The Bessie Coleman Aviation Film Festival honors the first African American and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license—a fearless trailblazer who defied gravity and expectation. This groundbreaking event, the first Aviation Film Festival in North America, unites film, innovation, and flight to explore how Coleman’s legacy continues to rise through today’s pioneers of electric aviation, drones, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

OUR VISION

To link the fearless spirit of Bessie Coleman with the next century of flight—one driven by sustainability, equity, and imagination. Through film, technology, and storytelling, the festival ignites curiosity and ambition in young people—especially women and underrepresented communities—empowering them to become the aviators, engineers, and creators of tomorrow.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

Bessie Coleman Aviation Film Festival. Aviation films inspired by Bessie Coleman’s legacy and the future of flight. Includes premieres from aviation-themed documentaries and shorts exploring innovation, equity, and sustainability in aerospace. Filmmakers submit films on FilmFreeway.com. Bult Field, Chicago Southland Airport. C56.

STEM Education Day by Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars. A welcome by Gigi Coleman great niece of Bessie Coleman.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
Vertiport Chicago
Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce
Tuskegee Airmen
Tuskegee NEXT
Aviatrix Company, LLC
Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars
Queen B Productions
AeroStar Avion Institute
DroNation
Moo-V-Night

Awards & Prizes

Awards

🎞️ Best Aviation Feature Film Award
✈️ Best Aviation Short Film Award
🚁 Best Drone Film Award
✈️ Audience Choice Award
Bessie Coleman Legacy Filmmaker Award

Rules & Terms

We will consider all aviation, eclectic aviation and drone films. Films must be original and copyright approved for submission. Filmmaker ensures that they own 100% of film copyright. Filmmaker will provide a digital film for the film festival.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Adam N. White

    We had a great experience with the festival. Our film "Beyond The Powder" winning best feature was a lovely surprise. As we couldn't attend the festival ourselves, they were gracious in mailing our award to us...very kind. I recommend all aviation storytellers to enter this festival!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Christopher Hoerdemann

    Thoughtfully programmed, well organized, and an excellent experience from submission to screening! It's a 'new' festival, but it was put on by an experienced and passionate team, and my experience reflected that. Networking was great on-site, and it just really over-delivered in almost every way. If you have an aviation themed project, this is the festival for you. I hope to see it continue to grow and thrive, and hope to have a future project worthy of submission.

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Christopher! You film was amazing and it was so nice to meet you and your son. We thought the morning discussion panel was one of our favorites! Congrats to you and we look forward to more wonderful films from you! Susan and Beth.

  • Dusan Harminc

    10 Stars. Highly recommend. Thank you for the award.

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Dusan! Your film was so beautiful! We played it all day! We look forward to more films from you in the future! Susan and Beth.

  • Jorge Arana

    The Bessie Coleman Aviation Film Festival was a truly inspiring and well-executed experience. From start to finish, the level of organization and communication was excellent, making it easy for filmmakers and attendees to feel welcomed and informed.

    The quality of the programming was strong, highlighting meaningful stories that reflect both the legacy of Bessie Coleman and the future of aviation and storytelling. It was especially great to see a platform that continues to elevate diverse voices and important narratives.

    Hospitality was top-notch, and the team created an environment that felt both professional and genuinely supportive. The networking opportunities were valuable as well, connecting filmmakers, creatives, and industry professionals in a way that felt natural and engaging.

    Overall, a fantastic festival experience with real impact. Looking forward to seeing it continue to grow.

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Jorge! We were so happy to meet you in person! Your film was so beautiful and we knew we had to show it right after Ken’s Tuskegee honorary flyover! Everyone commented on how they could feel the passion of flying! Thank you for making the effort and congrats on your award! Susan and Beth.