Gina Prince-Bythewood to Headline 30th Urbanworld Festival
The filmmaking pair will serve as ambassadors for the anniversary event held in New York City this October.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Urban
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Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood are set to serve as ambassadors for the 30th annual Urbanworld Film Festival, taking place in New York City from Oct. 14-18, 2026. The duo will share career insights during special programming at The New School.
Why it matters
The filmmakers were selected to lead the milestone celebration due to their extensive historical contributions to the festival, which has showcased their work since 2008.
The festival marks its 30th anniversary since Stacy Spikes founded the event in 1997. The showcase will feature a spotlight event for the film Children of Blood and Bone at Regal Union Square.
The players
Gina Prince-Bythewood
She is a prominent filmmaker known for directing projects like The Secret Life of Bees and Beyond the Lights.
Reggie Rock Bythewood
He is an accomplished writer and producer who has collaborated on numerous projects and supported the festival for years.
Stacy Spikes
He is the founder who established the Urbanworld Film Festival in 1997 to provide a platform for diverse storytellers.
The details
The ambassadors will participate in programming designed to provide attendees with deep insights into their filmmaking careers. The festival will also host a spotlight event for the upcoming production of Children of Blood and Bone at the Regal Union Square theater.
Timeline
The Urbanworld Film Festival was founded in 1997.
Gina Prince-Bythewood first screened a film at the festival in 2008.
Reggie Rock Bythewood featured a project at the event in 2010.
The 30th annual festival takes place from Oct. 14-18, 2026.
Children of Blood and Bone is scheduled for release on Jan. 15, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
The 30th anniversary of the festival follows the pattern established by its 1997 founding as a vital platform for diverse voices in the film industry. This milestone highlights the event's ongoing role in the broader landscape of independent film showcases.
Attendees can access professional insights through special programming hosted at The New School throughout the festival dates. Film fans can also catch the spotlight event for the upcoming project at Regal Union Square.
The takeaway
The festival continues to serve as a critical bridge between established industry veterans and the next generation of creative talent. Readers can engage with the event by attending the scheduled programming at city venues to learn more about the mechanics of the filmmaking process.
What happens next
The film Children of Blood and Bone, which will be highlighted at the festival, is scheduled for a wide release on Jan. 15, 2027.
Further reading
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