The Black Cat Picture Show is an adjudicated film festival, currently the only one in Augusta, that provides a platform for independent film artists to exhibit their work, exchange ideas, and make connections. We endeavor to produce an event that includes all of the elements we love about film festivals, our event will be swanky but accessible. There will be a catered Film Artists' Reception in the bar of Le Chat Noir August 22nd; screenings of official selections will take place throughout the festival dates, August 21-24, in the theatre of Le Chat Noir, and the festival will conclude with an Award Ceremony on August 24th. Film Artists of official selections will receive two invitations to the Friday night Film Artists' Reception, two tickets to the screening block their film will be presented in, and two invitations to the Award Ceremony. Also, they can purchase additional festival tickets in advance and at a discount, and are eligible for discounts at participating hotels.

Our flagship venue, Le Chat Noir, is a 100-seat black box theatre located in downtown Augusta, GA. Like it's namesake, Le Chat Noir is known for bringing professional quality entertainment to the CSRA that previously was not being represented.

We are not a black cat themed film festival. Our theatre name is French for The Black Cat. Yes. We feel the need to clarify that.

Awards & Prizes

Student Category: 1st Place
Cash Award Value: 100 U.S. Dollar

Short Narrative Category: 1st Place
Cash Award Value: 150 U.S. Dollar

Feature Narrative Category: 1st Place
Cash Award Value: 350 U.S. Dollar

Documentary Category: 1st Place
Cash Award Value: 300 U.S. Dollar

Animation Category: 1st Place
Cash Award Value: 150 U.S. Dollar

Viewer's Choice Award
Cash Award Value: 50 U.S. Dollar

Staff Pick
Cash Award Value: 50 U.S. Dollar

Rules & Terms

- At this time we can only accept digital submissions. Please do not submit files larger than 2GB and in an .mp4 format. Please make sure your film is set to downloadable and all subtitles are hardcoded into the file.

- No films over 150 minutes in length will be accepted.

- Please do not submit your entry unless all requirements can be met. This includes your screener and submission fee. If these requirements are not met your submission will be rejected.

- Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022. Films must be available for screening during the Black Cat Picture Show, August 22-August 25.

- Once an entry payment has been processed we cannot provide a refund. If a payment is disputed, the account holder may be subject to any fees.

- You MUST include your physical address either in your FilmFreeway entry or in your cover letter. Please do not submit a film without giving us your address, which we need for our records.

- Once we have your film it cannot be pulled from the schedule.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

NARRATIVE FEATURE REQUIREMENTS:
- Films must be feature-length narratives, 41 minutes or longer.

NARRATIVE SHORT REQUIREMENTS:
- Films must be short narratives of 40 minutes or less.

NARRATIVE STUDENT SHORT REQUIREMENTS:
- Films must be short narratives of 40 minutes or less.
- Open only to students (must include proof of enrollment from
accredited university or college).
- Can NOT enter same film into student and non-student.
- The film must be the work of a current student or completed
during the time the filmmaker was a student.

DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS:
- Films must be Documentaries.

ANIMATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Films must be Animation.

MICRO-SHORT REQUIREMENTS:
- Films must be less than 5 minutes in length.

A juried film festival open to any filmmaker. Submissions approved through the first round of adjudication will be screened during the festival and recognized as an “Official Selection of the Black Cat Picture Show.” The second round of adjudication will be of the official selections and will be awarded in their respective categories. In addition to the awards given we will also be recognizing:

- Viewer's Choice (Popular vote amongst the viewers by ballot)
- Staff Pick

Films that have been officially selected for screening will receive: two comp tickets for the Filmmakers Reception, two tickets to the screening block their film will be presented in, & two tickets to the award ceremony. Film Artists of official selections will also be allowed to purchase additional tickets to any screening block in advance and at a discount.
28 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • JEREMY CARR

    Excellent festival! Intimate setting a great selection of films. Top-notch hospitality, wonderful to connect with other filmmakers.

    September 2024
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  • Moor McKenna

    I had an absolutely spectacular time at the Black Cat Film Festival! It was my second film festival so I'm no expert, but from what I saw it was well run and very welcoming. And the food was fabulous. Absolutely worth the trip out! If I get the chance I would love to go again

    September 2023
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  • Nick Pusic

    A true filmmakers festival. The crowd is an excellent mix of audience and filmmakers and the location is so unique that it’s hard not to fall in love instantly. They truly treat everyone well here, you have to submit your films to this festival!

    September 2023
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  • idan gilboa

    A fun festival made by real cinema lovers for cinema lovers.

    September 2023
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  • Mark Albertin

    I was extremely impressed with the Black Cat Picture Show film festival. Having participated in numerous festivals across the country, this one has to be one of the best I have experienced.

    August 2023
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