Sanaa Lathan and Gina Prince-Bythewood Reunite to Celebrate 25 Years of Love & Basketball and Launch the HBCU First LOOK 2026 Film Challenge
Twenty-five years after Love & Basketball redefined romance, ambition, and the portrayal of women in sports, actress Sanaa Lathan and director Gina Prince-Bythewood reunited in a powerful celebration during NBA All-Star Week — and this time, it was about legacy and the future.
Hosted at the Maybourne Beverly Hills, the HBCU First LOOK Film Festival (HBCUFLF) marked the milestone anniversary of the beloved classic while officially launching the 2026 HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge. The moment was more than nostalgia — it was a cultural reset.
Moderated by CNN chief legal analyst and anchor Laura Coates, the evening featured an all-star panel that reflected the intersection of cinema and sports. Joining Prince-Bythewood and Lathan were WNBA legends Candace Parker and Cheryl Miller, journalist Cari Champion, and pioneering sports commentator Jayne Kennedy — each representing different eras of excellence.
“This event is more than a celebration of cinematic achievement; it exemplifies how powerful stories can reshape paradigms,” said Sheila Eldridge, CEO of Miles Ahead Entertainment and founder of HBCUFLF. “We are at a crucial intersection where storytelling meets advocacy, forging new pathways for future generations.”
The heartfelt discussion centered on the enduring impact of Love & Basketball — a film that didn’t just entertain, but expanded how women athletes were seen on screen and in society. It became a blueprint for nuanced storytelling about Black love, ambition, and equality.
Cari Champion took a moment to honor those who paved the way, stating, “Thank you, Jayne Kennedy, for paving the way for every woman on this stage.” She also acknowledged journalist Jemele Hill for continuing to push meaningful conversations around representation in sports.
The audience reflected the significance of the night, with VIP guests including Vanessa Bell Calloway, Loni Love, Erika Ringor, Tia Beauchamp, and Jemele Hill. With support from CNN, TNT Sports, OWN, Warner Bros. Discovery, Black Girl Vitamins, and Visit East Point, the event showcased how art, culture, and advocacy intersect to shape community and opportunity.
Beyond honoring the past, the evening ignited the future.
The 2026 HBCU First LOOK Film Challenge officially opened submissions on February 12, 2026, and will accept entries through August 28, 2026. The festival returns to Howard University in Washington, D.C., November 5–7, continuing its mission to amplify HBCU filmmakers and create tangible industry pathways.
For a generation inspired by Love & Basketball, this wasn’t just an anniversary — it was a call to action.
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