Bronx World Film Cycle Summer 2025 Concludes with Moving Tributes and Cultural Brilliance
- Taylor Lynn
- Sep 7
- 3 min read
From Afro-Boricua Rhythms to Indigenous Voices, the Festival Celebrated Heritage, Roots, and Liberation
The Bronx World Film Cycle Summer 2025 closed its weeklong run on a note of cultural pride, reflection, and celebration, marking another successful chapter in the borough’s roving cinémathèque. Held across multiple venues from August 26 through Labor Day, the festival not only highlighted groundbreaking independent films but also created a space for community, ancestral remembrance, and the living power of tradition.
Honoring Emerita Foster and the Essence of Bomba
The festival opened with an emotional tribute to the late Emerita Foster, remembered as both an inspiration and pillar of cultural expression. The invocation was led by her life partner, Dr. Drum (José Ortiz), Resident Percussionist and Master of Afro-Boricua traditions, who was joined by Nelson Seda in a powerful percussive offering.
In a heartfelt reflection on the importance of Bomba, Dr. Drum spoke of the cultural and spiritual significance of Bomba, calling it “the essence of the African soul.” He reminded the audience that “Bomba is our African roots, although the language has changed, so it now has a different story for different people. Bomba raises you up and allows you to liberate yourself. We must understand who we are and our freedom.”
He tied this ancestral expression to broader histories of liberation, noting Puerto Rico’s abolition of slavery in 1873 and how Bomba, once practiced primarily by enslaved and free Black communities, has since grown into a cultural form embraced widely today. Yet, as Dr. Drum emphasized, its true power lies in remembering its roots as a tool of resistance, identity, and freedom.
Spotlight on Indigenous Voices and Women Leaders
A standout moment came with the special performance by Zara Monrroy and Brenda Cabrera, Cultural Ambassadors of the Comcaac/Seri Nation of Sonora, Mexico. Representing Indigenous people from Shark Island (Mexico’s largest island), the women shared both music and testimony as defenders of their land, sea, and endangered cultural heritage.
Their presentation included handcrafted works reflecting the richness of their maritime traditions, alongside the screening of We Are Small, a short film directed by Fernanda Galindo, written by and starring Monrroy herself. The story underscored themes of resilience and identity, offering audiences an intimate view of Seri life and challenges.
A Feast of Global and Local Creativity
True to its mission of celebrating diverse artistic voices, the festival also showcased a wide range of visual arts. Both local Bronx talent and international artists were invited to present paintings, jewelry, and handcrafted works, many of which excited attendees eager to take home unique expressions of culture and style. The exchanges between artists and audiences highlighted the event’s commitment to being both a film festival and a cultural exchange hub.
Bronx World Film Cycle: A Festival that Looks Forward
With standing ovations, engaged audiences, and a schedule that wove together film, music, dance, and craft, the Bronx World Film Cycle Summer 2025 reaffirmed its role as both an international showcase and a deeply local celebration. Its success sets the stage for the upcoming Winter 2025 edition in Manhattan, where the dialogue between global artistry and community voices will continue to expand.
In the words of one longtime attendee leaving the final program: “Every year, this festival reminds us who we are, where we come from, and why art has the power to liberate.” About Bronx World Film Cycle
Founded in 2011 by Walter Krochmal, Bronx World Film Cycle is a pioneering “roving cinémathèque” dedicated to showcasing independent films and cultural programming that reflect the diversity of global communities. With its flagship Winter Cycle in Manhattan and its Summer Cycle launched in The Bronx in 2017, the festival brings together local and international filmmakers, artists, and audiences for dialogue through cinema, performance, and the arts. Its mission is to create inclusive cultural spaces that elevate women, youth, and filmmakers of color, while celebrating traditions, innovations, and the shared stories that connect us all.