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.
Together We Make Stories Come Alive!
Join us for a celebration of powerful storytelling, inspiring conversations, filmmaker workshops and panels, and unforgettable experiences in music, comedy, spoken word, art, and more.
Together, we create more than a festival — we make memories that last, build community, and forge connections that carry well beyond the celebration.
Pass options available soon
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Film Only Pass
Virtual Only Pass
5 Block Experience Pass
Experience Culture at DBFF—where film, art, and storytelling shine together!
Filmmakers and creatives from around the world share work that reflects the richness, complexity, and diversity of the Black experience. With films spanning all genres and entertainment for every taste, DBFF delivers an action-packed festival experience you won’t want to miss.
Enhance your journey by pairing film screenings with our signature Experiences in music, comedy, spoken word, art, dance, and more. We also spotlight social justice issues through powerful films and thought-provoking conversations, giving you the chance to see, hear, and engage with stories that matter.
HOW TO FEST
IT'S HOW YOU MAKE IT
At DBFF, there’s no wrong way to do it. Together we make the festival, and you decide what yours looks like.
Here for the films?
Catch premiere screenings, stay for the Q&As, and meet the filmmakers behind the stories at workshops and panels. Come for the movies, leave with new favorites and new connections.
Here for the party?
Soundtrack Day Party and late nights with comedy, spoken word, and art, keep the energy going long after the credits roll. Bring your crew and make some memories.
Here for the music?
Watch a matinee screening then settle in for lively jazz evenings or return for our feature music concert.
Or do it all. Filmmakers and creatives from around the world share bold stories that celebrate the richness and diversity of the Black experience, with something for every taste and conversations on the issues that matter.
FESTIVAL VENUES
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
Everyone is welcome at the Denton Black Film Festival! Our audience is beautifully diverse—people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life come together to celebrate. We embrace diversity and invite you to experience the joy of learning from and honoring Black culture through film, music, art, and storytelling. There’s truly something for everyone.
At DBFF, the magic starts in local theaters with film screenings and live ‘Experiences’ you won’t want to miss! But the fun doesn’t stop there—after the in-person events wrap, the festival keeps going online, giving you the chance to explore our wide collection of films right from the comfort of home. With a VIP All Access Pass, you have the ticket to have fun all week and catch up worry free online. Virtual Only Passes are available as well if you can’t make it in person.
The Denton Black Film Festival takes place at multiple venues in and around Denton, Texas — part of the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex. Many venues are located near the historic Downtown Square and within walking distance, including the Campus Theatre, NCTC, PAAC, Steve’s Wine Bar, UNT CoLab, and more.
The majority of film screenings are held at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema – Denton, with additional events hosted at Embassy Suites – Denton, TWU’s East and West Art Galleries, and the Margo Jones Performance Hall at TWU. The festival also occasionally presents special screenings in Dallas.
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 once announced.
Denton, Texas is located approx. 40 mins from both Dallas and Fort Worth. DFW airport and Dallas Love Field are each preferred airports when traveling to the Denton Black Film Festival.
The best way to save is to buy early. DBFF offers Early Bird and Pre-Sale pricing online before the festival begins — the lowest prices of the season. Festival passes give you access to multiple events for less than purchasing individual tickets.
During the festival, only box office pricing applies.
However, you can Sign up to our newsletter for notifications of sales.
Click here to get answers to virtual FAQs and access to live support.