We are seeking Black films for our 16th Annual Bill Johnson Black Film Festival  to be held at the Glen Theater in Gary, Indiana on Friday, February 19 and Saturday, February 20, 2027. 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 16th 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, 2026. A  submission fee of $25 is required. Entries submitted prior to July 31, 2026 will receive a $10 discount requiring a submission fee of only $15. Entries submitted after July 31, 2026 will be charged $25. Submissions after September 30, 2026 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.

46 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kasim Hardaway

    One of the best experiences I've ever had in my life! I can't even fully articulate how transformative this festival was. While I arrived with no expecations, my mind was blown. I'm so thankful to Bill Johnson and the organizer, Dr. Smith, for curating such an incredible event. Highly recommend to anyone looking to connect with an engaged black audience and other independent filmmakers. I'll definitely be submitting again in the future.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    It was so rewarding to have you and the other guests (producers, directors, and actors) to attend and participate in our film festival. I especially enjoyed your presence and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your warm and sincere thank you note. I will treasure it always. Continue being blessed and please keep in touch. You are a rare and treasured young man.

  • Johnathan Williams

    On behalf of the cast and crew of the short movie "King's Betrayal", I want to say thank you! My wife and I really enjoyed the festival this year. We saw some amazing movies, met some fantastic people, and the hospitality was superb! The awards we received exceeded my expectations! It was great to see the young men as ushers as well.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Please know it was a pleasure to have you and your lovely wife as our guests. You and the other guest played a significant role in the overwhelming success of our 15th annual event. I pray you will join us again in the future. Be blessed and may your blessing be multiplied.

  • Andre Hillard

    Absence of Heart was accepted and was a featured film on the second day. The Festival was lively and well put together for the accepted film makers. Had a great time and glad we were able to attend. Would strongly recommend others to participate next year, and I would do the same for my next projects.

    February 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    It was a supreme pleasure to have you, a hometown success, to return to bless our 15th Annual event. Thank you and your cast for the hometown flavor you gave. Our committee is grateful. Continue making us proud and I hope you return in the near future. Be blessed and may your blessings be multiplied.

  • 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
    Helpful
    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
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

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