HOUSTON, Oct. 3 (Xinhua) -- A black indie film festival debuted on Thursday night in Houston, the fourth largest U.S. city rich in diversity, with an aim to gain global attention and connect people worldwide.

About 20 films from the United States, France and a number of African countries will be highlighted during the Black Independent Filmmakers Association (BIFA) Houston Film Festival, Thomas Carter, CEO and founder of BIFA, told Xinhua at the opening ceremony.

"We have more in common than we don't. So it's very important if we are going to survive as a species, that we learn how to communicate, how to share ideas, and how to help each other right in a time of need," said the African American award-winning filmmaker, "And the only way to get those stories out is by having a global festival."

BIFA Board President Antrone Harris, an actor and a producer, said BIFA, founded last year, hopes the festival can help pave the way for "the generation that's to come," especially young writers and directors.

"We are expecting this to turn into a worldwide known organization, not just here domestically, but internationally as well, connecting with China or Africa, bridging the gap between America and the other countries," Harris told Xinhua in an interview.

The festival will conclude on Sunday with a red carpet awards gala. Enditem

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