Conscious Cinema

Stories that move us to act.

Conscious Cinema is a Black-centered social justice film series that brings people together to watch, reflect, learn, and build power.

Through the art of powerful films, community dialogue, and political education, Conscious Cinema creates space to examine racial injustice, honor Black resistance, strengthen community connection, and inspire collective action.

Each showing is more than a screening. It is an opportunity to explore history, political education, the impact of systemic oppression, and lived experiences behind the stories on screen. We connect those stories to issues affecting our communities today and imagine what meaningful action towards racial justice can look like. Everyone is invited and encouraged to meet folks involved in local social justice campaigns and organizations who are also present.

Conscious Cinema is a space for reflection, healing, creative inspiration, and collective learning.

Save the Dates!

Mark your calendars for the 2026 film series, hosted on the 2nd Thursday and 3rd Sunday of the following months:

August 16 – 13th from Ava DuVernay, a Netflix Original Documentary » Get Your Free Tickets Now

September 10

September 20

October 8

October 18

Presented by

Why Conscious Cinema

Film can help us see what has been hidden, remember what has been erased, and imagine what has not yet been built.

Conscious Cinema uses storytelling as a tool for connection and movement building. The series centers films that challenge harmful narratives, amplify Black voices, examine systems of power, celebrate Black creativity and resilience, and encourage audiences to move from awareness to action.

Encore Series in 2026

Founded in 2023, Conscious Cinema returns for an encore in 2026 in partnership with Black Lives Matter Grassroots Long Beach, BLU Art & Wellness Gallery, So Hum Wellness, and other community partners.

The renewed series will create welcoming spaces for residents, artists, organizers, young people, elders, families, and community leaders to engage with films that deepen understanding and support the ongoing work of justice, healing, and Black liberation.

Our History

Conscious Cinema was created in 2023 in partnership with Black Lives Matter Grassroots Long Beach, Beach City Radio, Hannibal Media Group, Elite Skills Development, Long Beach Forward, and other supporters. The original series brought community members together around showings of Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power at the Philadelphian, The Black Power Mixtape at Grey Long Beach, and The Big Payback at MLK Park.