BlackStar Projects Inaugurates NeueHouse’s New York Cinema

On July 11, the arts nonprofit, which amplifies the work of Black, brown, and indigenous filmmakers, toasted its upcoming film festival with a night at NeueHouse’s new David Rockwell–designed cinema. Although the festival will take place in the organization’s hometown of Philadelphia from August 1-4, BlackStar founder Maori Karmael Holmes offered New York-based filmmakers and enthusiasts a first look at two highly anticipated feature films from directors Shatara Michelle Ford and Madeleine Hunt-Ehrlich. Following a panel discussion with the directors, actor Denée Benton, curator Ashley James, critic Zeba Blay, and festival director Nehad Khader, attendees mingled over Ten to One Rum cocktails. Notables in attendance included Aisha Porter-Christie, Allison Glenn, Alteronce Gumby, Ashley Cimone Leslie, Latham Thomas, Rayna Holmes, and Suneil Sanzgiri. Photo credit: Benicia King/BFA.