LightReel Newsletter | April 2025 Edition
LightReel Film Festival Newsletter | April 2025 Edition
Presented by the Union Market District
Festival Dates: June 4–7, 2025 | Washington, DC
Festival Lineup Announcement
We’re thrilled to present the full lineup for the 6th Annual LightReel Film Festival, taking place June 4–7 in the heart of DC’s vibrant Union Market District. Over 70 films will screen at the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market, our primary venue known for its intimate, state-of-the-art viewing experience. This year’s selections include an exciting mix of groundbreaking features, thought-provoking documentaries, and powerful shorts from both emerging and established BIPOC filmmakers.
Our Opening and Closing Night Films will be revealed on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Stay tuned for additional festival surprises and special announcements as we count down to LightReel 2025.
Health & Wellness Track
New this year: the LightReel Film Festival will introduce a dedicated Health & Wellness Track, presented by PDSI. This curated film series will explore stories focused on physical, emotional, and mental well-being, offering a powerful and reflective look at health in all its forms.
In addition to the screenings, PDSI will conduct on-site health screenings available to both festival filmmakers and attendees, furthering our commitment to holistic community care during the festival experience.
Festival Passes on Sale
Festival Passes are on sale now! Choose from three great options to experience all that LightReel 2025 has to offer:
Platinum Pass (All-Access): Enjoy access to every screening, panel, and event during the festival. This VIP pass also includes priority seating and exclusive access to our Opening and Closing Night events.
Price: $400Day Pass: Choose from either Friday, June 6 or Saturday, June 7 for full access to all screenings and events on your selected day.
Price: $175Super Six Pass: Enjoy six screenings of your choice across the festival. Perfect for those who want to experience the highlights!
Price: $100
Individual tickets will go on sale Monday, May 12, so be sure to grab your pass early for the best festival experience.
Grab Your Festival Pass at lightreelfilm.com ➔
LightReel Host Hotel
We’re proud to announce Hotel Morrow as this year’s Official Host Hotel. Conveniently located near all festival venues, Hotel Morrow offers a stylish and comfortable home base for your LightReel experience.
Use our LightReel Discount Code when booking to receive exclusive festival rates. For more information and to reserve your room, visit: lightreelfilm.com/festival-accommodations — reserve now before rooms sell out.
LightReel Festival Store Open
The wait is almost over. The LightReel Festival Store opens Monday, April 14, featuring the exclusive LightReel Collection — from tees and totes to commemorative posters and mugs. Please note: Festival merchandise will only be available online this year, so be sure to shop early and represent your LightReel pride all season long.
Shop the Collection at lightreelfilm.com/festival-merch ➔
Thank You to Our 2025 Festival Sponsors
The LightReel Film Festival is made possible with the generous support of our partners and sponsors who share our commitment to celebrating diverse voices in cinema.
Presenting Sponsor:
Union Market District
Major Sponsors:
DC Commission of Arts and Humanities
Events DC
PDSI (Health & Wellness Track Sponsor)
DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment
Foundation for the Augmentation of African Americans in Film
Media Partners:
DC Radio (96.3 HD4 / dcradio.gov)
TheFilmGordon.com
Official Host Hotel:
Hotel Morrow
Official Festival Venue:
Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market
Official App Sponsor:
PDSI
Official DCP Lab:
Selig Polyscope
In-Kind Sponsorship:
Destination DC
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at info@lightreelfilm.com.
Follow us on social @LightReelFest for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and countdown coverage as we head into our most exciting year yet.
Let the countdown to LightReel 2025 begin.
