EVENT DATE & TIME:
Friday, May 1st, 2026 (7pm - 10pm) - [Intro Day] - Networking Mixer
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 (11:00am - 8:30pm) - Screenings Day One
Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 (10:30am - 8:30pm) - Screenings Day Two

TICKETS - https://www.strideevents.com/events/black-lion-indie-film-festival/2026/tickets
INFO - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-lion-indie-film-festival-2026-tickets-1986574149759 (***** Sign up here for Actors Monologue Competition *****)

INTRO MIXER PARTY - https://luma.com/o3pc2qhb

The Centre Theater
208 DeKalb Street, Norristown, PA 19401
United States

Submit your artistry & come out to one of the best new small local indie film festivals in the area (Norristown, PA) that includes the thrill of more than just films…

Awards & Prizes

—BEST SHORT FILM
-First Place (Winner) - (Prize: $200 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)
-Second Place - (Prize: $125 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)
-Third Place - (Prize: $100 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

—COLLEGE SHOWDOWN BEST SHORT FILM
-First Place (Winner) - (Prize: $100 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com) AND [$50 BLIFF Gift Donation]
-Second Place - (Prize: $100 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

-Third Place - (Prize: TWO (2) Hours of stage time (for use of video production, film or theatre rehearsal, e.g. Music Video shoot, Rehearsal for a stage play or film project, and more) on the fourth floor of The Centre Theater [208 Dekalb St, Norristown, PA 19401] (https://thecentretheater.com/) - Please Note: Any additional time after the two hours you will most likely have to book and pay for from The Centre Theater.

—BEST SHORT FILM ANIMATION (Narrative) - No official competition this year (2026) due to lack of submissions within category. No prize.

—BEST MUSIC VIDEO - *Artists must reside in one of the 8 counties mentioned* - [Check “Rules & Terms” section for more info”]

-1ST PLACE (Winner) - *ONE-HOUR STUDIO TIME DONATION* from “Rotation Records” [Norristown, PA] (https://www.rotation-records.com/)
-2ND PLACE - [$40 BLIFF Gift Donation]
-3RD PLACE - [$25 BLIFF Gift Donation]

These above prizes are to be distributed to the music (recording) artist of the music video with the exception of the “submitter” or video creator receiving the prizes awarded this season by taking them on behalf of the artist due to emergency situation **WITH** the recording artist’s (or the kin of the artist’s) permission to do so.

—BEST FEATURE FILM
-Only one prize/winner. (Prize: *FREE RENTAL of 120+ Seat Theater for your Independent Film Screening or Event on the fourth floor of The Centre Theater [208 Dekalb St, Norristown, PA 19401] (https://thecentretheater.com/)

—BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM - No official competition this year (2026) due to lack of submissions within category. No prize.

—BEST TV/WEB SERIES PILOT
-Only one prize/winner. (Prize: $100 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

—BEST MICRO FILM
-Only one prize/winner. (Prize: TWO (2) Hours of stage time (for use of video production, film or theatre rehearsal, e.g. Music Video shoot, Rehearsal for a stage play or film project, and more) on the fourth floor of The Centre Theater [208 Dekalb St, Norristown, PA 19401] (https://thecentretheater.com/) - Please Note: Any additional time after the two hours you will most likely have to book and pay for from The Centre Theater.

—Additional Title Awards:

—ACTING
Best Actor (1) & Actress (1) [Short Film Narrative MAIN] - Prize TBA
Best Actor (1) & Actress (1) [Short Film Narrative COLLEGE] - Prize TBA
Best Actor (1) & Actress (1) [Short Film Narrative HIGH SCHOOL] - Prize TBA

—CINEMATOGRAPHY
Best Cinematography (1) [Short Film Narrative MAIN] - (Prize: TWO (2) Hours of stage time (for use of video production, film or theatre rehearsal, e.g. Music Video shoot, Rehearsal for a stage play or film project, and more) on the fourth floor of The Centre Theater [208 Dekalb St, Norristown, PA 19401] (https://thecentretheater.com/) - Please Note: Any additional time after the two hours you will most likely have to book and pay for from The Centre Theater.

Best Cinematography (1) [Short Film Narrative COLLEGE] - (Prize: $100 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

*This prize is primarily for the Cinematographer, Director of Photography or “Camera Operator” or “Director” if the respective individual has had the most considerable contribution to the cinematography of the film project.

➡️ ***LAST YEAR’S (MAY 2025) PRIZES LISTED BELOW:

—BEST SHORT FILM
-First Place (Winner) - (Prize: $250 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)
-Second Place - (Prize: $150 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)
-Third Place - (Prize: $100 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

—BEST MUSIC VIDEO - *Artists must reside in one of the 8 counties mentioned* - [Check “Rules & Terms” section for more info”]

-1ST PLACE (Winner) - *2-HOUR STUDIO TIME DONATION* from “Rotation Records” [Norristown, PA] (https://www.rotation-records.com/)
-2ND PLACE - [$50 BLIFF Gift Donation]
-3RD PLACE - [$30 BLIFF Gift Donation]

These above prizes are to be distributed to the music (recording) artist of the music video with the exception of the “submitter” or video creator receiving the 2nd Place or 3rd place award this season by taking it on behalf of the artist due to emergency situation **WITH** the recording artist’s (or the kin of the artist’s) permission to do so.

—BEST FEATURE FILM
-Only one prize/winner. (Prize: *FREE 2-DAY STUDIO RENTAL - Cyc painting NOT included* at “Lightbulb Rentals Philly” [***Philly Location ONLY***] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

—BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
-Only one prize/winner. (Prize: $300 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

—BEST TV/WEB SERIES PILOT
-Only one prize/winner. (Prize: $200 credit at “Lightbulb Rentals” [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

—BEST MICRO FILM
-Only one winner. (No “prize”, but will receive winning digital laurel)

—Additional Title Awards:

Best Cinematography (Short Film Narrative)
-Only one prize/winner. (Prize: *FREE WEEKEND with an ARRI [Alexa 35, Amira or Alexa Mini] & basic lens/support package from “Lightbulb Rentals”* [NYC, Philly, Pittsburgh] (https://lightbulbrentals.com)

*This prize is primarily for the Cinematographer, Director of Photography or “Camera Operator or “Director” if the respective individual has had the most considerable contribution to the cinematography of the film project.

Rules & Terms

********YouTube and Vimeo links will be accepted for submissions, but at least a 1080p Full HD or higher quality resolution *MP4* (Primarily) or *MOV* file must be sent in no later than (April 17th) in order to screen at the festival.

*****PLEASE NOTE (FOR ALL CATEGORIES EXCEPT “BEST MUSIC VIDEO”, “BEST MICRO FILM” and “BEST FEATURE FILM” : The project’s director, producer, creator or writer must CURRENTLY RESIDE in one of the following states or territories: *Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Ohio, and Maryland (including Washington D.C.).

Black Lion Indie Film Festival is not obligated to refund any money sent in to get a submission reviewed if the submitter (and/or) the festival realizes that the project actually does not meet current residential eligibility to be able to be included in the festival.

BEST SHORT FILM (Narrative)
-Must have been released no earlier than Jan. 2025
-Runtime must be between 7 min - 20 min
-Preference will be given to newer projects
-ONLY TWO SUBMISSIONS max. in this category per submitter (includes per director, producer, creator or writer; only 1 project can be included in category if both selected). ***Filmmakers ideally could have one official selection in each category as well.

BEST FEATURE FILM
-Must have been made no earlier than the year of 2022
-Runtime must be between 65 min - 150 min
-Password required to be able to submit (Text the Festival Director - 484-854-0015)
-Preference will be given to newer and longer films
-ONLY ONE SUBMISSION max. in this category per submitter (includes per director, producer, creator or writer) ***Filmmakers ideally could have one official selection in each category as well.

BEST SHORT FILM ANIMATION (Narrative)
-Must have been released no earlier than Jan. 2025
-Runtime must be between 5 min - 10 min
-Preference will be given to newer projects
-ONLY TWO SUBMISSIONS max. in this category per submitter (includes per director, producer, creator or writer; only 1 project can be included in category if both selected). ***Filmmakers ideally could have one official selection in each category as well.

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILM
-Must have been released no earlier than Jan. 2025
-Runtime must be between 12 min - 30 min
-Preference will be given to newer projects
-ONLY TWO SUBMISSIONS max. in this category per submitter (includes per director, producer, creator or writer; only 1 project can be included in category if both selected). ***Filmmakers ideally could have one official selection in each category as well.

BEST TV/WEB SERIES PILOT
-Must have been released no earlier than Jan. 2021
-Runtime must be between 15 min - 30 min
-Preference will be given to newer projects
-ONLY TWO SUBMISSIONS max. in this category per submitter (includes per director, producer, creator or writer; only 1 project can be included in category if both selected). ***Filmmakers ideally could have one official selection in each category as well.

BEST MICRO FILM
-Must have been released no earlier than Jan. 2025
-Runtime must be between 1 min - 5 min
-Preference will be given to newer projects
-ONLY TWO SUBMISSIONS max. in this category per submitter (includes per director, producer, creator or writer; only 1 project can be included in category if both selected). ***Filmmakers ideally could have one official selection in each category as well.

COLLEGE SHOWDOWN BEST SHORT FILM (Narrative)
-Must have been released no earlier than May 2024
-Runtime must be between 7 min - 20 min
-Preference will be given to newer projects
-ONLY TWO SUBMISSIONS/(official selections) max. in this category per submitter (includes per director, producer, creator or writer). ***Filmmakers ideally could have one official selection in each category as well.

HIGH SCHOOL BEST SHORT PROJECT
-Must have been released no earlier than Sept. 2024
-Runtime must be between 3 min - 10 min
-Preference will be given to newer projects

BEST MUSIC VIDEO “COMPETITION”
-Video must have been released no earlier than Jan. 2025
-Runtime must be between 1 min - 6 min
-Preference will be given to newer projects
*****Submission Fee: (only 1 submission per artist(s) can be selected, but each artist may submit up to 3 videos for consideration)
-Featured artists count on the same submission. Being “featured” on a track still counts as an “artist submission”.

-We will consider any music genre but preference (non-respectively): R&B, Pop, Hip-Hop/Rap, Christian, Gospel, Dancehall, and Afrobeats
*****ONLY ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FROM MUSIC ARTISTS WHO CURRENTLY RESIDE IN ONE OF THE FOLLOWING Counties of PA (Montgomery “Montco”, Philadelphia, Delaware “Delco”, Chester, Bucks, Berks, Lehigh & Northampton)

All submissions must be content that has not and does not produce any form of copyright infringement. Filmmakers and submitters take on full liability for any project screened that does not have the permission to use any copyrighted material included within the project.

Non-English language works must have English subtitles “burned-in” at the time submitted. Dialogue lists will not be accepted.

Though not required for eligibility, preference is given to newer films and premiere status films: Greater Philadelphia Area, East Coast, US, North American, and World premieres.

In addition, films or projects that have screened at a previous “Black Lion Indie Film Fest” will not be eligible to be considered for the next festival or upcoming festival sessions.

***PLEASE NOTE: Black Lion Indie Film Festival reserves the right to screen or not to screen a project (and/or) to forfeit a project’s involvement within the fest for any given reason (at any given time), without refund being guaranteed to the submitter.

Entrants must fully comply with all entry and festival rules & regulations, including but not limited to: all deadlines, film lengths, entry material and other requirements.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joy Marzec

    Great festival! Programmers had great communication and the fest was well attended. I highly recommend applying to Black Lion Indie Film Fest. It was a great weekend and really cool to hang out with other local filmmakers.

    May 2026
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  • Aline Viens

    Although we couldn’t attend in person, we’re truly grateful to have been selected. The festival’s programming and communication were excellent throughout.

    May 2026
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  • Teresa Gonzalez

    Nate was so generous and attentive. All the projects were fun and interesting. My team had the best time, I’m definitely going next year!

    May 2026
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  • Brian Hauser

    We had a great time bringing our feature to the Black Lion Indie Film Festival. Nate works hard to make filmmakers feel welcome and appreciated. The networking mixer at the start of the fest is an excellent resource, the actor's monologue competition is a nice touch, and the venue in the Centre Theater is super-cool. We'll be excited to submit our next project for consideration!

    May 2026
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  • Isaiah Dickson

    A great experience! The intimate vibes of the festival make the showing of each film feel special. Amazing people that run it and amazing people to network with!

    April 2026
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