BlackStar, the Philadelphia based organization celebrating visionary BIPOC (Black, Brown, Indigenous People of Color) film and media artists, held its annual BlackStar Film Festival in University City on August 3-7, 2022. UO was thrilled to be a sponsor to this year’s festival, donating furniture and clothing for “The Daily Jawn” panel discussion, along with having a recruitment presence for UO’s parent company URBN. Post festival, we sat down with founder, curator and filmmaker Maori Karmael Holmes and resident DJ-filmmaker-artist Rashid Zakat, to pick their brain on all things fashion, film and entertainment.

Tell us how you got involved with BlackStar and how the BlackStar Film Festival started?

Maori: I started BlackStar out of a desire to see more films from Black, Brown and Indigenous indie filmmakers that were interested in pushing the boundaries of the form and genre as well as finding community with other BIPOC filmmakers generally.

Rashid: Maori originally did BlackStar as a one off event at The International House back in 2012. I was usually her go to web design, video, tech, weird idea hype person so when BlackStar was a scrappy group of friends I helped however I could. I made a trailer, designed the first logo and website and carried boxes. Maori decided to do a second festival, so I showed up to help with that however I could and kept showing up to help with stuff.



What are you watching right now, what are some of your favorite movies from POC filmmakers?

Maori: I am catching up on the festival, which just ended 48 hours ago LOL. I was particularly moved by Storming Caesar's Palace and Mars One. The Philadelphia Filmmaker Lab shorts were also incredible. In mainstream sources I am re-watching The Bear for the second time and also really love Loot with Maya Rudolph. Some of my favorite films from BIPOC filmmakers include KILLER OF SHEEP, DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST, EVE'S BAYOU, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE, SUGAR CANE ALLEY, MOONLIGHT... I could go on.

Rashid: I’m still pretty obsessed with Everything Everywhere All at Once. I recently saw Mira Nair’s “TheNamesake” and it’s such a touching film.



Fashion and Film go hand in hand! In your opinion, what are the best fashion moments in film?

Maori: IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE and AMELIE are two of my favorite sources of style and fashion inspiration. Also Julie Taymor's FRIDA. I think MOTHER OF GEORGE and RESTLESS CITY have some of the most amazing looking characters ever!

Rashid: Wong Kar-Wai’s “In the Mood for Love” feels like a mandatory add here. The fashion is so elegant and timeless."

Tell us about your look for the panel discussion. Why did you select the pieces you’re wearing?

Maori: I wore a lot of different UO pieces throughout the weekend. I have been shopping Urban Outfitters and affiliated brands for almost 30 years now, since high school, and still appreciate the diversity of designers and artists that they carry. For The Daily Jawn, I chose the Nicholas K caftan because it was a perfect 'me' look as well as the Jeffrey Campbell mules. I chose the sheer purple t-shirt dress and the green floral slip dress underneath because it reminded me of looks I wore in high school and I thought they'd be fun for the opening night party. On the last day of the festival I chose a beaded sandal to wear with a dress of my own.

Rashid: As the show’s DJ and Maori’s sidekick, a lot of my job was to be hidden in plain sight. I chose pieces that complimented Maori and the set without drawing too much attention to myself but that still had fun details for when I needed to be seen."



What inspires you to stay creative?

Maori: I keep myself surrounded by exceptionally bright and creative individuals (like Rashid) and they always inspire me.

Rashid: I’ve always been lucky to be surrounded with brilliant creative people who are constantly pushing themselves to explore new ideas."



Do you have any advice for POC creatives trying to break out into the entertainment industry?

Maori: Don't be afraid to start from zero in a new field or career path, just do it. And be nice.

Rashid: A few years ago a friend told me you have to make money, make your work and gain experience. You have to make sure you’re doing each of these things until they inevitably overlap."



Where can our community learn more and get involved with BlackStar and the BlackStar Film Festival?

Maori: You can follow us @blackstarfest on all platforms and visit our site blackstarfest.org and subscribe to our newsletter, our podcast Many Lumens, and our journal Seen!

Rashid: The website!