More Than a Movie: Building Community Through Black Film with Black Film Club Collective

This episode was recorded live at Lumpen Radio on Saturday, July 11, 2026Ep 117: More Than a Movie: Building Community Through Black Film with Troy and Chi of Black Film Club CollectiveWhat happens when a love of movies turns into a movement?This week, Stephanie sits down with Troy and Chi of Black Film Club Collective, a Chicago-based platform creating spaces for people to gather, watch films, and have the conversations that happen after the credits roll. From apartment screenings to citywide events, they share how film became a catalyst for community, connection, and cultural preservation.What We Talk AboutHow Black Film Club Collective grew from living room conversations into a thriving cultural communityWhy film creates a unique space for connection, dialogue, and deeper understanding across culturesHow screenings became a way to rebuild community after the pandemicThe power of discussing movies instead of just watching themWhat makes a film "Black" — even when people don't immediately think of it that wayHow their Fine Lines exhibition evolved into a larger storytelling and archival projectWhy community, memory, and family stories matter in preserving neighborhood historyThe unexpected joy of becoming artists, curators, and filmmakers along the wayIf you love film, culture, community building, or thoughtful conversations, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 - Introduction to noseyAF02:18 - The Origins of Black Film Club Collective20:23 - Exploring the House of the Collective25:56 - The Evolution of Screenings and Audience Engagement32:24 - Introduction to Fine Lines Project44:12 - The Journey of Artistic Discovery47:48 - Transitioning from Artists to Curators54:43 - Discussion on Black FilmsAll about Troy & ChiYou're gonna love Troy and Chi, they're thoughtful, joyful, and deeply committed to creating spaces where people can gather around Black storytelling. As the co-founders of Black Film Club Collective, they've built a Chicago-based platform centered on screenings, exhibitions, conversations, and cultural programming that celebrates Black film and visual culture. Their work brings together audiences, artists, filmmakers, and community members to engage with stories that inspire connection, reflection, and dialogue.Things We MentionedBlack Film Club CollectiveFine Lines ExhibitionChicago Film SymposiumLove JonesMississippi MasalaAtlanticsBanel & AdamaMy Father's ShadowLove BrooklynSinnersHouse of the Collective (gotta be picked for this link , i dont even have this plug yall) LOL!Connect with Black Film Club CollectiveIG: @blackfilmclubcltvWebsite: https://blkfilmclub.comStay Connected📬 Get the noseyAF Dispatch — all the month's episodes, straight to your inbox once a month. → Subscribe here🏡 Grab the Good Neighbor Playbook — practical ways to build stronger connections in your neighborhood. → Download it freenoseyAF is a project of Stephanie Graham's art practice — photography, film, and documentary work rooted in community, culture, and everyday stories. → See the workMore ways to connectEmail: [email protected] on IG: @stephaniegrahamListen to more episodes: noseyaf.comSupport & FeedbacknoseyAF is listener-supported — thank you for being here. 💛⭐ Rate & Review the Show📣 Share noseyAF with a friend who needs to hear thisEpisode CreditsLyrics: Queen Lex | Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam | Cover Art: Emma McGoldrick