Oakland Film Society
2123 East 30th Street
Oakland, CA 94606
info@oiff.org
510-776-4178
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
August 29, 2025
Contact: Jackie Wright, Wright Enterprises
(415) 525-0410 | wrightnow.biz@gmail.com
Oakland, CA – The Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF) celebrates its 23rd edition September 10–20, 2025, uniting filmmakers, artists, and audiences for eleven days of premieres, documentaries, shorts, panels, and red-carpet events. With the theme “Promoting the Planet Through Film,” OIFF continues its legacy as a platform for truth-telling, cultural exchange, and community empowerment.
"Congratulations to David Roach for his excellent work uplifting Oakland with the stories of people and filmmakers from around the world," said Barbara Lee, Mayor, City of Oakland. "For twenty-three years, the Oakland International Film Festival has made Oakland proud and given people globally to see the richness of Oakland and its positive achievements."
Kicking off at the historic Grand Lake Theater and continuing at Northeastern University (formerly Mills College) and Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, the festival embodies the vibrancy of Oakland—its food, music, art, and cultural richness—what organizers call “The Oakperience.” More than just a film festival, OIFF showcases how cinema can build bridges across communities and cultures.
Opening Films That Inspire Change
- From Here/From There (De Aquí/De Allá) – The powerful documentary following attorney Luis Cortes Romero, a DACA recipient, as he becomes the first undocumented immigrant to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court. (https://youtu.be/ZhZ-VGwoJfs?si=TFflhpuCpEPwWaV3)
- Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey – Directed by James Franklin Blue III, chronicling 50 years of the National Association of Black Journalists and its fight for representation and truth in media. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysGpKXvGX4k)
More Than Film: The Oakperience
OIFF is more than screenings—it is a cultural movement. Attendees will enjoy:
- Panels & Workshops with journalists, filmmakers, and cultural leaders. A panel following NABJ’s “Beyond the Headlines” documentary will include members of the National Association of Black Journalists, Filmmaker, Franklin Blue III; NABJ Founder, Allison Davis; USA Today National Correspondent Terry Collins; Former KRON 4 Anchor, Pam Moore ( inducted into the NABJ’s Hall of Fame earlier this month); and KCBS Radio Former Anchor and Past President of NABJ, Bob Butler.
- Mentorship & Networking connecting rising filmmakers with film industry veterans is an annual element of the festival and have included stars such as Mario Van Peebles, Terri J. Vaughn; Shabaka Henley; Roger Guenveur Smith; Cecil Brown , the late D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony! Toni! Toné!; the late Sam Greenlee; and other local and international celebrities.
- Community Engagement year-round, reinforcing Oakland as a hub of creativity and resilience. With a mission of utilizing film as a tool to improve the Oakland community and beyond, The 23rd Oakland International Film Festival in collaboration with Alameda County Public Health and A Safe Place, will host a FREE film screening of the documentary film: “Crime After Crime” directed by Yoav Potash and the short film; “Grieving Brothers” by JereMiah McGhee. The screening & Panel discussion will be at the Jeannik Méquet Littlefield Concert Hall of Northeastern University (Formerly Mills College) will be on Saturday, September 13th at 2:30 p.m.
“Each year, the Oakland International Film Festival reflects the heartbeat of Oakland and the global community,” said David Roach, Co-Founder & Executive Director of OIFF. “This year’s theme, Promoting the Planet Through Film, challenges us to see stories not just as entertainment, but as catalysts for justice, healing, and unity. The “Oakperience” goes beyond filmmaking in Oakland. It’s about Oakland’s soul and life through the arts and the everyday pursuit of joy as we work, play and learn. And we’re proud to share the “Oakperience” with the world.”
By celebrating independent and underrepresented filmmakers worldwide, OIFF not only uplifts diverse voices but also strengthens Oakland’s reputation as a destination for the arts, tourism, and innovation. For 23 years, the festival has reframed Oakland’s story as one of creativity, truth-telling, and resilience—an enduring showcase of what it means to be Made in Oakland.
Festival Dates: September 10–20, 2025
Venues: Grand Lake Theater, Northeastern University (formerly Mills College), Geoffrey’s Inner Circle and other local businesses.
Schedule & Tickets: www.oiff.org. Follow the festival on Instagram @Oiff and on Facebook Oakland International Film Festival. #OIFF2025