The BLK INK Short Film Premiere (BISFP) aims to showcase short films by emerging Black filmmakers from across the country, with a particular interest in films by artists from Louisiana and the Gulf Coast Region. Five films will be featured at the Premiere, followed by a panel discussion led by Gian Smith, Award-Winning Filmmaker and Founder of the Black Film Festival of New Orleans.

Awards & Prizes

Five short films will premiere at the event during the annual BLK INK Book Festival - New Orleans. One filmmaker will be awarded $500 to help further develop their project.

Rules & Terms

The submission period for the short film premiere will run from December 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025. Filmmakers can submit as many films as they wish; however, each submission requires a separate fee. Please be advised that the selection is highly competitive, and filmmakers are encouraged to submit only their best works.
Filmmakers must be comfortable answering questions regarding their films and be prepared to be filmed on camera.

All works must be original, and the rights must belong to the filmmaker. All films where the filmmaker does not own the rights will not be considered in this event. If selected, the filmmaker must provide the following:

A Biography
A Trailer (preferred but not required)
Production Stills
2-3 Photographs of the Filmmaker
Short Synopsis of the film