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The 10th Annual Urban Film Festival will take place over Labor Day Weekend, August 29–31, 2025 at various venues, including the Overtown Performing Arts Center and Silverspot Cinemas in Downtown Miami. This highly anticipated event offers free admission to a range of activities, such as panel discussions, networking events, and masterclasses led by industry professionals. It is one of the largest free film festivals, and this year’s theme is “Shoot Your Shot, Tell Your Truth.” To attend, guests must register online for both the festival and any film screenings. General registration (Register Here) for the festival is now open. Registration for specific screenings on August 30th and 31st, due to limited seating in theaters. Guests are advised to arrive 15-20 minutes early to ensure entry.
A special celebration on Friday, August 29, will honor the students of the 1st Take Youth Film summer program. Florida Film House will award $500 scholarships to 11 graduating seniors, made possible through the generosity of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and Desmin & Dover Law Firm. This event is private and not open to the general public.
Education sessions, industry insights, and film screenings will highlight Saturday, August 30. Panels, screenings, and awards will take center stage on Sunday, August 31, as the Urban Film Festival continues its mission to inspire, educate, and celebrate cinema in all its forms.
Marco “Mall” Molinet, Filmmaker/Philanthropist and Co-Founder of Florida Film House
For us, the Urban Film Festival isn’t just about showcasing films—it’s about equipping filmmakers with the tools, skills, and access they need to thrive in an ever-changing industry. Our mission is to create an ecosystem where storytellers can not only share their truth but also build sustainable careers that strengthen the future of cinema.”
“The Urban Film Festival amplifies the voices of our communities and ensures that our diverse stories are told. The exposure it provides helps our residents meet their full potential in an industry that is celebrated globally.”-Miami-Dade County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Partnering with the Urban Film Festival is an exciting opportunity to spotlight the vibrant intersection of film, culture, and destination appeal. This collaboration allows us to showcase Greater Miami and Miami Beach as a premier hub for creative experiences while driving tourism through compelling storytelling and immersive events.” — Mat Ratner, Director of Sports & Entertainment Tourism, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“Film is more than art—it’s an economic engine. In Miami-Dade, the film industry fuels small business growth, job creation, and global visibility. I’m proud to support this year’s Urban Film Festival, which reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our city. Miami isn’t just a cultural hub, it’s a business hub, and as we continue to lead in creative expression, we’re equally focused on expanding opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth in our downtown.” — Michaeljohn Green, Chief of Economic Development & Strategy, Miami DDA.
“The Urban Film Festival is a powerful celebration of diverse voices and creative film excellence. It shines a light on Miami’s vibrant multicultural talent. It strengthens our city’s position as a hub for inclusive storytelling and innovation.” — Connie Kinnard, SVP, Multicultural Tourism & Development, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
“The Urban Film Festival shines a light on the creativity, resilience, and brilliance of our communities. For 10 years, it has empowered storytellers, inspired our youth, and brought world-class programming to the heart of Overtown. I commend Florida Film House for their continued commitment to culture, education, and opportunity. We are proud to be a part of it!” — Chairwoman of the City of Miami Commission-Christine King
Event Schedule
Friday, August 29, 2025
- 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Youth Empowerment with the 1st Take Youth Film Program at The Overtown Performing Arts Center, Hosted by Romeo Miller, Allen Maldonado, and Kamal Ani-Bello.
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Welcome to Miami Celebration Party at Red Rooster, Hosted by Miami-Dade County Film Commissioner Frances Franco & Broward County Film Commissioner Sandy Lighterman, and Music by DJ Epps.
Saturday, August 30, 2025
- 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Best of Urban Film Festival screenings at Silverspot Cinema in Miami.
- 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Free Film Master Discussions at Silverspot Cinema, covering topics from writing, producing, cinematography, acting & directing. Meet & greet at the bar with each industry professional directly after master discussions.
Sunday, August 31, 2025
- 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Best of Urban Film Festival screenings at Silverspot Cinema in Miami.
- 12:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Free Film Panels: Faith in Film, Women Shaping the Future of Film, Mastering Film Distribution, State of the Industry Discussion, and Maximizing Budget & Creativity at Silverspot Cinema. Meet & greet at the bar with each industry professional directly after panels.
- 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Health is Power Symposium & Community Health Fair at Dorsey Library. Mental Health, Health Disparities, Chronic Disease Prevention, and Health Equity.
- 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM: Urban Film Festival Awards Ceremony hosted by Athule Mbekeni & Allen Maldonado at Silverspot Cinema.
- 9:00 PM – 12:00 AM: Official Awards After Party at Red Rooster with DJ Epps.
Venues
- Overtown Performing Arts Center (OPAC): 1074 NW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
- Red Rooster: 920 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33136
- Silverspot Cinemas: 300 SE 3rd St #100, Miami, FL 33131
- Dorsey Memorial Library, 100 NW 17th St, Miami, FL, 33136
Parking Options
Nearby Parking Garages:
- Met Square Garage (on-site, 3rd St entrance – $10 all-day w/ validation)
- Whole Foods Garage (across the street – $10 for 4 hours with/ validation)
- Bayfront Garage (2 blocks away)
Public Transit:
- Metromover to Knight Center Station or Bayfront Park Station
- Metrobus stops on SE 3rd St and Biscayne Blvd
Freebee (Free Rides in Downtown):
- Download the Freebee app: Click Here to Download
- Request a ride to Silverspot Cinemas (300 SE 3rd St)
- Freebee operates throughout Downtown and Brickell
Notable Participants
Festival ambassadors include Romeo Miller, Allen Maldonado, Alexis Garcia, Deon Taylor, MariCarmen Lopez, Gregory Alan Williams, and Randall Emmett.
2025 Sponsors:
Sponsors
OMNI CRA, SEOPW CRA, Commissioner KEON HARDEMON, Chairwoman Christine King, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Commissioner Kionne McGhee, Mayor Suarez, Miami DDA, Commissioner Damian Pardo, Mayor Levine Cava, Simkins Family Foundation, City of Miami Parks & Recreation, 1st Take Youth. Desmin & Dover Law Firm, Florida Film House, Miami-Dade County
