The Virginia Film Festival (VAFF) is returning for its 38th edition from October 22-26, 2025, bringing a tidal wave of cinematic brilliance to Central Virginia. While the entire schedule is packed with major headliners—including the Opening Night film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, major Gala Screenings like Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein, and Closing Night feature Rental Family with Brendan Fraser—there is one event generating a palpable buzz: the multi-layered experience built around Ryan Coogler’s explosive musical thriller, Sinners.

The festival has dedicated an entire day to exploring the film’s massive cultural footprint, offering both a spectacular theatrical showing and a crucial community discussion.

The highlight event is the *Special Screening of Sinners at The Paramount Theater on Saturday, October 25, at 4:00 PM. This isn’t just a chance to see one of the year’s biggest box office hits; it’s an opportunity to connect with the incredible talent behind it. The film’s breakout star, R&B performer Miles Caton, will be on hand. Caton, who gave an electrifying performance as musician Sammie Moore, will be celebrated during the event, receiving the Achievement in Film Music Award. Attendees are in for a special treat: following the screening, Caton will participate in a conversation about the film before delivering a special musical performance live on stage.

But the experience doesn’t end when the credits roll. The film’s themes—Black legacy, music as a form of resistance, and storytelling through the horror genre—will be the focus of a key community dialogue later that evening. The Black Professional Network is hosting “Sinners: A Post-Screening Dialogue on Black Excellence & Cultural Impact” at The Creator Hub (309 E Water St). Doors open at 7:00 PM, with the discussion beginning at 7:30 PM. This thoughtful conversation will feature local creatives as part of a “Can I Talk To You Cville?” segment, exploring the film’s resonance within the community.

The selection of Sinners for this comprehensive focus is further emphasized by its inclusion in three different VAFF film series: the Black Excellence series, the Music on Film series, and the After Hours series, solidifying its status as a genre-bending, must-see cultural moment. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Sinners at the Virginia Film Festival.