Free three-day festival brings independent films, industry discussions, and career-building opportunities to Historic Overtown and Downtown Miami.
The Urban Film Festival (UFF) returns September 4–6, 2026, to celebrate its 11th year, featuring nearly 200 independent films, industry conversations, filmmaker Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities across Historic Overtown and Downtown Miami.
Presented by Florida Film House International, the three-day festival is free and open to the public, drawing together emerging and established filmmakers, entertainment industry professionals, and audiences.
The festival opens Friday, September 4, at the Overtown Performing Arts Center (OPAC) with films by students in Florida Film House International’s 1st Take Youth Film Program, followed by the Welcome to Miami Party at Red Rooster Overtown.
On Saturday and Sunday, UFF moves to Silverspot Cinema in Downtown Miami for film screenings and Master Discussions on writing, acting, directing, producing, cinematography, distribution, women in film, emerging storytelling formats, and the business of filmmaking.
This year, UFF is placing greater emphasis on helping filmmakers move their projects beyond the screening. A new collaboration with VURT will offer selected filmmakers the opportunity to have their projects reviewed for potential distribution and monetization across formats ranging from feature films and documentaries to vertical series, podcasts, and original programming.
“For 11 years, we’ve worked to ensure that filmmakers don’t just get a screen; they get access,” said Marco “Mall” Molinet, founder of Florida Film House International and the Urban Film Festival. “We want UFF to be a place where a screening can lead to what comes next.”
VURT executives will also participate in discussions on distribution, monetization and the future of storytelling.
Featured speakers throughout the weekend include Shaun Mathis, Ulysses Terrero, Dennis L.A. White, Philly Fly Boy, Angel Barroeta, Yonel Aris, Julian Boothe, Peter Ebanks, Rich Blakk, Mari Carmen Lopez, Miasha Coleman, Dr. Regina Okirike, Alexis Garcia, Marco “Mall” Molinet, and Luc Stephen, along with executives from VURT and MegaMind Media and other industry guests.
Beyond film, UFF continues to spotlight Historic Overtown’s cultural legacy and its role in Miami’s creative community.
“The Urban Film Festival celebrates film, but it also celebrates the community that has been part of its story since the beginning,” said Bla G., cofounder of Florida Film House International and the Urban Film Festival.
Urban Film Festival screenings, Master Discussions, and educational programming are free and open to the public. Advance registration is encouraged because seating for select programs is limited.
When: September 4–6, 2026
Where: Historic Overtown and Downtown Miami
Cost: Free
For more information and Registration:urbanfilmfestivals.com