Tampa, FL (June 4, 2025) – On Thursday, June 19th, Film Tampa Bay and Filmmaker Cranstan Cumberbatch join forces to bring local Black Filmmakers together for a free one-day film festival. The Juneteenth Film Festival will be held at the historic Tampa Theatre and opens its doors for the event at 5:30 pm.
Cranstan Cumberbatch, filmmaker and founder of the Black Arts & Film Festival and the Sunshine City Film Festival, curated this year’s selection of locally made short films. “I am thrilled to have not one, but five films screening at this event,” said Cumberbatch. “Juneteenth is the perfect holiday to celebrate at the iconic Tampa Theatre. This is going to be an epic night.” The free event kicks off with trailers for upcoming projects and a short films block:
- The Vixen, directed by Toneice Evans
Wounded by love and unwilling to forgive, a woman embarks on a relentless mission for revenge. Dark, stylish, and unapologetically fierce – this is the story of heartbreak weaponized.
- Nothing Else Matters, directed by Cranstan Cumberbatch
Keelan Foster’s poem wins Monica’s heart – but love gets complicated when it risks his career, reputation, and emotional stability. A sharp, funny, and heartfelt look at modern romance and ambition.
- Riding Hood, directed by Dwight Mathis
Teen siblings Red and Axe stumble upon a mysterious powder called “Goldie” that transforms users into werewolf-like hybrids. When they refuse to try it, a ruthless kingpin comes after them. A gritty urban fable of loyalty, survival, and danger.
- Gloria 19, directed by Michael Kinsey
A clone, with help from a rogue AI assistant, realizes the importance of her survival from the powerful corporation, Devin Genetics, that created her. Her life may be the key to curing a deadly disease and revealing a plot that could alter the existence of mankind.
- ATONE, directed by Erica Sutherlin
After 12 years in prison, Jayden seeks redemption and connection with his son Noah. As he struggles to rebuild his life, the past threatens to pull his child down the same path. A powerful story of fatherhood, justice, and hope.
Following the shorts block, the Tampa Theatre will screen “Is That Black Enough for You?!?” (Rated R). Culture critic and historian Elvis Mitchell traces the evolution — and revolution — of Black cinema from its origins to the impactful films of the 1970s.
Be sure to stick around after the feature film. The filmmakers in attendance will join Sam Allen of Film Tampa Bay on stage for a brief discussion and audience Q&A. Doors open at 5:30 pm, and the first 150 patrons receive a free soda and popcorn.
Admission is FREE, but reservations are required at https://tampatheatre.org/movie/juneteenth-film-celebration/
For additional information, contact:
Sam Allen, Marketing Manager
(813) 218-3303
Email: Sallen@visittampabay.com
© 2025 Tampa Hillsborough Film and Digital Media Commission