“Our Blues Make Us Gold” Chosen for Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (July 10,2025) – “Our Blues Make Us Gold,” the vibrant documentary showcasing the rich history and legacy of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, has been chosen for the 23^rd-annual Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival (MVAAF).

The festival takes place in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Aug. 1 - 9, with “Our Blues Make Us Gold” showcased in a featured screening on Saturday, Aug. 2, 3 p.m. in the Vineyard Lounge.

The 1:42-minute documentary from filmmakers Brandon Gerard and Ashley Shantè offers viewers a unique journey through the history of the nation’s largest historically Black college, the oldest of the historically Black land-grant institutions. With key themes of resilience, Black excellence, pride and connection, the film borrows experiences from students and alumni to deliver an emotional message of Aggie Pride. 

“We are so grateful that new viewers will be able to see our love letter to the nation’s largest and leading historically Black university,” said Brandon Gerard. “This film is a story of perseverance and triumph, of challenges and achievement, told through the words of Aggies who trace their success back to the education they received and experiences they had at North Carolina A&T.”

Gerard and Shantè, who share a combined 20 years of experience in filmmaking and media production, will be in attendance at the screening.

Known for amplifying Black voices and celebrating independent work by Black filmmakers, the prestigious annual nine-day festival is a premier destination for Black films. The festival features a diverse lineup of screenings, including features, documentaries and shorts, as well as panel discussions, workshops and social and networking events.

Making its debut on Comcast Xfinity last fall, “Our Blues Make Us Gold,” has gained prominence and acclaim over the past nine months. It debuted on Juneteenth on Prime Video, where it is available to an estimated 250 million viewers worldwide. The film is currently on a four-city, summer premiere tour, with its next stop scheduled for July 18 in Durham, North Carolina.