The third annual Hip Hop Film Festival is about to kick off in New York City, and this year, in addition to highlighting a slew of feature films by independent filmmakers, the event will be honoring Melvin Van Peebles with the Legend's Award.

The festival, which provides a platform for young creatives from across the world to showcase their work in film, will return August 2 to August 5 at New York's National Black Theatre.

This year, more than 100 filmmakers who were raised in the hip-hop culture will be featured and given a chance to showcase their content creations, storytelling and cinematic excellence.

Another milestone the HHFF is celebrating this year is its largest class of women yet, with more than 20 ladies being recognized for their work behind the camera. Among them are Oscar nominee Kimberlee Roberts, Saudi Arabian filmmaker Hannaa Saleh and newcomer Ciara Bonaface.

In addition to these highlights, actor, filmmaker, playwright and novelist Melvin Van Peebles is slated to receive the festival's highest honor, the Legend Award, on Sunday, August 5, at 8 p.m. EST.

Watch the festival's founder, CR Capers, share more about the event in the HOT 97 Ebro in the Morning interview, below: