Two-Time Oscar Winners, Emmy Award–Winning Editors, Award-Winning Documentary Filmmaker, Pioneering Media Entrepreneur & Festival Podcast-in-Residence Announced

(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, DC — The LightReel Film Festival, Washington, DC's premier multicultural film festival, today announces the complete lineup for its signature IndustryInsights program — a curated series of panels, one-on-one conversations, and craft sessions that bring together some of the most distinguished, award-winning voices in film and media. The festival returns for its 7th annual edition June 3–6, 2026, at the Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market, 550 Penn Street, NE, Washington, DC, under this year's theme: From the District to the Diaspora. 

“The LightReel ‘Talk Series’ is the soul of our festival — it’s where movies turn into real conversations,” says Tim Gordon, Executive Director of LightReel and Founder of the Black Reel Awards. “This year’s lineup is something special. These artisans haven’t just contributed to cinema; they’ve completely changed how it looks, sounds, and moves us. I can’t wait to see them connect with our audience. My dream for LightReel has always been to make the festival an unforgettable experience for filmmakers — a place that celebrates their craft and lets them pull back the curtain on their creative process. That’s exactly why we started IndustryInsights.”

The ‘Talk Series’ launches Friday, June 5, with “Editing Action!” — a dynamic clips & conversation event featuring Emmy-winner Stephanie Filo (Daredevil: Born Again). The excitement continues with panels exploring this year’s theme - connecting the District to the Diaspora,  including the MahoganyBooks co-presented discussion, “Adapting Romance,” with Emmy-nominated editor Terilyn A. Shropshire (Children of Bone and Blood), hosted by Talia Cadet. LightReel also welcomes Edible DC’s debut “Food on Film” series and an interactive One Piece live-action screening and cosplay event co-presented by Fantom Comics. Hosted primarily at Songbyrd Union Market, this year’s lineup blends industry expertise, cultural conversation, and fan energy, creating a unique bridge between filmmakers and the community.

The Catalyst @ The Balcón

The Catalyst is LightReel's signature conversation series — pairing two artists whose experiences, perspectives, and craft collide. Both sessions are co-presented by the Black Reel Awards and take place on Saturday, June 6, at The Balcón.

In Conversation — One-on-One Discussions

The In Conversation series features intimate one-on-one discussions with artists shaping film, media, and culture. Sessions are co-presented by the Black Reel Awards and the ALIVE Podcast Network.

Podcast-in-Residence: The Culture Garden

LightReel is also proud to welcome The Culture Garden as the festival's official Podcast-in-Residence. Featuring Kieron Richardson, Rachel Proctor, and Isaiah Jackson across all four days of LightReel 2026.

About LightReel Film Festival

Now in its 7th year, the LightReel Film Festival is Washington, DC's largest multicultural film festival and a cornerstone platform for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) storytelling. Presented by the Foundation for the Augmentation of African-Americans in Film (FAAAF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, LightReel showcases films from across the global diaspora alongside industry panels, special screenings, and community events. This year's theme, From the District to the Diaspora, celebrates the richness and global reach of multicultural storytelling. Support for LightReel is provided in part by EDENS-DC, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, and the DC Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment.