ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Participation is open to all undergraduate and graduate students, as well as student organizations, enrolled at any HBCU during the 2025–2026 academic year, including Fall 2026 graduates.
Films must be directed by an HBCU student. (Music videos and vlogs are not permissible at this time.)
REGISTRATION
Registration is required. All submissions will be password protected.
To register email the following information to hbcu@autumnsunfest.org (Please allow 1–2 days for your confirmation email to arrive.)
1. FIRST AND LAST NAME
2. COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
3. PHONE NUMBER
4. EMAIL
FESTIVAL GUIDELINES:
Students may submit multiple films, but each entry must be submitted separately.
Submissions containing nudity, violence, strong language, or other suggestive themes must include an appropriate viewer discretion warning.
Films must not exceed a runtime of 45 minutes.
For the best quality, films should be submitted in a 16:9 aspect ratio.
While not mandatory, closed captioning is strongly encouraged to support accessibility for all audiences.
Films in languages other than English must include clear, legible English subtitles.
When submitting, please include the following:
1. A headshot of the submitting student.
2. Still images from the film.
3. Associated social media accounts. Personal or business.
Prize Funds
Prize funds are non-transferable and must be allocated solely toward the educational, creative, or professional development activities of the winning filmmaker(s) or student organization.
Disbursement of funds will be made directly to the individual student recipient(s) or to their accredited HBCU on their behalf, as determined by the festival organizers.
All recipients must provide verification of enrollment and submit documentation detailing the intended use of funds in accordance with festival guidelines prior to disbursement.
For all other questions or assistance, please text 313.680.9699 or email hbcu@autumnsunfest.org
