DBFF Free Community Screening +Q & A "Digging for Weldon Irvine"

The Denton Black Film Festival is proud to launch our 2025 Free Community Screenings Series with the inspiring documentary Digging for Weldon Irvine.

Doors Open at 3:30 pm with Film beginning at 4pm.

🎬 Special Feature: Following the film, enjoy a live Q&A with filmmaker Victorious De Costa, joining us from New York City to share insights on Irvine’s extraordinary story and the making of this powerful film.

Who was Weldon Irvine?

• Jazz-funk keyboardist, composer, and playwright who wrote the lyrics to Nina Simone’s civil rights anthem Young, Gifted & Black
• Mentor to a new generation of artists, including Q-Tip, Mos Def, and other hip hop legends
• Creator of over 500 songs and more than 50 plays, blending music, theatre, and activism
• A central figure in the Black Arts Movement, whose influence stretched from jazz to hip hop’s golden era

Through rare recordings, interviews with friends and collaborators, and powerful storytelling, director Victorious DeCosta uncovers the brilliance and struggles of a hidden giant in American music.

💬 From the DBFF Film Programming Team:“Very revealing and enjoyable storytelling… a powerful portrait of an intelligent, complex, and caring individual whose influence on music is undeniable.”

🎟 Tickets are FREE — but donations are welcome! Your support helps DBFF keep these screenings alive and accessible to our community.

Reserve your seat today and join us for an afternoon of film, culture, and conversation.

Series Details

DBFF Free Community Screenings will be held the second Saturday of each month at Theatre Denton, 4–6 PM:

• Sept. 13 – Digging for Weldon Irvine
• Oct. 11 – Halloween Classic (Film TBA) 🎃
• Nov. 8 – Family Feel-Good Film (TBA) 🍿

Also check out other Entertainment events in Denton, Arts events in Denton, Music events in Denton.