A conversation with
Donna Dabbs, Executive Director
Q. How and why did you start the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival?
Donna Dabbs:
I started the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Foundation (GCUFF) with Alton Tinker as a grassroots organization committed to celebrating and uplifting the work of filmmakers, actors and industry professionals of color. The inspiration for GCUFF came when I attended the Cleveland International Film Festival. I was captivated by the event’s vibrant energy, but I noticed a lack of diversity in attendance. This observation motivated me to search for film festivals that catered to Black audiences and highlighted the stories of the African Diaspora. Recognizing a gap in Greater Cleveland, we spearheaded the idea of creating a festival that would serve this purpose. Leveraging an established audience of Black professionals engaged through monthly networking events, GCUFF was born to provide a platform for talented independent filmmakers, screenwriters and actors of color to share their work with diverse audiences in Cleveland.
Q. How did you become involved and how long have you been with GCUFF?
DD:
I co-founded GCUFF in 2012 and have served as its executive director since its inception. Shelley Tobias is the chair of our board.
When the idea was launched, I served in a volunteer capacity as the festival organizer, film acquisition specialist and chief programmer until 2019, when I was officially hired as executive director. We built GCUFF into a recognized platform that not only highlights films but also serves as a hub for education, networking and creative development in the media and film industry. With guidance, GCUFF has grown into a celebrated annual event that enriches the cultural fabric of Cleveland.
Previously, I was a director of the Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Center in Ohio, helping entrepreneurs build profitable and sustainable business. Both Alton and I held management roles at KeyBank before launching the festival. My leadership philosophy draws from experience in management positions, community engagement, event planning and cultural advocacy.
Q. How has the festival grown or changed since it began?
DD:
GCUFF has experienced remarkable growth and evolution. What began as a four-day festival utilizing a single theater at Atlas Cinemas at Shaker Square has expanded into a dynamic nine-day event. Today, GCUFF hosts its opening and closing night events at larger, high-profile venues while using up to four theaters to screen a diverse selection of films. The festival now shows up to 70 films, spanning a wide range of genres and perspectives from filmmakers of color.
In addition to its expanded schedule and venues, GCUFF has broadened its programming to include workshops, panel discussions and innovative activations like its Tech Hub, featuring cutting-edge technologies such as virtual reality and holographic capture. These additions reflect GCUFF’s ongoing commitment not only to celebrating cinematic excellence but also fostering community engagement, industry innovation and professional development. Its growth underscores its role as a vital cultural event in Greater Cleveland.
Q. What are some key moments or major accomplishments in the festival’s history?
DD:
GCUFF has created jobs for up to 13 contractors annually, including roles such as graphic designers, film programmers, event managers and an operations manager. We launched Tech Hub Activation, which shows cutting-edge technologies like extended reality, virtual reality and holographic capture. We’ve built strong partnerships with the downtown Cleveland Public Library, Greater Cleveland Film Commission, NAACP, ThirdSpace, Birthing Beautiful Communities and more to amplify our reach and impact. It is now a premier cinema event in the Midwest.
Over the years, GCUFF has welcomed renowned industry icons and celebrities, including Robert Townsend, LisaRaye McCoy, Leon, and Yvette Nicole Brown, among others.
We are fostering the next generation of filmmakers through initiatives like the Cardinal Film Society at Shaw High School. This student film club actively watches and scores films submitted to the festival, giving students a hands-on role in the selection process and exposing them to the world of independent cinema.
By hosting events at Shaker Square, GCUFF has contributed to the economic prosperity of local businesses. Increased foot traffic during the festival has bolstered restaurants, shops and other establishments in the area, strengthening the local economy.
What we’re most proud of is our role in amplifying the voices of underrepresented filmmakers and creating a space where diverse audiences can come together to experience the richness of Black culture through cinema. We hope we are respected for our growth from a grassroots effort to a vital cultural institution.
GCUFF is more than just a film festival—it’s a vibrant celebration of Black culture, creativity and community. GCUFF offers an atmosphere that blends entertainment, education and a celebration of film to connect us all. The 14th Annual Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival invites you to take part in something extraordinary.
Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival
September 18–26, 2025
Atlas Cinemas Shaker Square, Cleveland