Black Film Center & Archive

Media School General

Established in 1981, the Black Film Center & Archive at Indiana University was the first and, to this day, only repository in the world solely dedicated to films by and about Black people. Our archive features over 3,300 films from the likes of Oscar Micheaux, Ousmane Sembène, Zora Neale Hurston, John Singleton, Julie Dash, and many more.

We rely on philanthropy to support our legacy and continue our mission to collect, preserve, and make available historically and culturally significant films.

Make a gift

Black Film Center & Archive

Media School General

Established in 1981, the Black Film Center & Archive at Indiana University was the first and, to this day, only repository in the world solely dedicated to films by and about Black people. Our archive features over 3,300 films from the likes of Oscar Micheaux, Ousmane Sembène, Zora Neale Hurston, John Singleton, Julie Dash, and many more.

We rely on philanthropy to support our legacy and continue our mission to collect, preserve, and make available historically and culturally significant films.

Additional Info

President Whitten overlooks items from the Black Film Center and Archive in a conference room.

Black film has a beautiful, extensive history deserving of care and technical expertise. The Black Film Center & Archive at IU proudly carries this responsibility with equal attention toward contemporary contributions to the field.

The BFCA is home to many items that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. It also serves as a screening venue and a resource for research, whether creative or academic.

Your gift could help the Black Film Center & Archive:

  • Expand educational opportunities for students and the community at large
  • Advance knowledge and appreciation for Black/African Diaspora film history
  • Bring visiting filmmakers and scholars to campus
  • Support hands-on experiences in filmmaking, podcasting, archiving, and curatorial research
  • Host film series that connect films with rare historical gems
  • And much more

Thank you in advance for supporting work that preserves and celebrates the history and future of Black people’s contributions to cinema.

Important Disclosures

Please note, the name and purpose of the fund displayed on this page constitute the authorized description of the fund by the Indiana University Foundation, Inc. Your gift supports the fund as described herein.