Name: Black Joy Film Fest: Queen of Katwe
Start: 2026-07-30T18:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-07-30T20:30:00-04:00
Location: Restoration West Plaza

Black Joy Film Fest: Queen of Katwe

The AUDELCO and Obie Award-winning Billie Holiday Theatre is artistic anchor to the largest African American community in the nation: Central Brooklyn and one of the last remaining theaters forged in the aesthetic and sociocultural kiln of America’s Civil Rights/Black Arts Movements. Founded in May 1972, The Billie Holiday Theatre is a beacon for world class art rooted in racial justice in the heart of Bed-Stuy: producing, presenting, and commissioning new and classic works and festivals in theater, dance, music, visual arts, and film; providing artistic and institutional residencies; and serving ages 3 to 103 with educational programming. For bold and daring artists and audiences from around the corner and around the world who look to The Billie as a rigorous artistic space that tackles racial injustices, presents new and unapologetic voices, and imagines a world where all people can flourish...welcome home.

The Billie Holiday Theatre

Come join us at the Black Joy Film Fest, for a celebration of Black excellence and uplifting stories on the big screen!

Restoration West Plaza

SummerFest 2026

The celebrated community-building activity offers a wide range of performances including music concerts, dance, film screenings, spoken word, and other cultural activities. Produced and curated by Hollis King.

Tonight's forecast has other plans for the plaza — so we're bringing the film indoors to The Billie Holiday Theatre. Same night, same start time, same film. Just a dry room and better sound.The address on your ticket doesn't change — 1368 Fulton Street. Same block, same doors. Instead of heading out to the West Plaza, just come inside to the theatre.Your ticket carries over exactly as is. Nothing to re-book, nothing to print.SYNOPSISLiving in the slum of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, is a constant struggle for 10-year-old Phiona (Madina Nalwanga) and her mother (Lupita Nyong’o) and siblings. Her world changes one day when she meets Robert Katende (David Oyelowo), a missionary who teaches children how to play chess. Phiona becomes fascinated with the game and soon becomes a top player under Katende's guidance. Her success in local competitions and tournaments opens the door to a bright future and a golden chance to escape from a life of poverty.Also features a soundtrack contribution (and on-screen cameo) by New York City Mayor, Zohran Mamdani.124mins | Directed by Mira Nair | 2016

Black Joy Film Fest: Queen of Katwe

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Black Joy Film Fest: Queen of Katwe

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