Juneteenth Film Fest Will Return To West Orange: 2026 Events

WEST ORANGE, NJ — A Juneteenth-themed film festival is taking place in West Orange for the 2026 holiday.

The West Orange Juneteenth Film Festival will return from June 19 to June 21 for a third year of “Black storytelling, creativity and culture.”

See a list of schedules and locations below.

Here’s what to expect this year, event organizers said:

• The festival's opening night on Friday, June 19 brings together filmmakers, panelists, sponsors, and community members for a signature speed networking event celebrating the artistry, innovation, and cultural impact of Black cinema.
• Saturday's programming includes family-friendly cartoons highlighting Black animation and voice actors, youth activities, film screenings, a cinematic art gallery experience, and a panel exploring the realities of bringing creative projects from conception to screen.
• Sunday's schedule features behind-the-scenes industry conversations, acting and costume design panels, film screenings, and a Father's Day discussion centered on supporting fathers and families through open dialogue and mental health awareness.

“The stories we tell matter,” West Orange Town Council member Tammy Williams said. “They help us understand one another, preserve history, inspire future generations, and remind us that freedom and opportunity are ideals that benefit us all.”

Natasha Gallop, the film festival curator, said it’s a “privilege to witness Black excellence every day through the artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders who make this festival possible.”

“In the spirit of Juneteenth, we celebrate the powerful tradition of creating space for one another, building networks of support, and investing in relationships that will strengthen our creative community for generations to come,” Gallop said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.