***THIS YEAR'S SUBMISSIONS AND FESTIVAL HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO CONFLICTING PROJECTS. WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS AT THIS TIME***

The Black Truth Film Festival seeks to encourage educated discussion of black history & culture. This is not your typical film festival! We provide the platform for the black narrative to be told & heard through film.

***UNLESS OTHERWISE ADVERTISED THIS WILL BE A VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL***

We live in a world where the population and even black people are not fully educated on the significance of black history or true nature of black culture. Black generations have been silenced, failing to past down historic accounts out of fear or apathy, believing their stories would never truly matter. Minorities are also underrepresented in film & media.

Today, there are still too many untold stories, too many unanswered injustices, too many questions and prejudices.

Why do black males suffer such high incarceration rates? Why are black women three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than any other race in America? Is there more behind the stigma of blacks being associated with crime, drugs, violence, & poverty? Why are black women so often sexually objectified and seen as angry? Why aren't more black people shown in positive roles in media? Why must a black man live in constant fear for his life from a system that's supposed to provide justice and equality for all? Why do black people constantly feel unsafe? Is there any good reason to explain any of this? Does anything good ever come out of such a culture?

These are only some of the questions we hope to address and share, not just within the black community but with all. There is no denying just by being black anywhere you are subject to a host of invalid assumptions. There's no denying not enough of the world, even within our own culture has a complete picture of the black narrative.

But we must start somewhere.

So we invite you to share your story or that of another. Especially during such a critical time in history where it is evident, we must no longer be silent and speak our truth now. Be heard.

If you have ever wondered about some of the questions listed above this is an opportunity to gain insight and hear the perspectives of black people on black culture for yourself. Here at The Great Black Narrative, we invite you, challenge you even to first learn, then help change the black narrative simply by sharing the truth.

One story at a time.
The future depends on it.
The time is now.

- Film must be original work that focuses on the issues faced by the black community. Directors may be of any race.

- The subject matter of the film must share the perspective of black (culture) narrative by sharing the reality of black history or culture. You are free to pick any topic or historic event. Ultimately, the goal should be to create thought-provoking questions and discussion with a wide range of audience.

- Contestants may submit multiple films, each entry no longer than 20 minutes, inclusive of credits. The category of "The Genocide of Black Americans" has a 2 hour time limit (also submit to this category if your submission is 20 minutes or greater) and the entry fee is higher than the standard entry fee. You must be sure to select the appropriate category for your film.

- If your work includes content not suitable for children or family audiences, please note that in your submission upfront and clearly. This includes any violent, sex, heavy use of explicit language, drug use, and nudity scenes.

- Foreign language films must contain English subtitles for consideration.
- HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you allow your film to be downloaded via FilmFreeway so you receive instant notification if your film is selected as a winner

By submitting your film, you are agreeing to the following:

Agreement:
I hereby enter the above named film/video in the “Black Truth” Film Festival competition and hold all necessary rights required by law to grant screenings and no content or material submitted infringes on the rights and/or copyright(s) of any third party. There are no disputes regarding ownership of my submission. I understand that this film festival entity nor its affiliates will not be responsible for accidental damage to, or loss of, my entry or any other materials submitted, nor will they be liable for any legal actions, which may arise in connection to this production.

If nominated, I understand I may be required to provide two (2) Blu-Ray discs copies of my work and/or the DCP (digital cinema package) via mail submission, which must be received no later than 30 April. I understand I will be notified if a different format may be required for screening based on the secured location. I understand that, unless otherwise specified, this entity provides no financial compensation for any exhibition of my work. I understand that if my work is nominated The Great Black Narrative and its affiliates are hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film accepted for promotional purposes for current and future film festival events. If nominated I will ensure the full version of my submission is no longer available via any online platform until after the festival screening is complete.

I understand entries cannot be withdrawn once submitted. No mailed entries will be returned. Failure to adhere to any rule may result in disqualification and forfeiting of any entry fee(s).

I agree to hold this entity harmless from and defend them against all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney’s fees and court costs) which may be incurred out of or in connection with any screening as a result of any third party claim. This includes but is not limited to copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered. I assume all financial and legal liability for works submitted.

I understand dates, showtime(s), location, and scheduling are at the discretion of this entity and is subject to change without notice. Only a select number of films will be chosen for screening at the festival and all others may opt into our provider's list option (see details via website).

I have read, understand and am authorized to accept all of the terms listed under the submission guidelines, and I agree to abide by all terms and rules.

Please also note:

+ The entrant must pay the cost of shipping an entry to the festival. We will not accept Collect or COD shipments. All International exhibition copies being sent directly to us must be sent “free domicile” with all transportation charges, delivery fees, duties and taxes prepaid by the shipper. Entrant is responsible for tracking shipment. We will not accept or assume responsibility for any lost or damaged materials shipped. You will receive confirmation once your entry is received (this only applies to nominees).

+ Entrants may be required to pay any fees this festival deems as "excessive" if your award and/or any material must be shipped to you and you live in another country where additional fees must be paid that are not normal had you resided within the USA.

- Entry fee must be in U.S. dollars and is non-refundable.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sandra Mathieu

    Thank you to the Black Truth Festival for the honorable mention for the movie I submitted

    July 2022
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your feedback!

  • Chris Oledude


    From Christopher R. Owens, President, CESO Enterprises, Inc. crowens@cesony.com:

    On behalf of CESO ENTERPRISES, INC., Alyssa Dann, Chris Oledude, and all of our production participants, I would like to compliment the organizers and operators of the 
    Black Truth Film Festival. When we created our first music video (which was long enough to be a short film), we knew nothing about film festivals. With the help of FilmFreeway, we started researching. The categories were good. Everyone who contacted us on behalf of this festival was helpful. The submissions looked excellent.
    It was indeed exciting to discover this new world and to be so warmly welcomed by the inhabitants!  To have GEORGE FLOYD: SAY THEIR NAMES selected for inclusion was an honor in and of itself. So, to be awarded honorable mention was thrilling and beyond what we expected!
    We were happy to “get the word out” and continue motivating people worldwide to consider the injustices embedded within our nation’s criminal justice system. After all, situations where a powerful segment of the population uses its law enforcement apparatus to abuse and oppress other segments of the population are recognizable in and common to many societies.
    We recommend submitting your work and we certainly intend to participate again in the future. Peace and stay safe!

    July 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Chris for the kind words and for sharing your journey! Absolutely please continue to share our stories through the arts and film. The work you and your team is doing is very much needed to help bring about the change we need in our society. Looking forward to seeing more creative work from CESO!

  • Sarah Furie

    This was such a rewarding film festival. Our films were shown virtually due to COVID-19, but I still felt connected to the audience and filmmakers.

    June 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Sarah for sharing your feedback! Enjoyed having you and your exceptional film as part of the festival! Now things are starting to return to normal hopefully we can stay on track with more in person interactions.

  • Harrell Williams

    Loved this festival! Thank you Black Truth Film Festival!

    June 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for sharing your feedback! It means so much to hear you enjoyed the experience!

  • Donald Wilson

    Had a great time! Very encouraging & uplifting!

    June 2021
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you! It was a pleasure and honor connecting with you and your exceptional film! Keep telling our stories!