Compton's Hub City International Film Festival Announces St. John's Community Health as Title Sponsor for 3rd Annual Festival

This year, St. John's Community Health joins CHCIFF as the festival's Title Sponsor, reinforcing a commitment to community connection through Film, Music, Education, and Health & Wellness. Ladies Touch, Inc. serves as the festival's fiscal sponsor.

LADIES TOUCH: WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT

The festival's Ladies Touch: Women in Entertainment theme begins with Festival Ambassador Camille Tucker, an acclaimed writer, director, producer, NAACP Image Award nominee, and Compton native. Tucker is the daughter and sister of former Compton mayors Walker Tucker II and Walker Tucker III, connecting her entertainment career to the city's history and legacy.

FRIDAY — RED CARPET, CAR WASH, JJFAD & 1970s DISCO/FUNK

Opening night features a red-carpet celebration and the 50th Anniversary Encore Screening of the comedy classic Car Wash, with director Michael Schultz participating in a special Q&A; with a few cast members. The evening continues with a documentary celebrating Compton's hip-hop darlings, the legendary JJFAD (JJ Fad). The night then moves into a 1970s Disco/Funk celebration at Compton's own Odyssey 21, inviting guests to boogie into the night in bell bottoms, afros, minis, and maxi skirts.

SATURDAY — YOUTH, EDUCATION, HEALTH & WELLNESS

Saturday begins with opening words from Assemblymember Mike Gipson, followed by a showcase of films created by students from Compton Unified School District and youth filmmakers from across the country and abroad. The festival will also present a documentary highlighting St. John's Community Health from the Compton College campus, followed by a Q&A; with Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell. The day also features the World Premiere of Howard Scott: Straight Into Compton, directed by Compton's own Howard Scott Jr.

WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT — CAREERS & OPPORTUNITY

The Ladies Touch: Women in Entertainment programming continues with Landi Maduro's "The Filmmaker's Revenue Blueprint", an educational workshop focused on revenue opportunities and sustainable creative careers. Producer and Casting Director Monica R. Cooper will lead an Actors Workshop running both Saturday and Sunday, offering practical insight into casting, auditions, career development, and the entertainment business.

AI FILMMAKING — THE FUTURE OF STORYTELLING

CHCIFF will explore the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and filmmaking with an AI Filmmakers Q&A; featuring Dwayne Alexander Smith, Writer & AI Director; Ben Ramsey, Writer & AI Director; and Ayanna Henderson, Business & Marketing Professor, Digital Creator, and the only Compton native of the group. The conversation will examine how AI is changing storytelling, filmmaking, marketing, and business opportunities for creators.

MUSIC ON CAMPUS

If you sit quietly enough, you may hear the Compton Deltas on campus. CHCIFF will feature the Compton Deltas' Annual Jazz Concert starring Will Downing, bringing music, community, and culture together for a special live performance.

SUNDAY — DESRETA JACKSON, CHOPS & AWARDS

Sunday features speaker and producer Desreta Jackson, known for portraying young Celie in The Color Purple. Jackson will discuss her experience as a child actress, stepping away from the entertainment industry, and returning as an adult producer. The festival will also present the premiere of the melodrama series CHOPS, directed by Hakim A. Khalfani. The nonlinear story offers a window into the making of an independent film through the lens of Detroit culture while addressing the importance of Mental Health Awareness. The festival will conclude with an award ceremony honoring filmmakers, artists, contributors, and community partners.

MORE THAN A FILM FESTIVAL

CHCIFF 2026 is designed as a cultural experience that brings together Film, Music, Education, Health & Wellness, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and community. Programming will include youth films, workshops, special screenings, live music, health and wellness resources, vendors, networking opportunities, and conversations about mental health.

"The Compton culture will be personified internationally at this year's festival. Through film, music, education, health and wellness, and community, we are showcasing the creativity, resilience, and excellence of Compton while welcoming filmmakers and audiences from around the world to experience our city's story."

Website: www.comptonfilmfestival.com
Phone: (310) 627-7396
ML Davis, Founder & Executive Director
Title Sponsor: St. John's Community Health
Fiscal Sponsor: Ladies Touch, Inc.

Celebrating independent films in Compton, California.

Contact us

Contact

comptonshubcityiff@gmail.com

310-281-6038

© 2026 Compton's Hub City International Film Festival. All Rights Reserved.