284 Excellence Film Festival

The objective of the 284 Excellence Film Festival is to create a globally recognised event that celebrates outstanding achievements in filmmaking while highlighting the richness and diversity of Caribbean stories. The festival will be providing a platform to showcase films that capture unique perspectives, with a special focus on narratives that celebrate Caribbean heritage, culture, and tales.

The date of the festival is 30th October to 2nd November, and will take place in the British Virgin Islands.

The event calls to any filmmaker who has a film that meets the requirements, established in the terms and conditions section, of any nationality in any part of the world.

We offer for the International and Regional Official Selections discounted lodging, food and VIP pass to attend the festival.

The 284 Excellence Film Festival (284XFFF) is now accepting film entries for our 2025 Festival.

We encourage exceptional filmmaking from around the world by filmmakers dedicated to bringing Caribbean literature to life by adapting stories penned by Caribbean authors for the screen.

Our mission is to celebrate and amplify the rich tapestry of Caribbean narratives, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region's literary heritage through the art of filmmaking.

Please read the following information fully and complete the online submission form found on FilmFreeway.

284 Excellence Film Festival DOES NOT GRANT WAIVERS FOR ENTRY FEES. (Early Bird, Regular or Late deadlines applies). You are encouraged to submit prior to the deadline for a reduced fee. There are no refunds after submission.

284XFF Eligibility

Entries MUST be written, directed, produced and/or principally acted by a person of colour. This is mandatory for consideration. Works in progress are not allowed.

More than one entry can be submitted; however, each entry must be accompanied by a separate online submission form, entry fee, color JPEG publicity photo, one - two sentence synopsis and URL link and password. Year of completion must be 2024 or later.

Foreign language films must have English subtitles.

The URL link and password for selected films must be available until 2nd November, 2025.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If selected, we will have very time-sensitive correspondence that is sent immediately after the online announcement; therefore, an immediate response is imperative.

Add us to your contacts - 284excellencefilmfestival@gmail.com. Be sure to include the cell phone number of the submitter. THIS IS MANDATORY.

Completion of the entry form certifies that you are the rightful owner of the submitted work and own all rights and releases necessary for public screening, that all legal clearances and releases including, but not limited to talent, intellectual property, music, or stock footage are the responsibility of the filmmaker, and that the submitted film is not subject to litigation and is not threatened by litigation.

If selected, you agree to provide a final exhibition downloadable link and password upon request as well as a DCP for theatrical playback. You give permission for 284XFFF to utilise clips or stills of your entry for festival promotional purposes (including but not limited to television, web, and presentations).

284XFF encourages at least a premiere in your home country for the selections. Projects may have distribution but not yet had a theatrical release, airplay on television, or broadcast on the Internet (excluding music videos).

If a selected film has had airplay on television, or release to an online platform prior to the festival it will be ineligible and removed from our screening line-up.

The Official Selection Announcement will be made in mid August 2025 via an official acceptance sent email and telephone call.

Submission and Judging Categories include:

- Feature Film (narrative fiction): (40 minutes +)
- International Feature (narrative fiction): (40 minutes +)
- Short Film (40 minutes or less)
- Documentary: (40 minutes +)
- Short Documentary: (up to 29 minutes)
- Music Video: (must be an original song, not a cover and not to exceed 10:00)
- Student Shorts: (no less than 5 minutes and up to 7 minutes); must be written, shot, directed, and produced by students.
- Student Viral Video Challenge: No more than 1 minute and 30 secs.

Note:
- Best Actress *
- Best Actor *

* Please be sure to list the name and their character's name in your credit.

Winner Information & Delivery Clause – 284 Excellence Film Festival

All winners of the 284 Excellence Film Festival are required to submit complete and accurate personal and delivery information, including full name, valid contact details, and correct delivery address, within 3 months (90 calendar days) of official notification.

The organization will rely solely on the information provided by the winner for the delivery of any awards, including cash prizes and trophies. The 284 Excellence Film Festival shall not be held responsible for failed deliveries, delays, or losses resulting from incorrect, incomplete, or outdated information submitted by the winner.

Failure to submit the required information within the specified timeframe, or submission of inaccurate information that prevents successful delivery, will result in the automatic forfeiture of the award, without any right to claim, replacement, or compensation.