Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood Return to Urbanworld as Ambassadors of 30th Anniversary Festival

Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood will serve as ambassadors of the 30th annual Urbanworld Film Festival taking place Oct. 14-18 in New York City.

The post marks a notable return to Urbanworld for the married filmmakers who have a long history with the festival. Prince-Bythewood screened her adaptation of The Secret Life of Bees at Urbanworld in 2008, and the 2014 festival opened with her romance drama Beyond the Lights. Bythewood also brought ESPN’s 30 for 30 episode “One Night in Vegas” to Urbanworld in 2010 and the BET TV movie Gun Hill in 2013. The pair attended the festival in support of NatGeo’s Genius: MLK/X in 2023 as well.

“Urbanworld has been a consistent touchstone for filmmakers to bring our stories, connect with our community and support the next generation, and it has always felt like home for us,” the pair said in a joint statement. “We’re honored to return as festival ambassadors to celebrate 30 years of Urbanworld while sharing what’s next. Art over fear.”

As ambassadors, the Bythewoods will give audiences a unique look into their personal and creative journeys through special programming at The New School, Urbanworld’s Innovation Summit partner. There will also be a spotlight moment highlighting Prince-Bythewood’s upcoming adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone, ahead of its Jan. 15, 2027 release, at Regal Union Square, the festival’s host theater.

“Gina and Reggie represent the caliber of artists and storytellers we want to celebrate at Urbanworld,” said festival director Verona Cesair Jones in a news release. “Their work, leadership and commitment to storytelling have made an undeniable impact on our industry. As I begin my first year leading the festival and Urbanworld celebrates 30 years, we’re proud to honor them as our festival ambassadors and give them their flowers.”

Urbanworld was founded in 1997 by Stacy Spikes as a space to champion established and emerging multicultural storytellers; three decades later, Spikes remains committed to that mission.

“Gina and Reggie have been part of the Urbanworld story for many years, and having them return together as festival ambassadors is a powerful way to celebrate our 30th anniversary,” said Spikes. “Urbanworld has always been about creating a platform for artists to tell their stories, build community, and open doors for those coming behind them. Gina and Reggie embody that spirit, and we’re proud to celebrate them as we look toward Urbanworld’s next 30 years.”