Walmart and the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) have partnered to create the Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Director’s Showcase, a national competition that champions independent filmmaking and highlights diverse stories about Black men as fathers.

Now in its second year, the competition will select three directors from the submissions to receive industry mentorship, a $10,000 cash award, and the opportunity to attend and screen their films at the 2025 American Black Film Festival in Miami, June 11–15. Each film will also be featured on ABFF PLAY, the festival’s global online platform, and Walmart’s Black & Unlimited YouTube page. Submissions for the second annual competition open on November 26, 2024.

The showcase is part of Walmart’s Black & Unlimited Fatherhood Project, a comprehensive marketing and media initiative celebrating Black fatherhood and amplifying the presence of Black men in their families and communities.

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF), founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, is the leading festival of its kind showcasing Black stories. Since its inception, the festival has been dedicated to supporting Friday’s conviction that Black artists deserve the same opportunities as their mainstream counterparts. Having premiered the work, and supported the careers, of many of today’s most successful filmmakers and actors, the ABFF has become the standard-bearer of excellence for Black American creativity.

Awards & Prizes

Each of the three (3) winners will each receive:
1. Industry mentorship.
2. A $10,000 cash award.
3. Feature placement on ABFF PLAY, the festival's global online platform, and Walmart's Black and Unlimited YouTube page.
4. One (1) round-trip domestic economy airline ticket to Miami, FL (must be available to attend the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach, June 11-15, 2025).
5. One (1) standard hotel room for four (4) nights (June 11-15, 2025).
6. A one-time $300 honorarium for meals and incidentals.
7. Festival credentials for the film’s director and one (1) guest upon request.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Requirements:
1. Films must be submitted by the director or an authorized representative.
2. Open to U.S. citizens residing in the United States, 21 years or older.
3. Films must be narrative stories centered on the theme of Black fatherhood.
4. Films must have a running time no longer than 30 minutes, including credits.
5. Films must be original and owned by the entrant.
6. Films must have completed post-production on or after January 1, 2024.
7. Films must be in English or have English-language subtitles.
8. Films must not have exclusive distribution deals or licenses for broadcast, cable, streaming, or online exhibition.
9. Filmmakers may submit up to two entries.
10. Each entry must include a signed release form and be received by February 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST (downloadable from www.abff.com/miami/black-and-unlimited-fatherhood-project)
11. Employees of NICE CROWD or Walmart, their immediate family members, and those living in the same household are not eligible.

How to Submit:
Films should be submitted online via FilmFreeway.com. Each submission must include a $25 fee and the following:
1. Finished Film
2. Logline
3. Short Synopsis
4. Film Credits
5. Photo Stills (2-3 images, 300 dpi minimum, landscape orientation)
6. Director’s Bio
7. Director’s Headshot
8. Signed Release Form (downloadable from www.abff.com/miami/black-and-unlimited-fatherhood-project)
9. Entrants will be notified of the festival’s decision by April 28, 2025.

If Your Film Is Selected:
1. Deliver a final version of your film in MP4 format by May 4, 2025.
2. Be available to attend the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach, Florida, from June 11–15, 2025.
3. Participate in additional press activities, if requested.