the Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw and XD theater, adjacent to the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza, will host PAFF Senior Connections, a program that offers selected free screenings to seniors ages 62 and older.
Film festivals screenings will officially open Feb. 17 at Directors Guild of America Theater with the action thriller drama “One Spoon of Chocolate.” The film, about an ex-military convict seeking a fresh start in a small town, whose past catches up as he finds love amidst danger, stars Isaiah Hill, Shameik Moore and RJ Cyler. The film was written, directed and produced by rapper and leader of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan RZA. RZA is also the celebrity host for the festival.
Film screenings continue through Feb. 22 at the Culver City Theater. The slate of more than 150 films from 30 countries include 27 world premieres, 22 U.S. premieres, 41 West Coast premieres, and 18 Los Angeles premieres. Festival organizers say each year that the festival offers a unique opportunity for audiences to see thought-provoking narratives, groundbreaking documentaries, and innovative short films created by Black filmmakers.
Film screenings, panel discussions, workshops, ab evening of spoken word and the festival’s closing night film Feb. 21 will be held at the Culver Theater.
The film festival was founded in 1992, by activist Ayko Babu and actors Danny Glover (“Color Purple” and “Lethal Weapon”) and the late Ja’Net DuBois (“Good Times”). Oduduwa Olatuji is the festival’s current executive director.
Reflecting on the festival’s longevity and its impact on those attending the screenings and other events, Babu said the festival provides a needed prospective.
“Only through the art, through the film, through the music, etc. can you stop and look at yourself and your place in the world,” Babu said.
Over the past 30 years, the Pan African Film Festival has expanded from 40 films in 1992 to more than 150 films from six continents in 2026. Films compete in six categories — Best First Feature Narrative, Best First Feature Narrative, Best First Feature Documentary, Best Feature Narrative, Best Feature Documentary, Best Short Documentary and Best Short Narrative. The festival also serves as an Oscar-qualifying festival for animation and live-action films.
Cynthia Gibson is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at ckgcommunications@gmail.com.
