‘Songs of Black Folk’ to Make World Premiere at 2025 Tribeca Festival

Documentary short celebrates a powerful new Juneteenth tradition in the Pacific Northwest

Songs of Black Folk, a short documentary chronicling the largest annual gathering of African American musical talent in the Pacific Northwest, will have its world premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Festival. The film is part of the festival’s Shorts: Embrace the Music program and will screen on June 7, 13, and 15, with directors Justin Emeka and Haley Watson appearing in person for all public showings.

The 26-minute film centers on Ramón Bryant Braxton, a musical director and visionary behind a new Juneteenth tradition that honors his family’s legacy and elevates African American artistry in a region not often recognized for its cultural vibrancy. Co-led by his uncle, Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton, the program gathers an intergenerational ensemble of musicians, composers, and performers onto a single stage for an annual concert that has become a touchstone for the African American community in the Pacific Northwest.

“Songs of Black Folk is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural richness of African American artists in the region,” said Emeka and Watson in a joint statement. “Through music and community, the film captures a movement rooted in pride, remembrance, and forward momentum.”

The film offers a deeply personal narrative. As artistic director, Braxton carries the weight of his ancestors while composing and conducting a musical celebration that blends history with innovation. At its heart is his desire to build a legacy not just of music, but of belonging. “I want these artists and audiences to be able to walk with their heads held high,” Braxton says in the film.

A Celebration Rooted in History

Songs of Black Folk commemorates Juneteenth by shining a light on an often-overlooked segment of the African American musical landscape. Set in the Pacific Northwest, where African American communities have long shaped civic and cultural life, the film honors both personal and collective history. With sweeping performances, backstage intimacy, and careful attention to detail, it uplifts voices that have historically been underrepresented on national stages.

The film was directed by Justin Emeka, an award-winning filmmaker and theater director known for his fusion of classical works and African American cultural expression, and Haley Watson, whose previous short, Motorcycle Mary, premiered at Tribeca in 2024 and was later acquired by ESPN’s 30 for 30. This marks Watson’s second consecutive Tribeca world premiere.

Screening Schedule

• Saturday, June 7 at 2:30 PM – Shorts Theater at Spring Studios (Directors In-Person)

• Thursday, June 12 at 11:00 AM – Press/Industry Screening, AMC 19th St. East 6

• Friday, June 13 at 9:00 PM – Shorts Theater at Spring Studios (Directors In-Person)

• Sunday, June 15 at 3:15 PM – AMC 19th St. East 6 (Directors In-Person)

The film is presented alongside four other titles as part of the Embrace the Music shorts showcase. More information is available via the Tribeca Festival website: tribecafilm.com/films/songs-of-black-folk-2025

Credits

Featuring: Ramón Bryant Braxton, Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton

Directed by: Justin Emeka, Haley Watson

Produced by: Haley Watson

Co-Producer: Khari Johnson

Executive Producers: Micheal Beartly, Joseph Todd

Editor: David Faddis

Cinematography: Haley Watson

Sound Supervision & Re-Recording Mixer: Sean Higgins

Colorist: Jacob Fisher

Original Score: Katya Richardson

Conductor & Composer (Live Event): Ramón Bryant Braxton