ORLANDO, Fla. — UrbanFest 360 is returning to Orlando with a weekend combining independent film, fashion, music and community programming, along with a new tribute honoring the legacy of Chadwick Boseman.
Festival founder Timothy Starks told Channel 9 the goal is to create something broader than a traditional film festival.
“Urban meant community, it meant family, it meant city, where everybody came together,” Starks said. “The fest part is to share film, fashion, music, stories, inspiration, to share information.”
UrbanFest 360 is scheduled for Sept. 18-20, with much of the programming centered at AFRO TV Studios on International Drive.
Starks said the festival is entering its fourth year in Orlando and its second under the UrbanFest 360 name.
Chadwick Boseman to receive Legacy Award
One of this year’s biggest additions will be a Legacy Award honoring Boseman.
Starks said Boseman’s brothers, Kevin and Derek, are expected to attend and accept the award on his behalf.
For Starks, the tribute is personal.
“Chadwick for me was the best I’ve ever seen do it,” Starks said.
He said the idea grew from conversations within the festival team about how to recognize Boseman’s career and impact. After organizers contacted the family, Starks said Boseman’s brothers expressed interest in doing more than simply accepting an award.
“They said, ‘We want to be involved,’” Starks said.
Organizers are now working to include the family in festival panels and a question-and-answer session. The Legacy Award presentation is planned for Sunday’s awards show.
Starks said Boseman’s stunt performer is also expected to participate in presenting the award.
Orange County mayor to receive Legacy Award
UrbanFest 360 will also honor Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings with a Legacy Award recognizing leadership and service to the community.
Festival materials describe the award as recognizing Demings’ public service and impact across Central Florida.
Demings is expected to be honored during the festival’s awards programming.
More community programming and free panels
Starks said one of the biggest changes this year is an increased focus on bringing the Central Florida community into the festival.
Several industry panels and conversations will be free and open to the public, with topics ranging from producing and distributing independent films to acting, casting, SAG-AFTRA membership and the role of Black women in film.
One panel will focus specifically on film incentives and feature Orange County Film Incentives Administrator Jen Pennybacker.
Another session, “SAG-AFTRA 101,” will give attendees an opportunity to learn about contracts, stunts and other aspects of working within the performers’ union.
UrbanFest will also host its Creative Futures youth program, which Starks said will bring more than 100 young people from underserved communities to participate in programming centered on mentorship and opportunity.
The festival’s Compton Cowboys Youth Engagement Experience will use film and discussion to introduce young people to stories about culture, mentorship and finding alternatives to violence and other challenges.
“That’s what’s different now,” Starks said. “We’re really reaching out to the community and bringing the community in, and seeing how we can help grow the community.”
The official release also identifies the Compton Cowboys experience as a youth program focused on mentorship, creativity and inspiration.
Film, fashion and music under one festival
UrbanFest 360 is designed to mix several creative industries instead of separating them.
Starks, who began his career in music and radio before working as an actor, director and writer, compared the process to being a DJ mixing different genres.
“Everything is rhythm to me,” he said.
This year’s programming will include a documentary about influential fashion designer Patrick Kelly followed by the festival’s Fashion 360 showcase.
Starks said the combination allows filmmakers to meet designers and other creatives they may eventually work with on independent productions.
The festival will also feature music-focused documentaries, food and live entertainment.
Guests and filmmakers expected to attend
Starks confirmed several guests expected to participate.
Filmmaker David Fortune, who Starks said was named one of Variety’s directors to watch in 2025, is expected Friday for a screening and Q&A.
Jazz drummer Marvin “Smitty” Smith will also be honored during the festival and is scheduled to perform Friday night at Timucua.
Actor and producer Lucky Johnson is expected to participate in panels on independent filmmaking and casting.
Entrepreneur, author and prison reform advocate Freeway Ricky Ross is also scheduled to participate in festival conversations focused on entrepreneurship, transformation and perseverance.
Michael Polcino, an Emmy-nominated director and animator known for his work on “The Simpsons,” is also scheduled to participate in programming connected with Full Sail University.
Starks said James Pickens Jr., known for “Grey’s Anatomy,” had been expected to attend but had to withdraw because of his production schedule. Members of Pickens’ production team are still expected.
Actor Keith David remains a possibility but had not been confirmed as of Starks’ interview with Channel 9.
More Florida filmmakers represented
Starks said organizers have also seen an increase in submissions and selected projects from Florida and the Orlando area.
“We definitely got a lot more local Orlando films in the festival this year,” he said.
According to Starks, approximately 75% of the films selected for this year’s festival received nominations for festival awards.
He said the festival maintains the same quality expectations for student films as it does for other independent projects.
Festival aimed at general public
While UrbanFest attracts filmmakers and entertainment professionals, Starks stressed that the festival is not intended only for people already working in the industry.
“It’s designed for the general public,” he said. “There’s nothing more that the filmmakers want than the general public to come out and look at their films and say something or go and tell somebody.”
Starks said many of the films shown at UrbanFest are independent productions audiences may not otherwise see in theaters or on major streaming platforms.
He described the atmosphere he wants to create as less like an industry convention and more like “a big family reunion.”
How to attend UrbanFest 360
UrbanFest 360 runs Sept. 18-20 in Orlando, with much of the festival programming taking place at AFRO TV Studios, 7220 International Drive.
Saturday is expected to be the festival’s largest day of programming, beginning around 11 a.m. with screenings, panels, community events and other activities continuing into the evening.
The festival’s awards show is scheduled for Sunday, including the planned Chadwick Boseman Legacy Award presentation.
Festival passes and updated scheduling information are available here.
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