Lights, Camera, Action Underway as The 23rd Oakland International Film Festival Shines Spotlight on Justice, Healing & Community

OAKLAND, Calif. - EntSun -- Posted Courtesy of Wright Enterprises Community Spotlight San Francisco ~ Dallas

September 11, 2025 The 23rd Oakland International Film Festival (OIFF) continues its vibrant run September 10–20, 2025, with a powerful lineup of films and community-centered events under the theme "Promoting the Planet Through Film."

Opening night 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; KTVU Morning Anchor, André Senior; Bob Butler, Former KCBS Anchor & Past NABJ President and UC Berkeley Journalism Dean, Michael D. Bolden spoke with panel moderator David Roach, OIFF Executive Director about the importance of "Freedom of the Press" to preserve democracy in the U.S.

Upcoming Highlight: Special Free Screening & Community Dialogue

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On Saturday, September 13th, In collaboration with A Safe Place and Alameda County Public Health, the Oakland International Film Festival  will present: Crime After Crime (dir. Yoav Potash) — an award-winning documentary exposing systemic injustices in domestic violence and the legal system (https://youtu.be/TYbIzXmEodo?si=iZF_MfIBlBssRzcd). Also,  Grieving Brothers (dir. JereMiah McGhee) — a short film exploring the raw pain and resilience of Black men confronting loss (https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFdulQ9TpgF/).



The timely free screening will be followed by a panel discussion on the theme "Preventing Violence… Healing Our City." Panelists include:

• Kimi Wartkins-Tartt – Alameda County Public Health
• Michelle LaPlace-Watts – A Safe Place
• Holly Joshi – City of Oakland Domestic Violence Prevention
• L.D. Louis – Assistant District Attorney
• Moderated by Carolyn Russell (A Safe Place) and David Roach (OIFF Co-Founder & Executive Director)

Tickets are free for the special screening.  Registration is requested:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oakland-intl-film-festival-grieving-brothers-and-crime-after-crime-tickets-1579220142959?aff=oddtdtcreator

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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 of 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

Reservation for the Free Screening: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/oakland-intl-film-festival-grieving-brothers-and-crime-after-crime-tickets-1579220142959?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tickets & Full Schedule: www.oiff.org

Social Media: Instagram @Oiff (https://www.instagram.com/oiff), Facebook Oakland International Film Festival (https://www.facebook.com/oiff.org)|

Hashtag: #OIFF2025 #Oakperience