12th Annual Khem Fest and Khem Animation Film Festival (KAFF)

A celebration of Black Animation, Gaming and Comic Book Creators. Join us for the Ultimate Afrofuturism Festival on September 26th. Black Star Creative Collective (BSCC) presents KHEM FEST is a convention, festival, and celebration. Our goal of the event is to use comic books, animation, films, and popular culture to develop youth literacy and expression through S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Hence, we created a festival that will feature and promote creators of comics, animation, books, film, and other media with a focus on people of color; culture, concepts, and interests. Our festival is for everyone and a diverse networking event for professionals as well as enthusiasts to aspire, inspire and appreciate people of color contributions as it relates to Popular Arts media. KHEM FEST is not limited to comics. Our events highlight other literary genres like speculative fiction, as well as video games, collectible toys and models, films/documentaries, and all other media related to the Popular Arts. KHEM FEST will also provide relevant, engaging, informative entertainment and professional networking opportunities for the Newark community. Among the attractions provided are interactive activities which include; Animation Film Festival, Marketplace, Comic Book workshops, Panel Discussions, Screenings, and Gaming Lounge. Our organization works with its community partners to promote awareness of the competition and the many activities taking place to serve as a bridge to bring the community together. Interested in Vendng Purchased a VENDOR'S PASS. We have a few spot left. Khem Animation Film Festival/Awards Show Welcome to 9th Annual Khem Animation Film Festival (KAFF) a new addition to the annual Khem Fest to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding creative talent we have within Animation, VFX and Gaming industries. The Awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 26th 6:00 PM at Express Newark, Newark, NJ. The KAFF MISSION is to promote public awareness of animation and the opportunities for minorities within the profession. The KAFF is an independent event putting together an international competition of talented filmmakers and groundbreaking stories, from traditional hand drawing to the new century techniques of design. Our passion for animated films stimulate from being raised in the '80s with Saturday Morning Cartoons, and we want to celebrate those who create them. For more information go to http://filmfreeway.com/kaff PROGRAM SCHEDULE HERE KHEM FEST: GAME JAM Friday, September 25, 2026 Khem Fest ignites with a high-energy Game Jam for high school students, co-sponsored by Express Newark, Prudential Community Programs Grant, NJIT’s National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). Students will collaborate under pressure to design and prototype video games inspired by Afrofuturist themes and principles, mentored by industry professionals. This day focuses on technology, engineering, and math as pathways to creation. Get your tickets for KHEM FEST GAME JAM here!!