AAFCA Afro-Latino Short Film Competition
Official Rules & Terms (2025)
1. Organizer
African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA)
324 S. Beverly Dr. Ste. 136
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
AAFCA may amend these rules at any time prior to the official start of the competition.
2. Eligibility
Not eligible: employees, members, producers, contractors, directors, or officers of AAFCA; program partners; or their immediate family/household members.
Void where prohibited.
3. Entry Guidelines
Recommended length: up to 30 minutes.
Each entry must address one of the following themes:
- Environment
- Values and Beliefs
- Food uncertainty
- Immigration
All entries must be received by September 17, 2025 11:59 p.m. PT on the official deadline date.
4. Selection & Screening
From all eligible submissions, 10 films will be chosen as finalists.
By submitting, entrants agree that, if selected, their film will be included in a 72-hour online screening event on AAFCA’s secure platform from September 25–27, 2025.
From this showcase, 3 winning films will be honored live at AAFCA’s event in New York on October 9, 2025.
5. Teams & Collaboration
Groups may collaborate but must designate one Team Leader as the official entrant.
The Team Leader is responsible for all communication with AAFCA and agreement to these rules.
Each team member must sign an affidavit confirming participation and acceptance of these terms.
Entrants submitting individually are subject to the same rules.
AAFCA is not responsible for disputes between collaborators.
6. Filmmaker’s Agreement
All entrants (individuals or Team Leaders) must sign the AAFCA Filmmaker’s Agreement.
If under the legal age of majority, a parent or guardian must co-sign.
The agreement covers rights including:
Permission for AAFCA to screen the film during the 72-hour online showcase.
Permission for AAFCA to promote the film and filmmaker across its platforms.
Retention of ownership by the filmmaker, with limited exhibition rights granted to AAFCA.
Entrants are responsible for all production costs.
Entrants who fail to return required documents within 7 days of notification will be disqualified.
7. Timeline
Competition opens: August 2, 2025.
Submission deadline: September 17, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PT on the official closing date.
Online screening: September 25–27, 2025.
Winners honored: October 9, 2025, in New York.
8. Judging Criteria
Artistic Merit (Story, Creativity, Entertainment Value): 45%
Technical Merit: 25%
Adherence to Theme: 30%
9. General Conditions
Entrants agree that AAFCA has the sole right to interpret, amend, or terminate the program.
Decisions of AAFCA regarding eligibility, judging, and winners are final and binding.
Participation does not create an employment or partnership relationship.
Selected entrants agree to participate in reasonable publicity activities.
Governed by the laws of the State of California. All claims must be resolved in California state or federal courts.
10. Terms of Submission
By submitting, entrants represent and warrant that:
They own all rights to their film and have obtained necessary permissions.
They grant AAFCA the right to screen their film during the 72-hour online showcase and to use materials for publicity.
They indemnify AAFCA and partners from third-party claims related to their entry.
11. Limitations of Liability
AAFCA is not responsible for:
Technical issues, failed uploads, or lost submissions.
Unauthorized tampering, hacking, or third-party interference.
Personal injury, property damage, or data loss resulting from participation.
Any typographical or administrative errors related to this competition.
12. Winners
Finalists will be announced prior to the September 25, 2025 screening.
The top 3 winners will be honored at the AAFCA live event in New York on October 9, 2025.
