The Urbanworld® Film Festival and BLACK GIRLS ROCK!® have joined forces in a powerful new alliance that fuses their shared missions and cultural capital to amplify the next generation of cinematic storytellers. This groundbreaking collaboration, spearheaded by founders Stacy Spikes and Beverly Bond, will debut this fall as BGR! Film Fest integrates into Urbanworld’s 29th edition, setting the stage for a bold expansion of opportunities and visibility for filmmakers of color worldwide.

Oct 29th - Nov 02nd 2025!

Your work significantly enhances our mission to platform Black women’s stories and contributions to the film and television industry.

Thank you for your continued support!

Awards & Prizes

AWARDS
Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Episodic Series
Who "ROCKS" Next Award (Under 25)

Rules & Terms

*FILMS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH A PRIVATE LINK
(VIMEO, YOUTUBE, FilmFreeway, SELF HOSTED). OTHER FORMAT/S ARE CURRENTLY NOT ACCEPTED.

*QUALITY STANDARDS MUST BE MET. BELOW 720P RESOLUTION, POOR AUDIO QUALITY, ETC WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

*FILMS CONTAINING ANY OTHER LANGUAGE THAN ENGLISH, MUST HAVE ENGLISH SUBTITLES.

*FILMS MUST BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE LAST TWO YEARS.

*ALL GENRES ARE ACCEPTED.

*ALL FEES ARE NON TRANSFERABLE AND NON REFUNDABLE.
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Claudia Parker

    Having the screening of *Rarely Have You Seen a Fox Like This* at the BGR | Urbanworld Film Festival was truly an epic experience. The festival was bustling with attendees, and our film was excellently promoted throughout the event. We were treated to a wonderful luncheon sponsored by the DGA, and the awards ceremony was genuinely inspiring. Highlights included engaging talkbacks after each block, lively red carpet interviews, celebrity appearances and the beautiful venue located in the Art in Union Square. Overall, it was an unforgettable celebration of independent filmmaking. I can’t wait to submit again next year!

    November 2025
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  • fetti benton

    It was a wonderful experience, and we look forward to it growing on a grand scale. Lots of networking!

    August 2022
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  • Derrick Benton

    Great festival with amazing films and passionate team!

    July 2022
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  • Sallomé Hralima

    The opportunity to screen But Tomorrow at the inaugural BGR! Film Fest was epic! Not only did I feel supported by the festival team and founder, Beverly Bond, but I built new relationships with powerful, talented filmmakers that will last well into the future. Thank you for having so many members of our crew on that stage. We hope to make it in future years.

    July 2022
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  • Joseph Austin II

    BGR! Film Fest was amazing! It was truly an honor for our film (Sundays in July) to be included in the inaugural festival. I look forward to screening more films there in the future! Bravo!!

    July 2022
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