NC Black Film Festival returns to Wilmington with local filmmaker debut
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A film festival highlighting Black storytelling and creative voices is returning to Wilmington, bringing filmmakers from across the country together for a weekend of screenings and events.
The North Carolina Black Film Festival features a range of short films, documentaries and feature-length projects that explore the diversity of the Black experience. Among the films making its festival debut this year is “Anxiety and Me,” a short film by filmmaker Tatyana Marie.
Marie, a University of North Carolina Wilmington alumna, said the project holds special meaning as it premieres in the city where it was written.
“It feels great,” she said. “It feels like this was the place that it was supposed to premiere in front of audiences.”
The film follows a young college student whose anxiety is personified, creating both comedic and emotional challenges as she navigates relationships and self-expression. Marie describes it as a “fun little quirky” short that also aims to highlight mental health, particularly among young Black women.
Marie said her own experiences with anxiety helped shape the story, which began as a senior thesis project before evolving into an independent film.
“I personally have had my own anxiety struggles for years, so being able to kind of manifest and put that all into a script and then into filmmaking and art, that’s what really inspired me,” she said.
Festival organizers say the event includes screenings, workshops and networking opportunities for filmmakers and audiences alike. Most events are scheduled at Jengo’s Playhouse, with ticket options ranging from individual screenings to full festival passes.
“Anxiety and Me” will be shown as part of a family-friendly block scheduled for Saturday morning. Marie said she hopes the film resonates with viewers and encourages others to pursue creative work.
“I’m so excited for people to go see it and to hopefully inspire the next up-and-coming filmmaker,” she said.
You can find festival and ticket information here.
