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Festival continues through September 20th!
" 'Freedom of Speech' which is currently under assault is a core value of the Oakland International Film Festival that has uplifted the ignored filmmakers and voiceless communities to provide a platform to be heard for twenty-three years. OIFF is needed now more than ever." Jackie Wright
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Oakland Film Society
2123 East 30th Street
Oakland, CA 94606
info@oiff.org
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Oakland, CA-The 23rd Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF) continues its run with a strong slate of films and events on Day 9, offering audiences a lineup that probes identity, resistance, and community storytelling.
What’s On Today – Day 9 HighlightsSession 1: 4:00 – 6:00 pm at The Grand Lake Theater
• Making Waves — The Rise of Asian America (57:30) — A documentary exploring the origins and evolution of Ethnic Studies, and how Asian American communities have engaged with activism from Berkeley and San Francisco State to today.
• We Can’t Breathe (20:45) — The story of Jorge, whose life is impacted after a major oil refinery disaster in North Richmond. As his mother battles respiratory illness, Jorge must balance school, family responsibilities, and justice efforts.
• If We Don’t Work (20:05) — Focusing on James Richards, a longtime activist in Bayview Hunters Point, the film emphasizes community labor, jobs, and the slogan: “If we don’t work, don’t nobody work.”
Evening Session: 9:30 – 11:30 pm at The Grand Lake Theater
• Reckless Behavior (27 min) — Follows Michaela, her life in flux with success, a new approach to relationships, and potential consequences when boundaries are tested.
• Gem (30:02) — In a small community in Abankese, Ghana, a teenage boy’s vision to improve internet connectivity clashes with personal loss and mystery when he disappears.
• The Athletics — An Ode to Oakland (26:14) — Reflecting on what the departure of the Oakland Athletics meant beyond sports: loss of identity, community memory, and what remains in its place.
• Give My Regards (7:38) — A speculative, off‑beat story in space: when an asteroid of brain‑eating worms hits an old freighter, the captain must keep her musicals‑obsessed uncle calm while trying to save him.
Why These Films MatterThese selections reflect recurring themes across OIFF this year:
• Activism & Community Identity — stories that interrogate how communities define themselves in the face of displacement, injustice, or historical erasure.
• Environmental & Social Justice — examining the intersections of environment, health, and social equity, especially in marginalized neighborhoods.
• Innovation & Hope — even amid challenges, many films focus on young people, dreams, and the push toward connectivity and future possibilities.
Viewing & Access Information• All Day 9 events take place at The Grand Lake Theater in Oakland
• Tickets are available via the OIFF website: https://www.oiff.org/schedule/ or at the Grand Lake Theater for Day 9 films.
• For full schedule, synopses, and future screening times, visit the OIFF website: https://www.oiff.org.
Opening Night Recap:
Opening night, September 10th, set the tone with two timely films that resonate with today’s headlines. From Here/From There (De Aquí/De Allá) follows DACA attorney Luis Cortes Romero, the first undocumented immigrant to argue before the U.S. Supreme Court, spotlighting immigration and justice at a critical moment in national discourse. Filmmaker and producer immigration lawyer Marlene “Mo” Morris was on hand to speak with the audience.
“Beyond the Headlines: The NABJ Journey” chronicles 50 years of the National Association of Black Journalists fighting for representation and truth in media—underscoring the vital role of journalism in democracy. Journalists - Allison Davis, NABJ Founder; Terry Collins, USA Today National Correspondent; Bob Butler, Former KCBS Anchor & Past NABJ President and UC Berkeley Journalism Dean, Michael D. Bolden spoke with panel moderator Andre Senior, Morning Anchor at KTVU, and David Roach, OIFF Executive Director about the importance of “Freedom of the Press” to preserve democracy in the U.S.
The Oakperience: More Than a Festival
OIFF is more than a film festival—it is what organizers call “The Oakperience.” From red carpets at the historic Grand Lake Theater to panels, workshops, and live discussions, OIFF blends cinema, music, food, and Oakland’s cultural richness into a movement that elevates truth, resilience, and creativity.
“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 opening films aligned with today’s most urgent issues—immigration, justice, and media accountability—while Saturday’s free community event brings film into direct dialogue with the people of Oakland for the healing our city.”
Festival Details
Dates: September 10–20, 2025
Venues: Grand Lake Theater, Northeastern University (formerly Mills College), Geoffrey’s Inner Circle, and other Oakland venues
Tickets & Full Schedule: www.oiff.org
Social Media: Instagram @Oiff, Facebook Oakland International Film Festival|
Hashtag: #OIFF2025 #Oakperience
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OIFF EPK Folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vEZmaBt0F0rridy6AztWWkmIbAolC0sf?usp=drive_link