GAL APPROVED! MVAAFF 2025 Must-See People and Events
By The DivaGals | August 1, 2025 | Diva Approved
Here’s the tea on the hottest ticket of the summer: the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, where Black excellence is serving up a feast for the senses with a lineup that’s got us screening (get it!) with joy! Launching today, August 1, in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts, here are the MVAAFF 2025 events we can’t wait to see!
First Lady forever Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson are going to be live on stage for a taping of their podcast, IMO, on August 9. And as if that’s not fabulous enough, their special guest is the one and only Teyana Taylor. It’s an afternoon of unfiltered opinions and powerful storytelling, the perfect way to wrap up the festival’s theme of joy.
The always amazing Issa Rae is giving a sneak peek at Part 2 of her docuseries Seen & Heard, which is all about Black creatives getting their shine on. The iconic Spike Lee will be in the house, dropping some exclusive clips from his new film Highest 2 Lowest, starring none other than Denzel Washington. You know that’s going to be a cinematic masterpiece!
The hilarious and brilliant Dave Chappelle documentary, Dave Chappelle Live in Real Life, will premiere on August 8 to raise money for his alma mater, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Giving back and making us laugh? We stan this king!
Beyond the big names, the festival is packed with a dazzling array of films, from features to docs and shorts, all celebrating the magic and artistry of Black storytellers. The vibe is definitely a mix of red-carpet glamour and family reunion in a place that cradles Black cultural heritage. So grab your girls, get your passes, and get ready to soak up all the joy and fierce talent at the MVAAFF. This is one party you do not want to miss!
photo credit: Higher Ground Productions
