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, 2026 Ep 117: More Than a Movie: Building Community Through Black Film with Troy and Chi of Black Film Club Collective What 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 About How Black Film Club Collective grew from living room conversations into a thriving cultural community Why film creates a unique space for connection, dialogue, and deeper understanding across cultures How screenings became a way to rebuild community after the pandemic The power of discussing movies instead of just watching them What makes a film "Black" — even when people don't immediately think of it that way How their Fine Lines exhibition evolved into a larger storytelling and archival project Why community, memory, and family stories matter in preserving neighborhood history The unexpected joy of becoming artists, curators, and filmmakers along the way If you love film, culture, community building, or thoughtful conversations, this episode is for you.

Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to noseyAF 02:18 - The Origins of Black Film Club Collective 20:23 - Exploring the House of the Collective 25:56 - The Evolution of Screenings and Audience Engagement 32:24 - Introduction to Fine Lines Project 44:12 - The Journey of Artistic Discovery 47:48 - Transitioning from Artists to Curators 54:43 - Discussion on Black Films All about Troy & Chi You'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 Mentioned Black Film Club Collective Fine Lines Exhibition Chicago Film Symposium Love Jones Mississippi Masala Atlantics Banel & Adama My Father's Shadow Love Brooklyn Sinners House of the Collective (gotta be picked for this link , i dont even have this plug yall) LOL!

Connect with Black Film Club Collective IG: @ blackfilmclubcltv Website: Stay 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 free noseyAF is a project of Stephanie Graham's art practice — photography, film, and documentary work rooted in community, culture, and everyday stories. → See the work More ways to connect Email: stephanie@ Follow on IG: @stephaniegraham Listen to more episodes: Support & Feedback noseyAF is listener-supported — thank you for being here. 💛 ⭐ Rate & Review the Show 📣 Share noseyAF with a friend who needs to hear this Episode Credits Lyrics: Queen Lex | Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam | Cover Art: Emma McGoldrick