COMPTON, CA — September 2026 — Compton's Hub City International Film Festival (CHCIFF) returns September 25-27, 2026, for its 3rd Annual Festival, bringing filmmakers, musicians, educators, entertainment professionals, youth, families, and community leaders together for a weekend celebrating Compton's culture, creativity, history, and future.

This year, St. John's Community Health joins CHCIFF as the festival's Title Sponsor, reinforcing a commitment to community connection through Film, Music, Education, and Health & Wellness. Ladies Touch, Inc. serves as the festival's fiscal sponsor.

LADIES TOUCH: WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT

The festival's Ladies Touch: Women in Entertainment theme begins with Festival Ambassador Camille Tucker, an acclaimed writer, director, producer, NAACP Image Award nominee, and Compton native.

FRIDAY — RED CARPET, CAR WASH, JJFAD & 1970s DISCO/FUNK

Opening night features a red-carpet celebration and the 50th Anniversary Encore Screening of the comedy classic Car Wash, with director Michael Schultz participating in a special Q&A with a few cast members. The evening continues with a documentary celebrating Compton's hip-hop darlings, legendary JJFAD (JJ Fad), followed by a 1970s Disco/Funk celebration at Compton's own Odyssey 21.

SATURDAY — YOUTH, EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELLNESS

Saturday features student films from Compton Unified School District and youth filmmakers from across the country and abroad. The festival will also present a documentary highlighting St. John's Community Health from the Compton College campus, followed by a Q&A with Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell. The day also features the World Premiere of Howard Scott: Straight Into Compton, directed by Compton's own Howard Scott Jr.

WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT — CAREERS & OPPORTUNITY

Programming continues with Landi Maduro's The Filmmaker's Revenue Blueprint, an educational workshop focused on revenue opportunities and sustainable creative careers. Producer and Casting Director Monica R. Cooper will lead an Actors Workshop running both Saturday and Sunday.

AI FILMMAKING — THE FUTURE OF STORYTELLING

CHCIFF will explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and filmmaking with an AI Filmmakers Q&A featuring Dwayne Alexander Smith, Ben Ramsey, and Ayanna Henderson. The conversation will examine how AI is changing storytelling, filmmaking, marketing, and business opportunities for creators.

MUSIC ON CAMPUS

CHCIFF will feature the Compton Deltas' Annual Jazz Concert starring Will Downing, bringing music, community, and culture together for a special live performance.

SUNDAY — DESRETA JACKSON, CHOPS & AWARDS

Sunday features speaker and producer Desreta Jackson, known for portraying Young Celie in The Color Purple. The festival will also present the premiere of the melodrama series CHOPS, directed by Hakim A. Khalfani. The festival will conclude with an award ceremony honoring filmmakers, artists, contributors, and community partners.

MORE THAN A FILM FESTIVAL

CHCIFF 2026 is designed as a cultural experience bringing together Film, Music, Education, Health & Wellness, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and community. Programming will include youth films, workshops, special screenings, live music, health and wellness resources, vendors, networking opportunities, and conversations about mental health.

Website: www.comptonsfilmfestival.com
Phone: (310) 627-7396
ML Davis, Founder & Executive Director