(Columbia, SC) — From the streets of Queens, New York, to the heart of South Carolina, a celebration of independent filmmaking is finding a new home in the Midlands.
Following a successful South Carolina debut last year, the South Carolina Black Film Festival, in partnership with the Queens Underground International Film Festival, returns to Columbia on Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11, 2026, at the South Carolina State Museum.
The two-day event will showcase approximately 28 independent short films spanning drama, action, comedy, science fiction, horror, animation, historical storytelling, romance, and AI-assisted filmmaking. But for organizers, the festival is about much more than watching movies. It is about opening doors, creating connections, and giving talented storytellers a place to be seen and heard.
From Queens to Columbia
Originally founded in Jamaica, Queens, New York, the Queens Underground International Film Festival built its reputation by providing a platform for independent filmmakers and creative artists who often struggle to gain exposure through traditional entertainment industry channels.
Under the leadership of founder and Executive Director Dr. Adrienne Whaley, the organization has produced more than 20 film festivals and creative events, highlighting filmmakers and artists from around the world.
The festival’s expansion into South Carolina was driven by that same commitment to reaching new audiences and creating opportunities for emerging talent. By partnering with the South Carolina Black Film Festival, Queens Underground has extended its reach into the South, connecting its international creative network with the region’s growing community of filmmakers, actors, and artists.
Last year’s successful Columbia debut helped lay the foundation for what organizers hope will become an ongoing cultural and creative opportunity for South Carolina.
The partnership represents an important opportunity for the state, particularly for independent filmmakers who may not have the resources, industry connections, or access needed to showcase their work at larger festivals.
It also creates a space where Southern storytellers can connect with a broader network of creative professionals while sharing the stories, experiences, and cultural perspectives that make their voices unique.
More Than a Film Festival
This year’s festival, presented under the theme “Honoring the Past, Present & Future,” is designed to offer something for everyone, from casual moviegoers looking for something different to aspiring filmmakers hoping to break into the industry.
In addition to independent film screenings, attendees will have opportunities to meet filmmakers, participate in discussions, network with creative professionals, and explore the many career opportunities available in film and digital media production.
For those interested in working behind the camera, the festival will also offer educational workshops covering screenwriting, camera operation, production crew essentials, and the emerging use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
The advertised workshops include Screenwriting With Filmmaker Lab, Camera Essentials, Production Crew Essentials, and How to Make a Movie With AI.
These sessions provide an opportunity for aspiring actors, directors, producers, screenwriters, and production professionals to learn more about the creative and technical sides of the entertainment industry.
The weekend will also feature opportunities for networking, filmmaker recognition, and a red-carpet experience that adds a touch of Hollywood to downtown Columbia.
Building Opportunities for South Carolina Creatives
As filmmaking and digital content production continue to evolve, events like the South Carolina Black Film Festival help introduce new audiences to independent cinema while encouraging local talent to explore the industry’s possibilities.
For Black filmmakers and other underrepresented creatives, the festival offers something equally important: visibility, encouragement, and access to people who share their passion for storytelling.
For movie lovers, it is a chance to discover original films and fresh perspectives that may never reach traditional theaters.
For aspiring filmmakers, actors, and production professionals, it could be an opportunity to make a connection, discover a career path, or take the first step toward bringing their own stories to the screen.
And for Columbia, the festival’s return adds another cultural experience to the city’s growing arts and entertainment landscape.
Festival Details and Tickets
The South Carolina Black Film Festival takes place Saturday, October 10, from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, October 11, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the South Carolina State Museum, located at 301 Gervais Street in downtown Columbia.
Festival tickets are available online, and organizers are offering the promotional discount code Octfame. Museum admission and parking are advertised as free.
Whether you’re a filmmaker, an aspiring actor, a student interested in the entertainment industry, or simply someone who appreciates a good movie, this weekend offers an opportunity to experience independent cinema while supporting the creative talent behind it.
For tickets and additional information, visit SouthCarolinaBlackFilmFestival.com.
