When Alex Chew and Ryan Darbonne started BAFF in 2024, their intention was to make sure Black filmmakers weren’t left out of the “Austin is a film city” conversation. This year’s lineup of Black-made short films keeps that convo loud and active, from the fantastically queer “Mother of the Closet” to HIV & aging doc “And We Rest on Giants,” plus many others – all competing for the Best of the Fest prize. Make sure to stick around after the post-showcase Q&A for a networking mixer in the AFS lobby, which TBH is how I’m going to refer to all after-movie conversations I have at this North Austin cinema. Truly pumped by the short screenings you’ve witnessed? Snag tix to their afterparty on Sunday, which is also the Auntie’s House Juneteenth Kickback over at the Pershing. – James Scott
