Hard Knock Radio host Davey D sat down with filmmaker and cultural organizer David Roach to discuss the 24th annual Oakland International Film Festival, an 11-day celebration of independent cinema, community conversation and stories too often pushed outside the mainstream.
Roach reflected on how dramatically filmmaking and distribution have changed since the festival began. Digital projection and streaming have made it easier to create and circulate films, but Davey D questioned whether that access is as open as it appears. With a handful of billionaires controlling major platforms, filmmakers with challenging political messages can still be buried, censored or shut out.
That concern lies at the heart of the festival’s mission. Roach emphasized the need to build independent platforms where filmmakers can tell their own stories and communities can see themselves without having their experiences diluted or filtered through Hollywood.
This year’s lineup reaches from Oakland to Italy, Colombia and other parts of the world. Featured films explore Native history, domestic violence, gun control, gentrification, political organizing, Hip Hop, food, cultural preservation and resistance. A People of the West examines the relationship between Red Power and Black Power, while Set Her Free follows women who fought to change laws affecting survivors of domestic violence imprisoned for defending themselves.
Other highlights include Free Speech Costs Plenty, comedian Donald Lacy’s examination of censorship and political comedy; Guardians of Oakland Chinatown, which documents residents protecting elders, schools and neighborhood institutions; and films honoring Oakland community advocate Bill Patterson and beloved musician and educator Dr. Loco.
The conversation also explored Hip Hop’s international reach. Davey D praised a film documenting Italy’s politically engaged Hip Hop movement, where artists and activists resisted fascism, defended community spaces and pushed back against record companies seeking to weaken their message.
Roach stressed that the festival is about more than watching movies. Extended panels allow filmmakers to explain their creative journeys, exchange knowledge and engage directly with audiences. Screenings are paired with food, music, networking and community gatherings throughout Oakland.
Ultimately, the Oakland International Film Festival offers more than entertainment. It creates a space where people can laugh, cry, learn, debate and leave inspired to protect their communities and tell their own stories.
Hard Knock Radio is a drive-time Hip-Hop talk show on KPFA (94.1fm @ 4-5 pm Monday-Friday), a community radio station without corporate underwriting, hosted by Davey D and Anita Johnson.