The Black Mountain Film Festival is more than a festival—it’s a movement built around the idea that creativity doesn't need permission. It's a celebration of those who keep creating no matter how many times they’re told “you can’t.” The YouTubers, DIYers, first-timers, outsiders, and the overlooked voices who are finding their own way into an industry that rarely leaves the gate open. We’re not interested in pedigree—we’re interested in passion, perspective, and perseverance.

This festival is about bridging the gap between independent hustle and industry access. Through panels, workshops, hands-on education, networking opportunities, and exposure, we help emerging creators take the next real step forward. We’re investing in voices that have something to say and the drive to say it loud—not in who’s already in the room. If your budget is under $1,000,000, if your crew is smaller than 50, if your work is authentic and hard-earned—we see you, and this is your space.

We’ve carved out four core submission categories:

Feature-Length: Narrative, documentary, animation, experimental—anything over 60 minutes.

Short Film: Any work under 60 minutes, any genre, any form.

Student: Films made by students from K-12 to undergraduate programs.

Appalachian: Films by Appalachian filmmakers, shot in Appalachia, or stories rooted in the region’s culture and communities.

The festival is held in downtown Somerset, Kentucky—a city in the midst of a cultural renaissance. Somerset is the kind of place where history and grit meet creative energy and modern edge. Nestled in the heart of Appalachia, it’s alive with art, music, and unique perspective. Streets once known for tradition are now lined with culture, coffee shops, live music, and the kind of community that gets behind big dreams.

And because storytelling knows no boundaries, we’re leveraging everything at our disposal to maximize exposure. Each selected film will have the opportunity for simultaneous online premieres, live-streamed Q&As, and global audience access—because your work deserves to be seen far beyond four walls.

If you’re ready to move forward, if you’re ready to be seen, heard, supported, and celebrated—this is your moment. Submit your film. Show up in Somerset. Build something real. This is not just a festival. It’s your launchpad.

Join the movement and reach new heights.

Awards & Prizes

BEST FEATURE* - $1,500 Cash Prize

BEST SHORT* - $1,500 Cash Prize

BEST STUDENT FILM* - $1,500 Cash Prize

APPALACHIAN AWARD* - $1,500 Cash Prize

* includes a BMFF award trophy and Festival laurels

Rules & Terms

Submission to the 2026 Black Mountain Film Festival (BMFF) constitutes an agreement with all festival terms and conditions and grants permission to exhibit the work during the festival, if selected. Entrants warrant that they have the legal right to submit the work to BMFF, that all statements made in the application are true and accurate, and that all necessary rights and clearances have been secured to exhibit the work at the festival.

Submitted work must have been completed after January 1, 2025, and, unless prior approval has been granted, may not have been publicly screened or broadcast prior to the 2026 festival dates.

BMFF utilizes a single submission category for all entries. Selected films will be programmed, presented, and considered for awards at the sole discretion of BMFF. Programming sections, competition placement, and award categories will be determined by the festival based on the individual characteristics, content, format, and achievements of each selected film. Films may be considered for multiple awards regardless of how they were submitted.

Venue(s), program time(s), and the number of screenings of selected work are at the sole discretion of BMFF.

BMFF does not provide screening fees or honorariums for submitted work or for any film screening as part of the festival.

Feature films available online or on VOD prior to the festival dates may not be considered for certain competition or premiere-designated programming sections.

BMFF reserves the right to deny acceptance of any film at its sole discretion.

ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. If the 2026 Black Mountain Film Festival is canceled, postponed, modified, or presented in a virtual or hybrid format because of an act of God, natural disaster, epidemic, government action, venue restrictions, or any other circumstance beyond the festival's control, submission fees cannot be refunded.

Online screeners must be provided for all submissions to be reviewed by the BMFF programming committee. (For Vimeo submissions, please set the "Where Can This Be Embedded?" privacy setting to "Anywhere" to allow our screening committee to view the film within our review platform. Enabling "Watch Later" will also provide committee members greater flexibility when viewing submissions.)

Entrants will be notified of their submission status on or before October 1, 2026. If accepted, the entrant agrees to provide an exhibition file in BMFF's required format and any requested backup materials by the deadline specified in the acceptance notification.

Selected films may be required to deliver exhibition materials in DCP, ProRes 422 QuickTime, or other formats designated by BMFF. Online delivery may be required instead of, or in addition to, physical media. Final exhibition requirements will be communicated to accepted filmmakers.

Foreign-language films must include English subtitles. Any costs associated with subtitling, exhibition file preparation, delivery, or format conversion are the sole responsibility of the entrant.

All accepted films grant BMFF and its designated agents permission to utilize clips, trailers, still images, and other promotional materials from the film for festival marketing, publicity, and promotional purposes. The entrant agrees to notify BMFF if they no longer possess the rights necessary to grant such permission.

If a film becomes an Official Selection or receives an award, BMFF requests that such recognition be acknowledged in future promotional materials. Festival laurels will be made available to Official Selections and Award recipients.

All materials sent from outside the United States must be shipped with all transportation charges, duties, and taxes prepaid by the sender. BMFF will not be responsible for customs clearance. Please ensure that all required customs documentation is included with any shipment.

Although every reasonable precaution will be taken in handling exhibition materials, BMFF is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage. Please do not send original masters, unique prints, or irreplaceable materials.
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Laura Paglin

    I had low expectations for the film festival - mostly because it was brand new. But I was pleasantly surprised - the renovated venue at the Virginia was outstanding! The focus on Appalachian themed films meant for some distinct and memorable pieces. Not all were outstanding - but I think as the festival continues to grow, so will the quality of films. It was a great idea to make the festival both a music and film community event. I think with some tweaks and careful strategizing - this festival could grow into one of the top 'go to' regional fests. The fact that the venue and neighborhood are charming and walkable, with beautiful restored buildings and some top restaurants - also help make this an attractive festival. I should also add that the Award $ was unusually generous for a festival of this size - and I think that alone should attract more filmmakers in the future. Kudos!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Seth McClellan

    Terrific film festival! We were delighted to be there and were very impressed by the mission and execution. Highly recommended.

    November 2025
    Helpful