Celebrating the richness of cinema and Black storytelling at the 2026 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.
A Memorable Movie Moment
If I Go, Will They Miss Me just dropped its trailer, but the movie had already claimed the moment at the 2026 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival. The Danielle Brooks and J. Alphonse Nicholson-led drama was a hit at the festivities, which offered a post-screening conversation with writer-director Walter Thompson.
Set in Watts, Los Angeles, the film centers on a 12-year-old boy who is struggling to reconnect with his father after the man is released from prison. The movie has a surreal vibe, as the young boy sees visions of other young boys floating through his neighborhood. This is a deep dive into Black boyhood, fractured families and the hope for healing.
If I Go, Will They Miss Me opens nationally on September 18.
Motherhood Reigns Supreme
Elaine Welteroth, Abby Phillip, Devi Brown and Monique Rodriguez, along with Jonathan Singletary, hosted an intimate evening with birthFUND at Brand New: A Collective’s The Residency on Martha’s Vineyard. Bringing together celebrities and tastemakers for a night of meaningful conversations and live music, they shed light on the often unseen issues women face with childbirth. It was a time to reflect on their own birth stories, giving everyone a chance to feel grace over the power and magic of motherhood.
Detavio Samuels, CEO of REVOLT and Offscript Worldwide; Marcus Brown, CEO and Co-Founder of FanArcade; Rev. Dr. John Faison, CEO of the John Faison Leadership Group and Sean-Reed McGee, CEO of Back2Learn gathered for The New Frontier: A Men’s Tune-Up Panel: Mind, Body & Soul, a candid brunch conversation focused on the importance of men’s mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, hosted by Nissan and UPTOWN magazine.
Among the Waves
To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Martha’s Vineyard Polar Bears, World of Hyatt hosted an intimate cocktail reception at the Martha’s Vineyard Museum, bringing together culture and community leaders for an evening centered on wellbeing and community.
Peloton yoga instructor and Hyatt ambassador Dr. Chelsea Jackson Roberts spoke on mindfulness and wellness as fearless souls headed into the waves.