Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival: A Cultural Homecoming

There’s something about Martha’s Vineyard in August that feels like a reunion — not just of families, but of ideas, artistry, and culture. Tucked inside this summer tradition is one of the most important cultural gatherings happening anywhere: the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAFF).

What Floyd and Stephanie Rance started in 2002 with a handful of indie films and an abundance of heart has transformed into a must-attend event — a place where Black filmmakers and storytellers not only showcase their work but also find a community that understands the stakes. And for the audience, it’s something more than a film festival. It’s a cultural homecoming.

The Festival’s Rise: From Grassroots to Oscar-Qualifying Powerhouse

In the early years, the MVAAFF was a passion project. Screenings were modest. Word spread by postcards and conversations on the beach. But even then, the festival was about more than just the films — it was about visibility, validation, and creating space where Black stories mattered.

Fast forward two decades, and the MVAAFF is now Oscar-qualifying, recognized by industry giants, and a fixture in the Black cultural calendar. Hollywood has taken notice. So has the broader media world. But despite the growth, the festival has kept its roots — still grounded in community, still intimate enough that you’ll bump into filmmakers and actors while waiting in line for a coffee at Mocha Mott’s.

When the Obamas Came to the Vineyard — and to the Festival

One of the festival’s defining moments came in 2022, when Barack and Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance on opening night. The former President and First Lady introduced the Netflix documentary Descendant, a Higher Ground production about the discovery of the Clotilda, the last known ship to bring enslaved Africans to the United States.

The room was electric that night — part awe, part affirmation. It wasn’t just about celebrity. It was a recognition that the stories being told at MVAAFF mattered at the highest levels. As Floyd Rance put it later, it was “an affirmation of the work we do, year in and year out, to hold up a mirror to our community.”

2024: A Personal Milestone — Professor Vincent Brown’s Screening

This year, 2024, brought another unforgettable moment — this one personal for many of us. Professor Vincent Brown, a historian from Harvard and our cousin, debuted his documentary How Do You Remember the Days of Slavery? at the festival.

The 22-minute film digs into the ways Jamaica, and by extension much of the African diaspora, wrestles with the memory and legacy of slavery. Vincent doesn’t just recount history; he interrogates how history is remembered — by governments, by communities, by individuals. His work reminds us that remembering is not passive. It’s political. It’s active. It shapes who we are and who we imagine ourselves to be.

After the screening, Vincent sat down with historian Dr. Kendra Field for a wide-ranging discussion about personal narratives, collective memory, and why telling the “messy” stories matters. You could hear a pin drop during parts of the conversation. You could also hear the occasional “mm-hmm” of affirmation from audience members who understood, deeply, what was being said.

For many, it was a highlight of the entire week — a rare combination of academic rigor and emotional resonance that captured what MVAAFF is really about.

Ian and cousin Vincent Brown. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

A Festival That Celebrates the Full Spectrum of Black Life

Beyond our family pride, this year’s MVAAFF lineup was rich and varied — a true celebration of the depth and diversity of Black life.

Some standout moments from 2024 included:

• The world premiere of Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, a Peacock miniseries dramatizing an infamous Atlanta robbery in the 1970s. Producers Will Packer and star Chloe Bailey were on hand for an energetic discussion about storytelling, resilience, and Atlanta’s complex Black history.

• A special screening of Sing Sing, featuring a powerful performance by Colman Domingo — whose star power seemed to ignite every room he walked into.

• Hulu’s upcoming film The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, starring Uzo Aduba, Sanaa Lathan, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, was another festival darling, with the actresses joining the Color of Conversation series to talk about sisterhood, community, and surviving joyfully through tough times.

Add to that masterclasses, sponsored brunches, late-night beach parties, and plenty of “I love your work” conversations at Sharky’s Cantina or Edgartown’s harborfront — and you start to get a feel for how MVAAFF operates. It’s industry-meets-family-reunion. It’s business and joy, all in the same breath.

Al Roker (NBC Today Show) and wife Deborah Robert. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick

A Memorable Encounter: Meeting the Daughters of MLK and Malcolm X

One of the most poignant moments at the 2024 MVAAFF was attending a Netflix-hosted event honoring the National Geographic series Genius: MLK/X. This powerful series delves into the parallel lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, exploring their formative years, philosophies, and enduring legacies. ​On Disney+

At this event, we had the profound honor of meeting Dr. Bernice King and Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughters of Dr. King and Malcolm X, respectively. Their presence added a deeply personal dimension to the evening, reminding us that behind the iconic images and speeches are families who have carried forward their fathers’ legacies with grace and resilience.​Oprah Daily+1Democracy Now!+1

Engaging with Dr. King and Ms. Shabazz was both humbling and inspiring. Their reflections on their fathers’ contributions to the civil rights movement and their own ongoing work in social justice underscored the enduring impact of these two leaders. It was a moment of connection that transcended generations, highlighting the festival’s role as a space for meaningful dialogue and remembrance.

Why MVAAFF Matters More Than Ever

In an era where conversations about representation can sometimes feel corporate or performative, the MVAAFF remains grounded in authenticity. This festival isn’t about checking boxes or trend-chasing. It’s about telling the truth — the whole truth — about who we are, where we come from, and where we’re going.

Oak Bluffs itself is the perfect host. A historic African American enclave, the town embodies Black resilience, excellence, and legacy. When you walk the streets here during MVAAFF week, you’re not just going to a festival. You’re stepping into a tradition of creativity, resistance, and community that stretches back more than a century.

And that’s the magic of the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. It’s not just an event.
It’s a movement, a mirror, and a memory — all rolled into one beautiful, cinematic week by the sea.

CLICK HERE for a list of accommodations on Martha’s Vineyard.