Are you interested in rich, diverse and unusual independent films? How about becoming a filmmaker, crew member, writer or actor? Then you shouldn’t miss the 4th annual Charlotte Black Film Festival. Opening night premieres the award-winning Black Coffee, a comedy about a down-on-his-luck guy who can’t even hold onto a job at his dad’s company, but romance may be brewing where he least expects it. Friday afternoon, the documentary Step Up chronicles the journeys of several African-American fathers as they work to live up to (or make up for) the examples set for them as children. With two dozen films showing, plus a script-writing workshop and panels helmed by casting agents, producers, actors, directors and distributors, the festival is as information-packed as it is entertaining. The festival closes out with the Red Carpet Vision Awards Saturday night, honoring the best submission in each film category. Events held at Studio Movie Grill (210 E. Trade St.) and UNC Charlotte Center City Building (320 E. 9th St.). For more information, visit www.charlotteblackfilmfestival.com. (Emiene Wright)

Price: $30-$175