It’s hot and it’s black.

Usually that phrase is reserved for Cafe Nuba, the Hottie McHot spoken-word event that the Pan African Arts Society organizes monthly, but it works for the 6th Annual Starz Pan African Film Festival as well.

This year’s theme is hip hop on film, and the VIP kickoff celebration takes place tonight and the festival continues through Sunday at the Starz Film Center. Over 60 films are scheduled for screenings, from features to shorts, documentaries to experimental student pieces, along with various workshops, panel discussions, and award presentations.

Friday’s Cafe Nuba is a special Film Festival edition at Rock Island, so if you only make it once this year, Friday is the night to go. Check out special guests Toni Blackman, M-1 from Dead Prez and The Last Poets. They’ll also screen films and host other poets, with DJ Style N. Fashion and MC Isis leading the way.

It’s definitely gonna be hot.