*Quad Cities, IA/IL — The Pulling Focus African American Film Festival returns for its second season June 5–8, 2025, bringing powerful cinematic storytelling, artistic dialogue, and cultural celebration to venues across the Quad Cities.
Presented by the Azubuike African American Council for the Arts, this four-day festival centers the voices of Black filmmakers and commemorates Juneteenth with screenings, workshops, and community engagement opportunities. All are free and open to the public.
This year’s Pulling Focus festival is made possible with generous support from the Hubble Waterman Foundation, Quad City Arts, The Doris & Victor Day Foundation, Iowa Economic Development Authority, and Azubuike Arts.
Festival Venues Include: The Last Picture House, Downtown Davenport, Figge Art Museum, Davenport, Putnam Museum, Davenport, TMBC Lincoln Center, Davenport and Steam on Wheels Rock Island.
Highlights of the 2025 Festival Include: Aurbry Barnes on Thursday, June 5 from 1:00–3:00 pm at Lincoln Community Center. Poet and educator Aurbry Barnes will lead a special guided discussion following a curated block of poetic short films. This powerful session invites reflection on storytelling as a tool for healing, protest, and connection.
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Opening Night is Thursday, June 5th at The Last Picture House. A VIP reception opens the evening at 5:00 pm, followed by Block 2: a screening of short films created by Black filmmakers worldwide (6:15 pm), and a filmmaker Q&A session (8:30 pm).
Youth Mini Fest at Steam on Wheels is Friday, June 6th 2025 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. The Pulling Focus African American Film Festival will host the Youth Mini Fest at Steam on Wheels in Rock Island. This engaging event is designed for high school and college students, featuring a curated selection of short films that resonate with young audiences. The screenings will be accompanied by guided discussions facilitated by independent filmmakers, providing an interactive platform for aspiring creatives to explore storytelling through cinema. Snacks will be provided to create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees.
Senior Matinee at TMBC Lincoln Center is Friday, June 6th 2025 from 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. This special afternoon screening is tailored for older citizens, offering a selection of films highlighting the richness and diversity of the Black experience. The event will include a guided discussion led by an independent filmmaker, fostering meaningful conversations and reflections. Complimentary coffee and snacks will be available, ensuring a comfortable and engaging environment for all participants.
Timeless at the Putnam is Friday, June 6th. The evening screening of Timeless will feature a unique costume exhibit that is curated by the Putnam Museum, enhancing the film’s historical themes. After the intermission, screenings will continue with Block 7 (5:00 – 7:00 pm) and Block 8 (7:30 – 10:00 pm).
David Fortune and Color Book is Saturday, June 7th at The Last Picture House.
Acclaimed Atlanta-based filmmaker David Fortune is a 2025 NAACP Image Award nominee and recipient of the AT&T Untold Stories Award. He brings his award-winning feature film Color Book to the Quad Cities. The reception is 5:30–6:30 pm. The screening is 6:45–8:15 pm with a Q&A from 8:20-9:00 pm.
David Fortune’s filmmaking is deeply rooted in empathy and authentic representation, especially when it comes to families raising children with Down syndrome. His work on Color Book was born from real conversations with parents who saw their children not as disabled, but simply as their sons and daughters, funny, artistic, bold, and full of life. Rather than centering the diagnosis, David chose to reflect the everyday reality of these families with honesty and respect. “We’re not really going to address Down syndrome,” he says. “We’re just going to live in it.” While in the Quad Cities for the festival, David has expressed a desire to connect with local families in the Down syndrome and broader disability community. For him, this is more than filmmaking—it’s about reflecting lives with dignity, joy, and truth.
Filmmaker Panel with Jonathan Burnett is Saturday, June 7 from 1:00–3:00 pm at Figge Art Museum. Independent filmmaker Jonathan Burnett, founder of the Urban Exposure Film Project, will moderate a panel discussion featuring emerging and established filmmakers discussing Black cinematic innovation and community-based storytelling.
Closing Day and Awards are on Sunday, June 8th at the Figge Art Museum. Final screenings begin at 12:00 pm. A closing reception and the Pulling Focus Awards Ceremony will take place at 2:30 pm, honoring the best in Black storytelling, including the “Reel Impact” Award and the Audience Choice Award.
The Pulling Focus African American Film Festival continues to grow as a premier cultural event in the Midwest, showcasing global Black talent while providing a platform for reflection, dialogue, and community empowerment. From local youth to international artists, the festival brings together diverse perspectives and amplifies underrepresented voices.
For the full schedule and details, visit Pulling Focus on Facebook or contact:
[email protected] | (563) 594-2016
Azubuike African American Council for the Arts is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging racial divides and inspiring at-risk youth through the arts. Pulling Focus is one of its signature programs, committed to cultural equity, education, and Black storytelling.
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