We are seeking Black films for our 15th Annual Bill Johnson Black Film Festival  to be held at the Glen Theater in Gary, Indiana on Friday, February 20, Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, 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 15th year, this annual 2-day (this year 3-days) 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, 2025. 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, 2025 will receive a $10 discount requiring a submission fee of only $15. Submissions after September 30, 2025 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 29,2025.

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.

43 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kendrick McLin

    I've entered and won awards at multiple film festivals, this was the 1st festival I'd physically attended. I was blown away by the support and respect that the actors, directors, writers and producers received at this event. As an honored myself, I participated in radio show interviews, had my film shown, and received recognition for my contributions. It was amazing being a part of this 14 year festival. To be surrounded by my extremely talented peers was an honor. So grateful to Bill Johnson for hosting and keeping the festival going, with the aid of Dr Vernon G Smith. This festival not only brought creatives together to be celebrated, from different parts of the country, but it also unites the community of Gary Indiana. I will definitely be back next year, if not as a participant, I'll be back as a spectator. Honored and grateful to have been present! God bless!!!

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    It was a pleasure meeting you and spending time with you. Your willingness to donate to our expenses (which we refused) was a first. You are a kind, gentle, talented man. I hope our paths will cross again.

  • Joy Shannon

    This festival was perfect! I'm so proud to have my short, Rock Island Prison 1864, in their festival. They are professional and they care about filmmakers!

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    We thank you for submitting your great film to our festival. It added significantly to the superb quality of our festival.

  • Richard E Haywood

    Great Festival, Glad I could screen my film. Can't wait until next year!

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for submitting your great film. to our festival. It certainly added to the overall quality of the event.

  • Mignon Pinson

    The Bill Johnson's Black Film Festival has truly set a new standard for excellence! From the moment our team and I arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and hospitality that made us feel incredibly special. Every aspect of the festival was thoughtfully organized, and the level of care and attention given to each guest was simply outstanding.

    We deeply appreciate everything you have done for us. I pray that God continues to bless your festival abundantly and we are grateful to have been a part of such an incredible event. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

    Mignon Pinson (LoJai Productions)
    Writer, Director, and Producer
    "My Private Line of God"

    February 2025
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    Response from festival:

    It was a pure pleasure to meet and spend time with you, your husband, and a few actors/actresses in your film. We enjoyed all of you so much. Thanks for being the great persons that you are.

  • 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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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for contributing to the quality of our festival. We are so grateful.