Overview
- Playback was announced on Thursday, July 30, 2026, and will run November 6–7 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
- The festival is co-hosted by Clara Wu Tsai and filmmaker Spike Lee and produced by Nicholas Ma, who previously produced Won’t You Be My Neighbor? and Unfinished Business.
- Programming will include repertory screenings of Lee’s work, films by local filmmakers, curated conversations, a free afternoon block party outside BAM, and a special Crooklyn screening with appearances by Spike Lee and Alfre Woodard.
- Organizers say guest curators, specific talent and full lineup details will be announced in the coming months and tickets are scheduled to go on sale in September 2026.
- BAM president Tamara McCaw formally endorsed the partnership and organizers position the festival as a civic cultural initiative that aims to spotlight Brooklyn artists, bring residents together and boost local venues and vendors.