We are seeking Black films for our 14th Annual Bill Johnson Black Film Festival  to be held at the Glen Theater in Gary, Indiana on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15, 2025. The films must have been produced by independent  film directors and/or producers.  We are accepting narrative features, documentaries, short films, and feature films.

Now in its 14th year, this annual 2-day event presents films from independent filmmakers, panel discussions, matinee screenings for middle and high school youth and chats with filmmakers, and others in the industry. With an audience of over 1200 the event is always held during Black History Month and is designed to celebrate black culture through independent film and discussion.   Come and enjoy the excitement! The host committee will provide transportation OR housing cost for certain selected featured entrants.

ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY UP TO DATE CONTACT INFORMATION (NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL ADDRESS) WHEN MAKING A SUBMISSION.

Awards & Prizes

The Bill Johnson Black Film Festival believes all of the filmmakers who are selected for participation through the entry process are worthy of honor. All participants receive several recognition as is shown in the pictures above on this home page and on our website. The deadline is December 29, 2024. A  submission fee of $25 is required: this fee is a one time fee and may be applied to multiple submissions. Contact Dr. Vernon G. Smith if you would like to make multiple submissions with only one fee.  Entries submitted prior to July 31, 2024 will receive a $10 discount requiring a submission fee of only $15. Submissions after September 30, 2024 will be charged a late fee increasing the submission fee to $35.

ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY UP TO DATE CONTACT INFORMATION (NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL ADDRESS) WHEN MAKING A SUBMISSION.

Rules & Terms

Eligible films must be by or about Black people (African Americans or African Diaspora).

While our goal is to celebrate and lift the work of Black filmmakers, we will consider film that features Black people as a predominant focus of the work.

The Bill Johnson Black Film Festival (BJBFF) emphasizes premieres and new works in categories including narrative and documentary features/shorts.

Festival screenings will only be shown on Blu-Ray DVD or DCP formats.

Film must have a composite optical sound.

Works in progress may be submitted as long as a Blu-Ray OR DVD will be available for screening during the BJBFF.

All accepted entries must be postmarked by December 29,2024.

Previously submitted works are eligible for re-submission.

ALL PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY UP TO DATE CONTACT INFORMATION (NAME, ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, AND EMAIL ADDRESS) WHEN MAKING A SUBMISSION.

39 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Safiya Songhai

    The Bill Johnson Black Film Festival presents new stories to audiences for their Black History month celebrations. They give so much recognition and provide a beautiful experience for filmmakers. I'm so happy to participate in this even in the future.

    April 2024
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  • Ric Murphy

    It's an honor to have our film, “Arrival of the First Documented Africans in English America” to be selected for your Festival! Thank you so much for this opportunity to participate in this extraordinary event.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:


    Ric
    Thank you for submitting your film. You and all of the other producers and directors should be proud of your work. The quality of your film contributed to the overt positive reviews the festival received. Thank you for believing and participating in the Bill Johnson Black Film Festival. Be blessed.

  • Karen Anderson

    It was a great experience that was fun and uplifting. It felt like a celebration of African American filmmakers.

    February 2024
    Helpful
    12744074 10205883869684476 2645608859305684574 n
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for submitting your film. You and all of the other producers and directors should be extremely proud of your work. The quality of your film contributed to the overt positive reviews the festival received. Thank you for believing and participating in the Bill Johnson Black Film Festival. Be blessed.

  • Chap Edmonson

    Honored to have our film 'Pugilistic Soul' selected and screened this year.

    February 2024
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    12744074 10205883869684476 2645608859305684574 n
    Response from festival:

    Chap,

    Thank you for submitting your film. You and all of the other producers and directors should be extremely proud of your work. The quality of your film contributed to the overt positive reviews the festival received. Thank you for believing and participating in the Bill Johnson Black Film Festival. Be blessed.

  • Ken Jenkins

    Honored to be a part of the Bill Johnson Film Festival!

    February 2024
    Helpful
    12744074 10205883869684476 2645608859305684574 n
    Response from festival:

    Ken,

    Thank you for submitting your film. You and all of the other producers and directors should be extremely proud of your work. The quality of your film contributed to the overt positive reviews the festival received. Thank you for believing and participating in the Bill Johnson Black Film Festival. Be blessed.