The Ottawa Black Film Festival Returns March 20–24, 2026

The Ottawa Black Film Festival Returns March 20–24, 2026

The Ottawa Black Film Festival (#OBFF26) returns for its sixth edition, both in person and online, featuring 40 films from around the world. Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the festival celebrates Black creativity and provides a platform for both emerging and established voices.

The opening night, Friday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m., will feature L’été de Jahia by Olivier Meys, a moving drama about friendship and resilience set in a Belgian asylum center. Among the highlighted films are The Fisherman from Ghana, a magical comedy that won an award at the Venice Film Festival, and the documentary Of Mud and Blood, which follows the lives of coltan miners in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The festival also includes the online program Spotlight on Canadian Cinema, showcasing eight feature films exploring Black experiences in Canada, as well as the Being Black in Canada program, which supports young Black filmmakers in the creation of documentary short films.

Panels, workshops and the OBFF Black Market will also allow creators to share their knowledge and discuss the social and cultural issues affecting the Black community.

Tickets and festival passes are now available at OttawaBlackFilm.com.