PAFF Announces Expansion into Culver City for 2025
As Black History Month approaches, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in 2025. For its 33rd annual celebration, PAFF will expand into Culver City while continuing its long-standing tradition at the Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw. This expansion reflects the festival’s incredible growth, increasing popularity, and unwavering community support. Mark your calendars—PAFF 2025 will take place February 4–17.
Under the inspiring theme “Dream Beyond,” PAFF continues to amplify the vibrant stories of the Black diaspora through film, art, and cultural expression. This year’s expansion into Culver City marks a significant milestone, signaling the festival’s commitment to reaching new audiences, fostering cultural exchange, and creating more opportunities for artists and filmmakers to shine.
A Festival Rooted in Growth and Community
For over three decades, PAFF has been a cornerstone for celebrating Black excellence in film, visual art, and storytelling. The 2025 expansion allows the festival to further its mission while staying true to its roots.
“We are beyond excited to expand PAFF to Culver City while continuing our cherished tradition at Cinemark Los Angeles,” said Oduduwa Olatunji, Executive Director of PAFF. “Our theme, ‘Dream Beyond,’ perfectly aligns with this growth as we aim to reach new heights, inspire creativity, and bring even more voices to the forefront.”
This year’s expansion means an even bigger festival footprint, with multiple new venues in Culver City—including the Westfield Culver City Shopping Center and The Culver Theater—while PAFF’s beloved ArtFEST will move to Westfield Culver City.
At the same time, PAFF will maintain its presence at Cinemark Baldwin Hills Crenshaw, a venue that has become synonymous with the festival over the years. By balancing tradition with growth, PAFF ensures its loyal audiences have access to the experiences they love while welcoming new communities into the fold.
Leaders Celebrate PAFF’s Impact
The announcement has been met with excitement from civic leaders and community advocates across Los Angeles and Culver City.
Culver City Councilmember and former mayor Yasmine-Imani McMorrin shared her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to welcome the Pan African Film & Arts Festival to Culver City. This expansion celebrates the storytelling traditions of the African diaspora and aligns perfectly with our city’s values of diversity, arts, and culture.”
Los Angeles Councilmember Heather Hutt emphasized the importance of PAFF’s roots: “I’m especially excited that PAFF is staying rooted in the City of Los Angeles, where it has been a cornerstone of our cultural landscape for decades. Congratulations on this incredible growth—here’s to many more years of inspiring, educating, and uplifting our communities!”
Los Angeles Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson added: “The 2025 Pan African Film & Arts Festival is not just a celebration of creativity—it’s a reaffirmation of our collective commitment to uplifting Black voices and fostering cultural pride.”
Why “Dream Beyond” Matters
The theme “Dream Beyond” is more than a tagline—it’s a call to action. PAFF has always championed the dreams of filmmakers, artists, and storytellers from across the African diaspora, creating a platform where Black creativity can flourish without limits. With the expansion into Culver City, the festival will offer:
• More Screenings and Events: An expanded lineup of films, panels, and networking opportunities.
• Enhanced Accessibility: Venues in Culver City make it easier for new audiences to join the celebration.
• Iconic ArtFEST: A new home at Westfield Culver City, showcasing exceptional works from artists around the globe.
By growing its footprint, PAFF is sending a clear message: Black stories matter, Black art matters, and the creative excellence of the diaspora deserves to be celebrated on the largest stages.
Looking Ahead
As the nation’s largest event for Black History Month, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival continues to honor the past while shaping the future. With its expansion into Culver City and a renewed commitment to uplifting Black voices, PAFF 2025 promises to be its most dynamic and inclusive year yet.
Whether you’re a loyal attendee or new to the festival, PAFF invites you to Dream Beyond and experience the richness of Black creativity and culture this coming February.
Follow PAFF on social media for updates, announcements, and ways to get involved.
