NASHVILLE (AP) — Actor Nate Parker's "Birth of a Nation" is one of the many films to highlight the 10th annual International Black Film Festival in Nashville.

Thousands are expected to attend the five-day festival, which kicks off Wednesday evening with a town hall meeting at Belmont University. The festival showcases films and documentaries of diversity, highlighting skilled independent filmmakers, actors, screenwriters and directors.

Several panel discussions will include actor Lamman Rucker, director David E. Talbert, Phylicia Fant of Warner Bros. Records and producer 9th Wonder.

A variety of films will be screened from "Like Cotton Twines" and "The Good Dinosaur." The documentary "Get in the Way: The Journey of John Lewis" will also be shown.

An awards ceremony will be held Sunday at Fisk University.