Since 2004, the Stone Center’s annual Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film has been showcasing films from all corners of the African diaspora including several films making their North Carolina and US premieres at the festival. Diaspora Film Festival screenings are marked by lively post-screening Q&A, in-depth commentary, critique, and contextualization with filmmakers, scholars and attendees.
Over the years, the festival has forged lasting partnerships and collaboration with various campus and community co-sponsors. These include the African Studies Center, the African, African-American and Diaspora Studies Department (AAADS), the Women and Gender Studies Department, The History Department, the Center for the Study of the American South (CSAS), the Alliance (Carolina Latinx, American Indian, and Asian-American Centers), Ngozi Design Collective, the Hayti Heritage Center, the Rogers-Eubanks Community Center, Palace International and Providence 1898, among others.
The 2025 edition of Diaspora Film Festival will feature about two dozen films of all genres selected from more than a hundred submissions from around the world. A special screening on November 20th, in collaboration with the American Indian Center, features LUMBEELAND, a short film exploring drug culture’s impact on a Native American community.
Screenings on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 | 6:30PM are as follows:
HARM IN THE WATER
Dir: Kendall Moore | Documentary | USA (2025) | 90 MIN
HARM IN THE WATER delves into the critical issue of water pollution affecting Black communities along the Mississippi River. This documentary weaves together historical context, scientific insights, and the urgent call for environmental justice.
All screenings are free and open to the public. Unless otherwise stated, all screenings will take place on site in the Stone Center’s Hitchcock Multipurpose Room (150 South Rd, Chapel Hill, Room 111).
RSVP now: https://heellife.unc.edu/event/11602431