Black Web Fest 2023 is a two-day festival where people from African diaspora unite to discover online shorts, web series, new media, and web industry trends. With the entertainment industry moving to more streaming platforms, there’s a vast amount of creators making content for digital platforms. The festival connects these creatives with opportunities to showcase their creative work, learn new skills and network. During the festival attendees will be able to screen web series and films created by Black media makers. The festival will also feature informative panels with industry professionals, media makers, and actors.

Awards & Prizes

We want to celebrate independent media makers so we have four award categories Best Short Documentary, Best Web Series, and Best Short Film, and Best Animation. Please note winners will not receive the awards until after the festival. We do not provide flights or hotel accommodations. (Additional categories can be added at the discretion of the festival organizers.)

Best Short Film: $500
A free pass for you and a guest to Black Web Fest 2023. Screening your web series during Black Web Fest 2023. An opportunity for your content to be screened at other Black Web Fest 2023 related events.

Best Web Series: $500
A free pass for you and a guest to Black Web Fest 2023. Screening your web series during Black Web Fest 2023. An opportunity for your content to be screened at other Black Web Fest 2023 related events.

Best Short Documentary (No Cash Prize)
A free pass for you and a guest for Black Web Fest 2023. Screening your short documentary during Black Web Fest 2023. An opportunity for your content to be screened at other Black Web Fest 2023 related events.

Best Animation (No Cash Prize)
A free pass for you and a guest for Black Web Fest 2023. Screening your animation during Black Web Fest 2023. An opportunity for your content to be screened at other Black Web Fest 2023 related events.

Rules & Terms


DEADLINES
Black Web Fest 2023 submissions OPEN ON December 8, 2022, 11:59 pm EST
Deadline: All content must be submitted by February 17, 2023, 11:59 pm EST

CATEGORIES
We accept submissions of Short Films, Web Series, Short Documentaries, and Animation. Trailers will not be considered. Submissions must be from media makers who are Black, African, or are of African descent.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Language:
All films must be in English or with English subtitles.

Screening or Rental Fees:
Black Web Fest does NOT CONSIDER films that require SCREENING/RENTAL FEES.

Duration/Running Time:
Short Narrative: No More than 40 minutes
Web Series: No More than 30 minutes
Short Documentary: Less than 40 minutes
Animation: Less than 40 minutes

Prior Screenings:
Entries can not have a theatrical run (commercial release) or be broadcast (TV) anywhere in the U.S.A. before October 4, 2022. Previous screenings at other film festivals, as well as private, industry, and press screenings are OK. The "New York Premiere" status is preferred, but not mandatory.

Completion Date:
Projects submitted to the Black Web Fest must have been completed after January 1, 2018. Only completed projects will be accepted.

Independent Production:
Films produced, financed, or initiated by a major motion picture studio are not eligible for the competition.

Screening Requirements:
If your content is selected for exhibition, please be advised that the Festival will require:
• Digital press kits with photo stills (color and black/white)
• Headshots of director(s) and writer(s)
• 1 sentence publicity synopsis of the film; 150-word synopsis of the film
• Trailers, clip reels, posters, postcards, and EPKs, if available, to maximize exposure for your film

13 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Benjamin Simms

    Outstanding!!!!!!! Please invite me back!!!!!!!

    May 2023
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  • Craig Talbot

    Amazing festival, with a real community feel, that not only wants to connect creatives but support them throughout their career. Highly recommend.

    October 2022
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  • Cinemas Possíveis

    A brilliant and powerful festival that I was honored to be a part of.
    Thank you and may it always continue.

    October 2021
    Helpful
  • Negash Abdurahman

    Glad to be part of this festival. Thank you for making Cuba in Africa part of your official selection

    Negash Abdurahman

    October 2021
    Helpful
  • Rod Sáez Chávez

    we loved the experience

    thank you

    October 2021
    Helpful