The Black August Film Festival will be from August 14-16, 2026, at the Flintridge Center in Pasadena. The festival welcomes socially impactful films from around the world.

Black August is an annual commemoration and prison-based holiday to remember Black freedom fighters and political prisoners and to highlight Black resistance against racial oppression. It takes place during the entire calendar month of August.

Black August was initiated by the Black Guerilla Family in San Quentin State Prison in 1979 when a group of incarcerated people came together to commemorate the deaths of brothers Jonathan P. Jackson (d. August 7, 1970) and George Jackson (d. August 21, 1971) at San Quentin State Prison.

Last year, 50 films from 22 different countries were screened, and over 400 people attended in support of the filmmakers.

In 2026, we plan to show 70 films at different venues.

There will also be added vendors and events during the weekend of the festival.

Best Feature Film
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Film
Best Short Documentary
Most Historical Film
Best Foreign Film

We warrant the submission of my/our original work, and there are no
disputes regarding the ownership of the submission.

We also warrant the submitted material does not defame or invade the rights of any person living or dead and I/we fully indemnify the festival against any claim made for such violations of law. To the best of my/our knowledge, all of the statements herein are true and correct.

We understand that failure to adhere to the festival rules will result in disqualification and forfeiture of the entry fee.

We agree to hold the Black August Film Festival harmless from and defend them against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or in connection with any and all claims of third parties, we/the.

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For digital submissions, filmmaker signatures are kept "on file." Include ALL relevant terms and conditions in the box below. For example, if your terms and conditions refer to your general rules, paste them below too.
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BAFF is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the festival for promotional purposes.

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless BAFF from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Christopher Matthew Spencer

    We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to have “The Red Market” IG: @theredmarketfilm featured at your event. The entire team, from Brian Cutler Actors Studio to the dedicated students and alumni from Dodge College at Chapman University, appreciates your support and recognition. Being seen and celebrated by your audience is an honor we hold dearly.

    January 2026
  • Gloria J Browne-Marshall

    It was GREAT. Thank you for packed theater and such enthusiasm for our film “Before 1619: She Took Justice” about Queen Nzingha.

    August 2025
  • Joy Shannon

    Loved this festival! They are professional and care about filmmakers! So happy that my award-winning short, Rock Island Prison 1864, made it in!

    August 2025
  • I had one of the best film festival experiences of my life at the Black August Film Festival this year. It was my first time screening at this amazing festival, and also my first time attending it. I am extremely proud and grateful to have been officially selected and exhibited with such amazing and poignant films. I saw some absolutely wonderful and powerful documentaries and short films while I was there, and am just overwhelmed by the breadth of selections shown. And I also really loved the vendors and overall vibe at the venue and festival. Thank you so much for a fabulous experience, and I hope that i can show something at BAFF again soon. Highly recommend this amazing festival!

    August 2025
  • Black August Film Festival was a pleasure to attend. Besides the amazing screenings and viewer participation, the vibe was pure. Can’t wait for the next one.

    August 2025