Denton Civic Center
Historic Denton Civic Center centrally located near downtown Denton in beautiful Quakertown Park.
Curated EXPERIENCES Showcasing
The STORIES & Creativity
of BLACK People
WHAT TO EXPECT
EXPERIENCE CULTURE
The 2025 festival theme was Resilience. Filmmakers, film industry leaders, emerging artists, movie goers, and entertainment seekers alike all gather at the annual festival. Premiere screenings, filmmaker workshops, panel discussions, PLUS! Get the most out of your festival experience by pairing film screenings with DBFF’s signature experiences in music, comedy, spoken word, art, and more.
There’s entertainment for the whole family and a films of all genres showcased. Expect a entertainment filled schedule that will make you not want to leave! We are an INCLUSIVE festival- We celebrate with everyone as we showcase Black Culture.
Invite a friend to Experience Culture at DBFF in 2026.
FESTIVAL VENUES
Steve’s Wine Bar
DBFF partnered location for late night live music! Steve's is a fun and relaxing wine bar (and beer) located in Downtown Denton.
Campus Theater
The Campus Theatre, originally an Interstate Movie Theatre, was built in 1949. It's DBFF marquee designated the go-to photo spot by festival goers, the Campus Theatre was purchased by the Arts Council and re-opened as a central location for the performing arts groups in Denton in 1990. Today the Campus Theatre is recognized as a Texas historical landmark.
PATTERSON-APPLETON ARTS CENTER (GDAC)
The Patterson-Appleton Arts Center is truly the arts engine of Denton. Built in 1929 and located between Denton’s Downtown Square and emerging innovation district, this historic building was originally the city’s steam power plant. Renovated in the 1980s, the centerpiece of the venue is Festival Hall, a 5000 square foot event and exhibition space with soaring ceilings and original industrial hardware.
Vinyl Lounge
DBFF partnered location for late night drinks, music, and dancing! 2,700-square-foot record-themed bar lounge located in downtown Denton.
Alamo Drafthouse Denton
Built in 2018, Alamo serves as a main check point for DBFF. Enjoy a comfortable moving going experience with 8 auditoriums featuring 4k screenings with 3D capabilities, luxury recliner chairs, and food and drink delivered directly to your seat. Connect & socialize between screenings at the Vetted Well attached beer/cocktail lounge.
A good half of the art of living is resilience
About dbff
At the Denton Black Film Festival (DBFF) , we share stories of the Black community – it’s traditions, ideas and experiences – in a multitude of ways. Our mission is to Educate, Entertain, and Inspire. Each festival, held annually in January, features Black cinema, music, art, spoken word, comedy, food and fashion. We invite everyone to Experience Culture at DBFF.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Denton Black Film Festival has been active for over 10 years! Each year growing larger. The visiting audience is diverse and welcome to all regardless of age, race, gender, or creed. There’s something for everyone as we showcase Black culture.
DBFF hosts the film screenings in local theaters and our ‘Experiences’ in person. After the in person schedule of events, the festival is extended virtually to increase comfort of viewing the vast directory of films from the comfort of your home. Virtual only passes are available while VIP passes include all festival offerings.
The Denton Black Film Festival is located at various venues in downtown Denton, Texas. Most venues are within walking distance. Locations include: NCTC, Margo Jones Performance Hall at TWU, UNT on the square, Campus Theater, Denton Civic Center and more.
We have a list of local hotels of various rates in order to make your DBFF planning visit experience a lot easier. Compare rates and pay attention to cutoff dates to discount rates for reservations here.
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Click here to get answers to virtual FAQs and access to live support.
