We are seeking Black films for our 13th Annual Bill Johnson Black Film Festival  to be held at the Glen Theater in Gary, Indiana on Friday, February 16 and Saturday, February 17, 2024. 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 13th 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, 2023. 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, 2023 will receive a $10 discount requiring a submission fee of only $15. Submissions after September 30, 2023 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 29,2022.

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.

32 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Antonio and Serenity Edward

    It was a pleasure working with Dr. Smith and the staff of this fest. We were not able to attend, but we got all the information we needed and got responses every time. We will submit for this festival again on our next project.

    June 2023
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  • Mi'Chelle Nelson

    I am simply amazed at the level of love, interest, encouragement and overall value this festival brings to the industry. I am honored for my film to to be selected. Thank you. Bill Johnson Black Film Festival will forever be a part of my journey.

    April 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for believing in and submitting your film to our festival. We are pursuing excellence and your film has contributed to this quest. Be blessed.

  • Ken Sagoes

    THANK YOU!!! We are deeply honored that "The Secret Weapon: Yesterday IS Today" was selected to be a part of your remarkable festival. May the festival keep giving filmmakers a stage that encourages imagination and self-expression.

    April 2023
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    12744074 10205883869684476 2645608859305684574 n
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for believing in and submitting your film to our festival. We are pursuing excellence and your film has contributed to this quest. Be blessed.

  • Oyinloye Daniel Oluwaseyi

    This was a wonderful experience. The hosts, audience, history, and community here were everything! I highly recommend it.

    March 2023
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  • Walid Khaldi

    I found the Bill Johnson Black Film Festival an efficient tool
    towards my documentary film "William Greaves : Remembering
    An American Filmmaker ".

    March 2023
    Helpful