United We Heal Film Festival Returns for Its Fifth Year of Black Storytelling, Live Music, and Dialogue
United We Heal Film Festival Returns for Its Fifth Year of Black Storytelling, Live Music, and Dialogue
The United We Heal Film Festival returns for its fifth year this Juneteenth weekend, bringing together filmmakers, musicians, artists, and community members for a powerful celebration of Black storytelling, social justice, and cultural expression.
Taking place June 18-19 at Underground Arts, the two-day event will transform the venue into a dynamic space for film screenings, live performances, meaningful conversations, and community engagement centered on amplifying Black and Brown voices. Tickets are available at blacksoulsummer.com/events/unitedwehealfilmfestival-june19/
“United We Heal has always been about creating space for truth, healing and transformation through storytelling,” said Ebony Roberts, Executive Director and Board Chair of United We Heal. “Five years later, that mission feels more urgent than ever. As we approach America 250, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to ensure Black and Brown voices are not just included in the American narrative but centered within it.”
The festivities begin on Thursday, June 18, with “The Pre-Game,” a live concert experience hosted by Kobi Kobe. The evening will feature performances by acclaimed artists Junglepussy and KOTA the Friend, setting the tone for a weekend focused on creativity, empowerment, and cultural connection.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. and serves as an energetic opening celebration ahead of the film festival’s main programming.
The festival continues on Friday, June 19, beginning at 5 p.m. with a curated showcase of short films from emerging and established filmmakers of color. This year’s selections explore themes of identity, family, healing, resilience, justice, and community through a diverse range of storytelling styles and perspectives.
Featured filmmakers and films include:
- Lanaa Dantzler – At The End Of The World
- Julia Mallory – Grief Cosmologies: A Vibrational Field of Love
- Diop Russell – To Move in My Mother’s Prayers
- Victoria Wilcox – The Brothers Who Broke Bread
- Tony Suarez – Edifice
- David Dylan Thomas – White Meat: Appetizer
- Kamryn Bonds – Baby Steps
- Simone Holland – Glass Bricks
- Shuja Moore – Changing Course
- Joseline Hardirck – Love + Law = Legacy
- Xenia Matthews – OURIKA
Following the screenings, audiences will have the opportunity to hear directly from participating filmmakers during a live discussion and Q&A session focused on the stories, themes, and experiences behind the work.
Films will be evaluated by a distinguished panel of jurors, including Sean Charles of AMC’s ALLBLK Network and Vanessa Chandler of Creative Philadelphia, with additional jurors to be announced.
Awards will be presented to standout films, including both jury-selected honors and audience choice awards, giving attendees a chance to help recognize the filmmakers whose stories resonate most deeply.
The festival experience extends beyond film, incorporating live music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Joining the lineup on June 19 will be Philadelphia favorites DJ Diamond Kuts, WoahNelliee, and Queen Yaszy B, who will help close out the evening with a community celebration and after-party.
Since its inception, United We Heal has become more than just a film festival. It has evolved into a platform for dialogue, representation, and cultural healing, using the power of storytelling to spotlight voices and experiences often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
As the festival celebrates its fifth anniversary, organizers hope to continue building community while inspiring audiences to reflect, engage, and imagine a more inclusive future.
By combining film, music, social justice, and cultural celebration during Juneteenth weekend, United We Heal offers a meaningful opportunity to honor the past, engage with the present, and uplift the next generation of storytellers shaping the future.
