The American Visionaries Film Festival (AVFF) is a quarterly in-person event held in Atlanta, Georgia, dedicated to showcasing films created by people of color (POC), women filmmakers, filmmakers with disabilities, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. Our mission is to amplify these voices while exploring socially relevant themes such as cultural representation, social justice, and empowerment.

Awards & Prizes

Festival Prizes for the American Visionaries Film Festival (AVFF):

First-place winners will receive gifts, prizes, and professional services in recognition of their outstanding work. Additionally, winners in each category will receive a certificate and an automatic non-exclusive affiliate and distribution deal with AVFFTV.com for all official festival selections.

OFFICIAL SELECTION RECOGNITION
Prize: Official Selection status for all films accepted and screened at the festival.
Benefit: All filmmakers whose works are accepted into the festival will receive the prestigious "Official Selection" label, which they can proudly display on promotional materials, social media, and future submissions to other festivals.

FILM SCREENING ON AVFF STREAMING PLATFORM
Prize: Winning films will be featured for an extended screening slot on AVFF’s online streaming platform.
Benefit: This provides the filmmakers with exposure to a broader, engaged online audience. Their films will be available for viewing, helping to increase visibility and attract new followers, distributors, or collaborators.
How to Implement: The selected films will be showcased on the platform for a defined period (e.g., one month), with promotional support to maximize viewership.

FILMMAKER INTERVIEW
Prize: A personalized interview (either in podcast or video format) with the winning filmmakers.
Benefit: The interview allows filmmakers to share their process, challenges, and experiences with a wider audience, increasing their profile and building their brand.
How to Implement: Arrange a session where the filmmaker is interviewed about their film, creative process, and journey. The interview will be shared across AVFF's digital platforms, including social media and the website.

PANEL DISCUSSION AND MASTERCLASS
Prize: Winning filmmakers are invited to participate in a panel discussion or host a masterclass for aspiring filmmakers or the general audience.
Benefit: Filmmakers get the opportunity to share their expertise and insights with others, positioning themselves as thought leaders in the film community.

Rules & Terms

American Visionaries Film Festival (AVFF) General Rules and Terms

The following general rules and terms apply to all submissions and participation in the American Visionaries Film Festival (AVFF). By submitting a film to AVFF, you agree to comply with all rules and conditions outlined here.

1. Eligibility and Submission Guidelines
Open to All Filmmakers: AVFF is open to filmmakers from around the world, with no restrictions based on nationality or location. Submissions are welcome from individuals or teams who identify as people of color (POC), women, filmmakers with disabilities, or other underrepresented groups.
Original Works Only: All submitted films must be original works, and the submitter must own all rights to the content. No works that infringe upon any copyright or intellectual property rights will be accepted.
Languages and Subtitles: Films must be in English or have English subtitles if in another language.
Genres and Themes: Films from all genres and themes are encouraged, though they must align with AVFF’s core values of cultural representation, social justice, empowerment, and the elevation of underrepresented voices.
Film Length:
Short Films: Must be no longer than 40 minutes.
Feature Films: Must be longer than 120 minutes.
Film Format: Films should be submitted in the following formats: .mp4, .mov, or .avi. AVFF may request other formats as needed for screening.
No Distribution Restrictions: Films submitted should not have had a wide theatrical release or been broadcast on a national or international scale.
2. Submission Process
Submission Platform: All submissions must be made through the official AVFF submission platform (e.g., FilmFreeway, Withoutabox, etc.).
Entry Fees: AVFF may charge an entry fee to submit a film. The submission fee is non-refundable and must be paid at the time of submission. Any fees are subject to change based on deadlines and submission categories.
Submission Deadline: All submissions must be received by the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered beyond the late submissions' deadline, and no exceptions will be made.
Screening Formats: Films must be submitted in the required digital format for consideration.
3. Selection and Screening
Official Selection: Films selected for screening will receive the “Official Selection” status and will be featured during the festival, either virtually or in person, as determined by AVFF.
Screening Schedule: AVFF reserves the right to select the screening schedule and the method of exhibition (in-person, virtual, and/or hybrid). The festival may also provide additional promotional opportunities for selected films.
Film Content Restrictions: AVFF will not accept films that contain illegal, defamatory, or harmful content, including but not limited to hate speech, explicit content that violates platform guidelines, or any form of discrimination. The festival maintains the right to reject any film that violates these standards.
4. Awards and Prizes
Visionary Award for Best Picture: The winner of the Visionary Award will be selected from all films screened at the festival (not by category) and will receive a cash prize, an extended screening on AVFF’s streaming platform, and additional promotional opportunities.
Category Awards: Best films in each category (e.g., Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, etc.) will receive non-monetary awards. These may include promotional support and visibility.
Official Selection Recognition: All filmmakers whose films are accepted and screened will receive the “Official Selection” label, which they can proudly display on promotional materials and social media.
Screening on AVFF Platform: Winning films will be granted an extended screening slot on AVFF’s streaming platform for a defined period.
Additional Benefits: All selected filmmakers may be offered opportunities for interviews, participation in panel discussions, or hosting masterclasses to share insights with aspiring filmmakers.
5. Filmmaker Participation
Filmmaker Availability: Filmmakers whose films are selected for screening should be available for interviews (either virtual or in-person) or to participate in panel discussions and masterclasses.
Film Promotion: By submitting their film, filmmakers grant AVFF the right to use film stills, clips, and promotional materials for festival marketing and promotional purposes. This may include AVFF’s website, social media, newsletters, and press releases.
6. Rights and Distribution
Copyright Ownership: Filmmakers must own all rights to their films, including copyright, music, and any other content used. Filmmakers are responsible for securing the necessary rights for all third-party material used in their films.
Festival Rights: By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants AVFF the right to screen the film as part of the festival. If the film is selected, AVFF may also include the film on its digital streaming platform for promotional purposes.
Film Distribution: AVFF does not take ownership of any film’s rights. The festival will not distribute films outside the scope of the festival unless authorized by the filmmaker.
7. Liability
Film Submission Liability: Filmmakers are solely responsible for the content and legal rights associated with their films. AVFF is not responsible for any legal disputes arising from copyright infringement or other issues related to the submission.
Loss or Damage: AVFF is not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of submitted films during the submission, selection, or screening process.
8. Use of Festival Materials
Festival Materials: Filmmakers may use the AVFF logo and branding on their promotional materials only if their film is selected. All uses must be in accordance with the festival's guidelines.
Promotion and Social Media: Filmmakers are encouraged to share information about their participation in the festival via social media, including the official AVFF hashtag.
9. Code of Conduct
Respect and Professionalism: AVFF is committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment. Filmmakers, attendees, and all involved in the festival are expected to adhere to a code of conduct that promotes professionalism and mutual respect.
Harassment: AVFF has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or discrimination. Any individual who violates this code will be disqualified from participation.
10. Miscellaneous
Changes to Rules: AVFF reserves the right to modify or update these rules at any time. Filmmakers will be notified of significant changes in submission guidelines, dates, or festival procedures.
Agreement to Terms: By submitting a film, the filmmaker agrees to comply with all rules and conditions outlined in this document. Failure to do so may result in disqualification from the festival.
For Further Inquiries:
If you have any questions about the festival or the submission process, please contact the festival organizers via the official AVFF website or submission platform.