The Baltimore International Black Film Festival (BIBFF) is produced by the 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit social /service organization SOGAA, Inc. Our mission is to support unity in the community and foster education with the best in independent film-making while enhancing the diverse cultural landscape and economic vitality of Baltimore City. With its unique paring of films by African Americans, the African Diaspora and members of the Same Gender Loving - Bisexual and Transgender (SGLBT) community, the Baltimore International Black Film Festival serves a dual purpose of providing a venue and platform for independent films created for, by and about African Americans, the African Diaspora and members the SGLBT community locally, nationally and globally.

Awards and trophies will be issued to films in the following categories:

Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best International Feature
Best Narrative Short (Action, Animated, Comedy, Drama, Suspense and Thriller)
Best Documentary Short (Drama and Educational/Historical)
Best International Short
Best Web Series
Best Baltimore Film (Feature & Short)
Best Youth Film
Audience Award (Narrative, Feature and Short)
Oscar Micheaux Award (Awarded to first time Director)

Winners of the Oscar Micheaux Award will receive an InkTip Script Listing to promote themselves and their scripts to InkTip’s entire network of producers, managers, and agents.

Filmmaker Benefits:
• Filmmaker Badge with full access to all screenings and events
• 2 Complimentary Tickets for the filmmaker's screening
• Filmmaker reception including networking with industry professionals
• Discounted accommodations for filmmakers
• Industry-oriented seminars and workshops
• Potential for one-on-one meetings with prominent entertainment industry professionals
• Complimentary admission for some of the leading tourist and cultural attractions in and around the City of Baltimore

Award Additional
• Award eligibility is subject to any restrictions or conditions imposed by applicable laws and regulations (international, federal, state or otherwise), and the award recipient is responsible for all applicable taxes, customs, tariffs, insurance and similar charges or costs (if any).
• All new Narrative Features by first time directors at BIBFF2024 are eligible for the Oscar Micheaux Award. The BIBFF in its sole discretion may also consider North American or International Premieres for the Best New Narrative or Best New Documentary Awards
• All new Features and Documentaries are eligible for the “Audience Award,” regardless of section.
• 2024 Awards listed in the above Festival sections and Awards sections are subject to change

Narrative Features
• Eligible for: Best Narrative Feature, Oscar Micheaux Award (1st time directors only), Best International Feature and Audience Award
• Must be over 45 minutes in length.
• Open to works from all regions but must be at least a Baltimore “Premiere” and must not have had any commercial theatrical or television play in Baltimore.
• Only works completed after January 1, 2023, are eligible for competition and awards
• The Writer, Director, Producer (if 1 sole producer only) must be of African descent OR must tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in a leading role.

Documentary Features
• Eligible for: Best Documentary Feature, Best International Film, Audience Award
• Must be over 45 minutes in length.
• Open to works from all regions but must be at least a Baltimore “Premiere” and must not have had any commercial theatrical or television play in Baltimore.
• Only works completed after January 1, 2023, are eligible for competition and awards
• The Writer, Director, Producer (if 1 sole producer only) must be of African descent OR must tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in a leading role.

Documentary Shorts (Narrative and Documentary)
• Eligible for: Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short and Audience award
• Open to works from all regions but must be at least a Baltimore “Premiere” and must not have had any commercial theatrical or television play in Baltimore.
• Only works completed after January 1, 2023, are eligible for competition and awards
• The Writer, Director, Producer (if 1 sole producer only) must be of African descent OR must tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in a leading role.
• Student Shorts must be produced through an accredited educational institution.
• Shorts will play either in a Shorts program or before a Feature film.
• Submission must have a high-quality NTSC file available.

Web Series
• Eligible for: Best Web Series and Audience award
• Open to works from all regions in the US and internationally
• Only works completed after January 1, 2023, are eligible for competition and awards
• The Writer, Director, Producer (if 1 sole producer only) must be of African descent OR must tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in a leading role.
• Entrants must submit three (3) original episodes of the Web Series for consideration (as one file)
• Running Time: Each episode must be no more than eight (8) minutes in length. Only one episode will be screened at the festival. (if selected)
• All genres accepted: animation, drama, comedy, documentary style, reality based etc.
• Submission must have a high-quality NTSC file available.

Youth Films
• Eligible for: Best Youth Film and Youth Film Audience award
• Student Shorts must be produced through an accredited educational institution.
• Open to works from all regions in the US and internationally
• Only works completed after January 1, 2023, are eligible for competition and awards
• The Writer, Director, Producer (if 1 sole producer only) must be 18 years and younger (Student ID - required for submission) at the time of production and of African descent OR must tell a story of the Black experience or feature a person of African descent in a leading role.
• Submissions must be under 10 minutes (including titles and credits) and must contact the festival for password before submitting into this category.
• Submission must be original video (video you shot yourself) or video you have permission to use
• If music is used, it must be original music or music you have permission from the artist to use.
• Submission must have a high-quality NTSC file available.

Submission Process:

- DVD/Blu-ray, Digital File and DCP formats accepted.

- Important - We are a non-profit affiliated event and therefore require a signed statement verifying 100% ownership of all films that are selected for our festival.

- 2 preview copies must be submitted once your film has been selected to the festival. Filmmakers should include any relevant publicity photos and information as well as a cast and crew list.

- If your entry is accepted for our festival, you will be notified several weeks prior to the festival. However, we reserve the right to resend an invitation to screen a film at the festival at any time and for any reason.

- Films must be sent to the Baltimore International Black Film Festival at the filmmaker's expense. Please label the DVD/Blu-ray or DCP with the film's title, running time, director's name and contact phone/email.

- Once a film is submitted, it may not be withdrawn.

- The Baltimore International Black Film Festival must have permission to use up to 3 minutes of footage or photographic stills from the work for broadcast, web publication or other promotional purposes.

- The Baltimore International Black Film Festival must be notified in writing of any press or photo restrictions.

- Filmmaker holds the festival harmless from damage to, or loss of, the Blu-ray/DVD, Digital File, DCP or any publicity material.

- Titles produced in languages other than English must have legible English subtitles.

- The Baltimore International Black Film Festival kindly requests that any awards won be mentioned in the projects' promotional materials, website and on the film's social media. (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok etc.)

- The selection committees' decisions are final.

- Entry fee is nonrefundable

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I am glad to have won an award but the communication from this festival was really bad. I would have attended but I didn't find out about my acceptance into this festival until a week it was to talk place. I was very sadden by that fact. I am grateful a few people reached out to my IG and stated how good my film is, so that's something. And I did receive my trophy in the mail but I wanted to be there. I don't apply to festivals without intending to attend. I wish this festival a good 2024.

    November 2023
    Bibff logo
    Response from festival:

    It is very unfortunate that you indicated that our communication was bad when we attempted to reach you at the only email address we had for you. Once we got your updated email we responded to all messages promptly and graciously ensured that you received the trophy awarded at festival. Our hospitality and creating opportunities for networking is something we pride ourselves on - this you were not able to experience firsthand so it is unfair to judge us poorly in this regard. Once again, we apologize for the email mishap and we wish all the best in your future endeavors as a filmmaker.

  • Shaun Boyd

    Excellent festival! Thanks for having us. "The Anniversary" cast and crew are honoured to have been selected.

    October 2023
  • This was the first time I submitted a film to the Baltimore International Black Film Festival and I did not regret it. The festival feature a diverse array of films with some very unique and interesting subjects. It is a wonderful event that gives recognition and exposure to both new and experienced Black filmmakers. I will definitely try to attend next year.

    October 2023
  • Maya Korn

    Although we didn't attend in person we had a great experience communicating with them and won a beautiful award!

    October 2023
  • Mamedjarra Diop-Mar

    Such a beautiful Film Festival. I had a great time and the staff were welcoming and very helpful.

    October 2023