LightReel Shines Spotlight on Local Stories
Four Days of Films, Food, and Fun Featuring BIPOC Storytelling and Local Stories on Screen
Washington, DC (May 22, 2025) — The 6th Annual LightReel Film Festival, presented by the Union Market District, returns June 4–7, 2025, taking over one of DC’s most dynamic neighborhoods for four exciting screenings, panels, and parties. Presented by the Foundation for the Advancement of African Americans in Film (FAAAF), the festival showcases groundbreaking work by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) filmmakers from around the country. It celebrates the rich cinematic culture of the Nation’s Capital.
Opening Night: The Class Reunion
Kicking off the festival with its World Premiere, The Class Reunion, directed by DMV-native Chazitear, was filmed locally at Eastern High School. The film follows five former classmates—once a jock, nerd, popular girl, teen mom, and delinquent—who find themselves unexpectedly locked in a cafeteria during their ten-year high school reunion. As tensions resurface and secrets spill, they confront who they were—and who they’ve become.
Spotlight Documentary: I Was the Weirdo
Directed by Larry Ware II, I Was the Weirdo traces the story of underground hip-hop pioneer Priest Da Nomad while shedding light on the often-overlooked U Street hip-hop and arts scene. The documentary explores how D.C.’s cultural, political, and musical legacies—especially its homegrown Go-Go sound—shaped a generation of artists, journalists, and changemakers.
Showcasing Local Voices
This year’s lineup includes a strong slate of DC and DMV-based stories and creators, including:
33rd & Memphis – Sixteen-year-old Memphis Braxton wants to dance, but his love of dance will die without his parents' approval. Directed by Shawn Cosby.
Addis, My Father – The film thoughtfully examines the relationship between a father and daughter against the backdrop of one of life's starkest realities: aging. (Howard University Filmmaker Showcase)
A Diva’s Life – The first-ever episodic series capturing hustle, grit, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a female athlete both on and off the field.
Beyond the Blue Line – Following the tragic loss of his brother Jamal to police brutality, the film dives into the intertwined lives of Marcus, a grief-stricken brother seeking justice, and an officer haunted by the aftermath of his actions.
Black and Missing – The premiere episode focuses on the haunting case of Relisha Rudd, a young girl whose disappearance still deeply impacts the District of Columbia.
Paralysis by Analysis – When an anxious, perfectionist PhD student discovers an AI app that predicts the outcome of her decisions before she makes them, her life unravels as she becomes obsessed with the app.
Passes and Tickets
Festival passes and individual tickets are available now at lightreelfilm.com.
Follow @LightReel25 and @DCsSummerCinematicEvent on social media for the latest updates.
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 the 20,000-square-foot home to dozens of merchants and purveyors of food and drink alongside a dynamic, 45-acre streetscape of 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, and Selig Polyscope.
Media Contact:
Lana Walker
Email: delanalynn45@gmail.com