When the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) got started fifteen years ago, its primary vision was to showcase the work of emerging filmmakers and established artists who both contribute to and celebrate urban culture.
But if you ask Donna Dabbs, executive director of GCUFF, the idea behind the event is pretty simple: "The festival is a nice, easy way to inform, educate and entertain people. Communicating through the medium of film is an amazing way to inspire and uplift people. And that's what we want to do."
Every year, thousands have turned up in increasing numbers to join GCUFF and their mission. This year, they're hoping to bring more festivalgoers than ever Sept. 17 - 25 at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square 6.
"I think it's important to know that GCUFF is for everybody. The festival is targeted to share more African American and minority stories, but it's not just for us. We can all benefit," Dabbs said.
At a Glance
- Dates: Sept. 17–25, 2026.
- In person: Opening night at Karamu House Theatre, main screenings at Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square 6 and closing night at Warrensville Heights High School.
- Online: Virtual screenings run Sept. 21–25.
- Tickets: Choose a single screening or a festival pass through GCUFF; check the live listing before you buy.
73 Films Over 9 Days
Opening night lands at Karamu House Theatre on Sept. 17 with "Albert's Flower" and a Q&A featuring James Pickens Jr. and Peter Lawson Jones. It's a fitting first frame for a festival that treats conversation as part of the program, not an extra after the credits.
From Sept. 18–21, Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square 6 becomes the main screening home. The current listings include "The Addiction of Hope" with Anne-Marie Johnson, while Cleveland VOTES confirms its short documentary "Accessibility and the Ballot" in a Sept. 19 shorts program. Build your day from the live schedule, and leave breathing room between screenings when a filmmaker conversation catches your attention.
The festival closes Sept. 25 at Warrensville Heights High School with "Montmartre" and an awards ceremony. Three venues, nine days, one useful rule: check the current listing for the event attached to your ticket before you head out.
Important Dialogue
Film festivals like GCUFF present great opportunities to platform serious dialogue and important conversations.
Throughout GCUFF's schedule, festivalgoers can attend panel discussions covering important issues impacting Cleveland's urban community with key community leaders, as well as educational workshops and discussions with attending filmmakers.
That makes the festival especially rewarding when you leave room for more than one title. A Q&A can carry a film's ideas into the lobby; a panel can put a Cleveland voice next to an industry perspective. You aren't just filling a watchlist. You're stepping into the conversation around it.
Next Gen Filmmakers
"Part of our mission is to inspire young people to consider this industry as a career," Dabbs said. "In this industry, there are so many opportunities both behind the camera and in front of the camera. The festival offers a perfect way to help young people look forward and to consider something new."
For even more information on GCUFF, its films, the event schedule and how to purchase passes, click here.