Reach Back Retain
Kingmakers of Oakland’s 3rd Annual Film Showcase, “REACH, BACK, RETAIN,” was truly a night to remember.
Hosted at The New Parkway Theater, a space known and loved for uplifting independent and local films, the evening felt perfectly at home. Guests arrived, grabbed snacks and merch in the front lobby, and gathered in community before settling into the theater’s comfortable couches for dinner and a powerful lineup of films. Couldn't make it to the showcase? You can still support our mission by grabbing your own Kingmakers gear at our online store or make a direct donation to help us fund future film projects.
We opened with selections from Roots and Renaissance, our animation collaboration highlighting historic small businesses in Oakland. From there, we were honored to screen the NAACP Image Award–nominated short Black Man Black Man, directed by Pixar animator Frank Abney. The film offered a moving exploration of Black masculinity, centering both vulnerability and strength. Experiencing it together as a community made the moment even more powerful.
The night continued with Kingmakers originals, including animated shorts like Ubuntu, music videos, and other collaborative works. The entire showcase highlighted the creativity of our KOOLabs animation department and our deep commitment to bringing people together through film. Each project reflected collaboration, care, and the brilliance of the young creatives and partners who help bring these stories to life.
We are also proud to share that the film festival was highlighted on KTVU Fox 2 News. Be sure to watch the clip above to see the coverage and celebration of our work.
Most of all, it was beautiful to see so many community members show up, smiling, engaged, and visibly moved. Your presence made the night what it was.
Thank you to everyone who came out and supported. Special thanks to The New Parkway Theater for opening your space to us, to Frank Abney and the Black Man Black Man team for allowing us to screen your powerful work, and to KTVU Fox 2 News for highlighting our mission and helping us amplify the stories of our Kings. We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to The OAK Foundation, David Flink, and Eye to Eye National for their instrumental support of the Beyond Labels series, as well as the KOO Animation Academy for their incredible work on Roots & Renaissance. To the families and Kings who shared their portraits with us, and the staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes, we are so grateful for this village.