Black Love Series Archive
In 2021, Tampa Theatre, in collaboration with the City of Tampa Community Engagement and Partnerships Department, began developing a film series to celebrate the intersection of Valentine’s Day and Black History Month with big-screen stories of romance as told by Black filmmakers and diverse casts. The result of the collaboration launched in February of 2022 as the Black Love Classics Series and continues to return each year thanks to your support.
Over the years, the series has engaged audiences through imaginative and heart-warming films. In addition, the series has provided opportunities to support local restaurants, donate books to young readers, educate audiences on film history, collect art supplies for a local non-profit, and discuss topics relevant to Tampa’s diverse communities. The series has evolved to incorporate a variety of film genres, and the phrase “Black Love” has grown in meaning to pronounce Tampa Theatre’s love of Black excellence through the art of film. In the years since its inception, Black Love has grown to embrace other types of love stories over the years: those of home, community, family, and fandom. Take a look back at our series history.
If you are interested in seeking out some of the other titles we considered over the years (and that may make it into futures series lineups), check out our film list.
2022: Black Love Classics Series Inaugural Year
The majestic Tampa Theatre has been part of countless couples’ love stories over its history, from first kisses in the balcony to proposals under the iconic marquee to vows on the historic stage exchanged under the stars. Now, the city’s most romantic movie palace is proud to announce a new classic movie series. The Black Love Classics Series celebrates some of the greatest cinematic love stories of all time.
- Love & Basketball (2000)
- Love Jones (1997)
- Mahogany (1975)
- Waves (2019)
2023: "Home is Where the Heart Is"
For its second season, the series will center around the theme “Home is Where the Heart Is.” These four films – chosen in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department – explore journeys of discovery and the roads that lead back.
- The Wiz (1978)
- To Sleep With Anger (1990)
- Coming to America (1988)
- Cabin in the Sky (1943)
2024: "Faith, Food and Family"
Community bonds, fast friendships, and even love affairs have all been born out of illuminating, shared experiences at the majestic movie palace. For its third season, the series will feature five films – chosen in collaboration with the City of Tampa’s Community Engagement & Partnerships Department – that explore stories centered around the theme of “Faith, Food & Family”.
- Soul Food (1997)
- Sister Act (1992)
- Peeples (2013)
- This Is It! The Miracle of BBQ (2023) – Special Documentary Premiere by Tampa native, Shelley “Butch” Anthony III
- Daughters of the Dust (1991)
2025: "Rise of the Blerds"
The fourth season in the series is loving a new genre: Blerds. Shorthand for “black nerds,” blerd culture celebrates those heroes – both “super” and everyday – who stir the imagination and spark creativity. 2025’s Black Love classics series reflects Tampa Theatre’s commitment to representation and the magic of the movies with “Rise of the Blerds”.
- Black Panther (2018)
- Fast Color (2018)
- Nope (2022)
- Hidden Figures (2016)
2026: "At The Heart of It All"
For our 5th year, we invite you to join us for “At the Heart of It All,” a series that explores the choices we make and the powerful ripples they create. These screenings are a testament to the beauty of representation and the enduring power of film.
- If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)
- The Photograph (2020)
- Boomerang (1992)
- Carmen Jones (1954)