ImageNation Film Festival’s 20th Annual ImageNation Outdoors Festival kicks off Saturday July 9th thru September 10, 2022. The summer-long program offers free film screenings and music in outdoor venues including a new series held in partnership with the Frederick Douglass Blvd Alliance (FDBA) themed “The Soul of Harlem” primarily featuring films about Harlem or by local directors such as the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect directed by Harlem-resident Tommy Leisl (July 9); Forty Year-Old Version by Harlem’s own Radha Blank (August 27); a talkback and special advance screening of Stanley Nelson’s Becoming Frederick Douglass (September 10).

This 20th anniversary celebration features several special events at other locations:

-ImageNation’s Annual Soul Train tribute at will feature Shaka King’s Academy-Award winner Judas and the Black Messiah (August 11th, Marcus Garvey Park) - Live music, DJ, Soul Train Line;

-New film, African Redemption: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Garvey on Garvey’s birthday in collaboration with Jazz Mobile (August 17, Marcus Garvey Park);

-West Side Story (July 10) and Encanto (August 7), drive-in and open seating at East River Plaza Mall, w/ giveaways!;

-Kids Night Out screening of Encanto ay Bronx Terminal Market on July 22! With games and giveaways!

-20th Anniversary Throwback Thursday screenings of Brown Sugar and Drumline at Von King Park in Brooklyn; and

-Black Anime Con (August 28), including: CosPlay, an Anime Market, fusion food, and more at Von King Park!

Launched in 2002 with a single screening for 300 people, ImageNation Outdoors has grown to draw nearly 10,000 attendees each summer. ImageNation Outdoors is the only summer-long festival dedicated to films and music about the global Black experience. New initiatives include an NFT art sidebar and Black Anime Con.

“This is our 20th annual ImageNation Outdoors Festival, we couldn't be happier about launching our FDBA partnership with “Soul of Harlem” a focus on Harlem artists and experiences,” said Moikgantsi Kgama, Executive Director of ImageNation. “Locating on Frederick Douglass Boulevard allows us even more direct contact with our audience.”

“And, after 20 years of programs, we are also focused on cultivating opportunities for the Black community through exposure to emerging and popular media,” said Gregory Gates, Executive Producer of ImageNation. “Our new Black Anime Con was created to encourage youth African of descent to explore opportunities for themselves within this extremely popular Japanese genre. Our NFT sidebar is designed to expose new audiences for this new block-chain-based artform.”

Highlights over the years have included drive-in movies during COVID-19, the world’s longest Soul Train line, the 100th Anniversary of South Africa’s African National Congress in Central Park, talk backs with heralded talent such as Jesse Williams, ASAP Ferg and live performances by Talib Kweli, Goapele, Les Nubians, and more.

Masks are recommended for all participants. Social distancing is required. This policy may change as stipulated by the government. All events are free and open to the public. Please note this schedule is subject to change.