by Robbie Jackson
Since 1988 the San Francisco Black Film Festival has celebrated African American cinema and the African cultural Diaspora by showcasing a diverse collection of films from emerging and established filmmakers. From films that make you cry – from laughter or sadness – to films that make you crave connection and community, it has been the SFBFF mission to reinforce positive Black imagery and dispel negative stereotypes by providing Black film artists a safe space for their work to be at the forefront.
Here they can have their films viewed, digested and discussed. According to the executive director, Cree Ray, “As a competitive film festival, SFBFF identifies filmmakers, screenwriters, and actors that are emerging as talents and established artists who are contributing to the cinematic legacy of African Americans.”
Generationally this festival has been in Ray’s family since its conception, and she intends to carry that torch with the same pride and love her ancestors created it with. “I want my impact on the film festival to include creating a safe space for Black Creatives and, for that matter, giving the majority of opportunities to the POC demographic within San Francisco,’ says Ray when asked what she wants her legacy to be.
She goes on to say: “San Francisco is so rich in culture, and I hate how sometimes our culture gets drowned out by the ‘fresh world’ and gentrification. I want my impact to be simply, THIS IS US, AND WE AIN’T GOING NOWHERE.” Her resilience and passion to ensure Black culture is not just seen but celebrated is as inspirational as it is necessary. According to the 2020 Census, Black Americans comprise 5.7 percent of San Francisco’s population, which has dropped more than 50 percent from what it was in 1980.
When asked about her lineage and connection to the festival, this strong willed Black woman doesn’t hesitate to start with the strong willed Black woman who started it all. “My Grandmother. Ave Montague (1945-2009), arts impresario, fashion industry executive and publicist, founded the San Francisco Black Film Festival in 1998. Montague created the San Francisco Black Film Festival, a nonprofit, with the artistic vision to provide a platform for Black filmmakers, screenwriters and actors to present their art.”
In 2009, Montague’s son, Kali O’Ray, took over as executive director until O’Ray’s untimely death Aug. 7, 2020. Following his death at the age of 30, Cree Ray alongside her brother Kali Ray, Jairri Earring and Ahmad Clayton then took over. She would later unfortunately also lose her brother Kali Ray in 2023, but that didn’t stop Ray from continuing to provide the community with something needed now more than ever … togetherness.
“Amid societal stressors causing out-migration of Blacks from San Francisco leaving a population of less than 5 percent, the rare Black family generational tradition of light bearers continues as I (Cree Ray), daughter of O’Ray and granddaughter of Montague, carries the family torch for the third generation. I hope one day to have my children carry on the legacy when that time comes, until then … y’all are stuck with me!”
This year you can expect some heavy hitters including Bay Area legend D’wayne Wiggins on opening night with Edward La Borde screening their film “Timeless: A Virgin Island Love Story.” The well accomplished Mario Van Peebles will be featured on Saturday, screening two of his films with a live Q&A and a special meet and greet following in the evening!
You can even expect a good laugh at the second annual Comedy Night, where they will have the Bay Area native Jay Rich performing along with some amazing comedic films! The festival will be held on June 13 through 16. All information from the film lineup to the action packed events can be found on their website at https://www.sfbff.org/. See you there!
Robbie Jackson is a senior journalist with a focus on Black lives, Black love and Black joy and a graduate of the San Francisco Bay View’s Community Journalism Class. Contact: robbie@sfbayview.com.
