Hello.... This is your festival director Gian Smith.

Black Film Festival New Orleans is a unique, cultural and festive experience for black filmmakers. In addition to our film screenings we have exciting concerts, poetry and comedy events, and thoughtful film discussion panels for our audience. Our visiting filmmakers receive African American themed city tours, parties, food, spirits and lots of engagement with our festival director and our New Orleans film family. Come be part of a great indie film community and celebrate with us for BFFNO 2026! Check out our website or our instagram for some of our pictures and videos to see what a great time it is.

Awards & Prizes

At our awards showcase which will be live streamed we will be recognizing the best films and the best performances of the festival. Our specially customized awards are a treasured heirloom and work of art as well as recognition for your project.

Rules & Terms

Anyone may submit to Black Film Festival of New Orleans. Obviously your chances of being accepted to the festival increase greatly the more people of color who are involved. So if you're a non-poc make a film by, about and with black people and you'll be much more strongly considered.

Let me make this clear. If there are no black people involved in your film you will have wasted your money and I won't give it back. I mean... being honest, if most of the people making the film aren't black, and most of the people on the screen aren't either you probably just wasted your money. You'd be surprised at how many people will still submit in spite of the name of this festival and what I just said but hey... thanks for the fifteen bucks.

34 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • DARRELL TOBIAS

    It was my first time and I enjoyed it.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • FERNANDEL ALMONOR

    I had a great experience and appreciated the opportunity to screen there.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Camille DeBose

    The Black Film Festival of New Orleans 2025 was an amazing experience! I felt fully embraced by the New Orleans Black Film community. The events were wonderful. Gian is amazing in his commitment and support of the filmmakers and the audience. My short won Best New Orleans production and it means so much. I highly recommend participating in this festival. I

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • K. Ryūjin

    Amazing the people were very kind and i met so many different producers and film directors just a nice and beautiful vibe.

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Cassandra Joseph

    I did not visit in person but my dealings with the festival was great!

    September 2024
    Helpful