LightReel Closes with Record Crowds
Festival Featured Sold-Out Premieres & Black Butterfly Award Winners
Washington, DC – June 10, 2025 – The 6th Annual LightReel Film Festival, presented by the Union Market District, wrapped an extraordinary weekend of film, conversation, and community in the heart of Washington, DC. With record-breaking crowds, sold-out screenings, and a dynamic slate of cultural activations, the festival energized audiences and creators alike, reaffirming its place as DC’s Summer Cinematic Event.
The highly anticipated Black Butterfly Awards, presented by Events DC, honored this year’s most powerful and inspiring films across multiple categories.
2025 Black Butterfly Award Winners:
Best Narrative Feature: The Things You Kill – Directed by Alireza Khatami
Best Narrative Short: Space Man – Directed by John Funk
Best Documentary Feature: 42nd Street – Directed by Jose Maria Cabral
Best Documentary Short: Encouraged: Building the Future – Directed by Fraser Byrne
Best Screenplay: The Go-Go District – Written by Travis Houze
Audience Award (TIE):
I Was the Weirdo – Directed by Larry Ware II
Game On – Directed by David Hamlin
This year’s festival showcased three sold-out screenings that deeply resonated with audiences, each generating standing ovations and memorable cinematic experiences:
The Class Reunion – World Premiere
I Was the Weirdo – DC Premiere
Game On – DC Premiere
Beyond these powerhouse films, LightReel also delivered dynamic festival activations that energized community engagement and celebrated creativity:
LightReel Talks: Acclaimed producers Chuck and Bree West shared their journeys and insights on sustaining independent creative careers. Other highlights from the series included conversations with four-time Emmy Award–winning editor Stephanie Filo and Black Reel and NAACP Image Award–nominated costume designer Jaclyn Banner, each offering invaluable perspectives on craft, collaboration, and representation in Hollywood.
Two high-energy parties, Cocktails & Cinema and the Closing Night Black & White Prince Party at The AutoShop, brought together filmmakers, talent, and audiences for nights of celebration—free for festival passholders.
LightReel’s presence at the Union Market Street Fest connected film lovers with the broader community through music, vendors, and outdoor vibes.
“LightReel is more than a film festival—it’s a cultural force,” said Tim Gordon, Festival Director. “From the stories on screen to the conversations off it, this year’s festival sparked emotion, built community, and elevated the next generation of cinematic voices.”
As LightReel continues its mission to champion BIPOC voices and amplify diverse stories across the cinematic landscape, it remains a vital platform for transformative storytelling and creative empowerment.
About Union Market District
One of Washington, DC’s fastest-growing neighborhoods, Union Market District (UMD) is a unique fusion of heritage and innovation. The historic Market is a 20,000-square-foot home to dozens of merchants and purveyors of food and drink, alongside a dynamic 45-acre streetscape featuring independent shops and services, nationally recognized brands, and highly rated restaurants. La Cosecha is a contemporary Latin American marketplace and culinary embassy. Plaza at the Dock, below one of DC’s largest public rooftops with a 360-degree vista, further distinguishes UMD as a true gem within a world-class city.
About the LightReel Film Festival
Presented by the Foundation for the Advancement of African Americans in Film (FAAAF), the LightReel Film Festival is a four-day celebration of film, food, and fun in the Nation’s Capital. Dedicated to showcasing excellence in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) storytelling, the festival brings together emerging voices, established filmmakers, and engaged audiences to share in the power of cinema.
Festival Sponsors
The 2025 LightReel Film Festival is made possible with the generous support of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment, PDSI, Destination DC, Selig Polyscope, and Something Vintage.
Stay Connected with LightReel
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www.lightreelfilm.comInstagram:
@lightreelfilmfestHashtags: #LightReel2025 #BlackButterflyAwards #DCsSummerCinematicEvent
For interviews, press materials, or high-res photos, contact info@lightreelfilm.com
Media Contact:
Lana Walker
Email: delanalynn45@gmail.com
