Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) is a niche market film festival held annually during the final week of Summer (3rd week in September) in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 2018 by Ray Culpepper, an award-winning independent Atlanta-based filmmaker, this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serves as a conduit for feature films of multicultural diaspora and provides a creative environment where minority filmmakers can showcase their latest creations to diverse audiences in hopes of attracting reputable producers, sales agents, aggregators, and acquisition executives of movie studios, cable / tv networks, production companies, and streaming service platforms.

Aside from exhibiting non-studio produced films, the primary goal of Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) is to assist in the growth and the development of independent filmmakers seeking to further satisfy their creative prowess, thus earning the moniker “A Filmmaker’s Festival”. As such, the annual Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) hopes to attract talented new and experienced indie filmmakers along with an impressive network of film industry movers and shakers.

This year’s Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) takes place over 3 days in September during the final weekend of Summer (Friday, Sept. 22 - Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023).

50 - Short Films
4 - Feature Films
2 – Networking Mixers
2 - Indie Workshops
1 – Pitch Competition
1 - Awards Ceremony

FESTIVAL EVENTS
This official “End of Summer” film festival features a host of fan favorite signature events as well as a few new activities premiering on Opening and Closing days.
(a) Moviemakers Mixer
(b) Movie Marathon
(c) Pitch Black
(d) Indie Film Workshop
(e) Actor's Spotlight
(f) BFF-ATL Awards aka "The Indies"

Awards & Prizes

"The Indies" is an informal Awards Gala honoring the best talent (Lead and Supporting actor and actress) along with the best film (Feature and Short) screened in the Movie Marathon competition series of all indie films (Features and Shorts) showcasing in the festival. Each film, along with its leading and supporting cast, will be
considered for a “Best Award” during "The Indies" on Closing Day.

The following coveted awards will be presented to the winners:

BEST FEATURE FILM
BEST SHORT FILM
BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM
BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM
BEST ACTOR IN A SHORT FILM
BEST ACTRESS IN A SHORT FILM
AUDIENCE CHOICE AWARD
BEST ANIMATION / SCI-FI / FANTASY FILM
BEST COMEDY FILM
BEST HORROR FILM
BEST MENTAL HEALTH FILM
BEST RELATIONSHIP FILM
BEST STUDENT FILM


In addition to these awards, all films selected into the festival will have the opportunity to be considered for distribution via our Streaming Service partners.

For SHORTS, we have a designated channel labeled as "BFF-ATL Movies" on a national streaming service platform that allows your short film exposure across the globe and not just in festivals.

For FEATURES, our Producer's Rep (via www.InnovativeContent.net) will submit your feature and negotiate the best deal for your film on a particular reputable Streaming Service platform via our newly formed partnership.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES

All film entries for the MOVIE MARATHON must meet the following:
(1) At least one Above-The-Line member (writer, producer, director, editor) must be an
African-American or of African descent
(2) Must be a completed short or feature length film. An episode for a series is also accepted. But no Works-In-Progress projects.
(3) Principal photography must have been done in the United States. Please list the
location (nearest major city) where the film was shot or which city it represents
(4) Dialogue must be translated in the English language

TERMS and CONDITIONS

All films accepted into the Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) should currently be available for distribution via theatrical, cable/Pay TV, home video, and streaming services.

All filmmakers are held responsible for clearing all rights to the material in their film.
The filmmaker (individual or corporation) submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit this film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) 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.

Black Film Fest ATL (BFF-ATL) is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Through Your Eyes Productions By: Keela Johnson

    My short play was selected and there was no further follow-up.

    December 2023
    Helpful
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    Response from festival:

    Sorry you feel that way but I thought someone informed you that the Pitch competition was cancelled due to not enough attendees confirmed to be intown that weekend

  • ITHIELL YISRAEL

    Great theater. Good sound and projection. Curator was organized and presented films as expected. Q&A was open and engaging. My film was shown and the response was great! More people should attend.

    October 2023
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  • TShombi Basemore

    I enjoyed my time. Always great to get to the ATL.

    October 2023
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  • Rae Ashe

    Thank you to BFF- ATL ! Great communication, much needed feedback and a wonderful experience. Extremely grateful !

    October 2023
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  • Antonio Jefferson

    Great festival will sumbit in the future.

    October 2023
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