The 2025 HBCU First LOOK Film Festival has tapped actress, producer, and entrepreneur Marsai Martin as its Creative Ambassador, organizers announced today. The third annual festival will take place at Howard University from November 6–8, 2025, continuing its mission to spotlight young, diverse voices in film and television, while providing a space for HBCU students to showcase their talents and gain industry insights.
Best known for her breakout role as Diane on ABC’s Black-ish, Martin made history in 2019 when she became the youngest executive producer in Hollywood with the Universal Pictures comedy Little. She was just 14 years old at the time, also earning a Guinness World Record for the achievement. Martin has since launched her own production company, Genius Productions, and continues to push creative boundaries—most recently starring opposite Viola Davis and Anthony Anderson in Amazon’s action thriller G20.
Martin will kick off the festival with a fireside chat hosted by actress and comedienne Loni Love, an HBCU alumna from Prairie View A&M University.
“I’m excited to join forces with the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival,” said Martin in a statement. “The opportunity to impact the HBCU creative community in a space curated just for them to level up is truly amazing.”
Festival founder and CEO Sheila Eldridge praised Martin’s appointment, calling her “an undeniable force leading the next generation of great storytellers.”
“We’re thrilled to have her onboard not only to inspire the students,” Eldridge said, “but as a creative voice that will elevate the entire Festival experience.”
The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is designed to cultivate emerging talent by connecting HBCU students and alumni with established industry professionals. Last year’s film challenge received more than 250 submissions across short, feature, and animation categories. For 2025, the festival expands with the addition of a Global Impact category, welcoming submissions from filmmakers outside the U.S. All entries must be submitted by August 28, 2025.