CLEVELAND, Ohio — Thursday is the first day of the annual Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF), but this year will be a bit different.

What You Need To Know

  • The film festival runs from Sept. 10 to Sept. 18

  • The festival is mostly virtual with over 70 movies screening online

  • The theme for the festival is "Black Films Matter"

GCUFF didn't let COVID-19 get in the way. They're still holding online screenings and a drive-in presentation.

The festival is known for showcasing independent Black filmmakers and Black talent with each movie screened having a connection to Black communities around the world.

The executive director of the festival said the theme this year is "Black Films Matter" to go along with the cries of social justice for Black lives.

"We're just making a statement. And I think about it, you know, I grew up in the 60s when it was more of the 'Black power' or 'Say it loud: I'm Black and I'm proud.' It's just the same statement in a different form where we want to affirm our voices. And just make a statement that our films are important. It doesn't say that anybody else's isn't, but it's just an affirmative, positive statement for us to feel more empowered that we are bringing Black films to the world," said Donna Dabbs.

The festival kicks off Thursday with movie lovers being able to watch over 70 films online. One of the movies featured is by an Ohio filmmaker who is also a board member for the GCUFF.

"I was noticing that a lot of the stories that I felt were important weren't being shown on TV, local, national, and in some cases international," said Stephanie Wahome-Lassiter, a Cleveland filmmaker.

Wahome-Lassiter is a former school teacher. After seeing the lack of Black filmmakers she decided to become one herself. But she also hasn't strayed far from education. Her movie in the festival was written by a student.

"'The Effects' was written by 16-year-old Rosemary, and she was the winning writer for my story to film contest," said Wahome-Lassiter.

In addition to being online, the festival will also have an in-person component. On Friday and Saturday, movie enthusiasts can go to Mayfield Road Drive-in to watch two movies each night. Dabbs said she's most excited for the screening Saturday night because of its fun theme.

"So Saturday night is going to be 70s night. So we're encouraging everybody that comes to dress up in their favorite 70s look. Hopefully there's some younger people that might not have lived through the 70s so they can look up, but we want people to get in the spirit and have a good time."

Dabbs said anyone interested in attending should treat the festival like any other one and plan what they want to see ahead of time. You can click here for ticket and screening information.