BLACKBIRD FILM FESTIVAL
Discover. Connect. Inspire.
www.Blackbirdfilmfest.com

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The Blackbird Film Festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in central New York state that celebrates and supports independent filmmakers from around the world. At the Blackbird Film Festival, we strive to curate an inclusive festival atmosphere - an environment where experienced professionals and first time filmmakers can engage in meaningful conversations that form lasting connections and build creative communities.

Founded in 2015 initially as a festival for teen filmmakers, the Blackbird Film Festival opened submissions to all filmmakers in 2016 with the hope of encouraging collaboration, inspiring creativity, and sharing perspectives from around the world. As film is one of the most powerful ways we tell our stories and share our experiences, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure as many voices as possible are being represented each season. First and foremost, Blackbird programmers guarantee that at least 50% of selected films are written and/or directed by woman. Additionally, our programmers are devoted to curating screenings that include as many new and diverse voices from BIPOC filmmakers, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and people/persons with different abilities.

Whether you're a filmmaker or just a film enthusiast, we hope you will join us this year and experience what makes the Blackbird Film Festival a uniquely special and memorable community event

Blackbird Film Festival accepts and supports all genres (of cinema and people).

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PLEASE NOTE:
Blackbird Film Fest entrants are required to pay the submission fee in order to participate in the festival. These fees support the various event costs (venues, supplies, promotional material, staff, etc.) For this reason, submission waivers will not be given for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.

Additional information about Blackbird's judging process and submission statistics can be found at www.Blackbirdfilmfest.com/submit.

Each season, Blackbird hosts a catered Award Ceremony for all accepted filmmakers. During this celebration, Blackbird "Best Of" Category Awards (such as Best Dramatic Short, Best Documentary, etc.) are announced. Additionally, Blackbird also also announces Audience Choice Awards for each of the various screening blocks.

Exact award specifications (trophies, medallions, money, etc.) vary from year to year based on sponsorship support.

Please visit www.Blackbirdfilmfest.com/submit to view submission rules and guidelines.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Yemaya Film

    Great festival! Organized, clear communication, awesome hospitality and value!

    December 2023
  • Blackbird does EVERYTHING right: a single venue that enables us to see all the films; a summer camp atmosphere with food and fun; thematic programming that puts the films and filmmakers in conversation with one another; all made possible by the caring and compassionate leadership of Sam Avery.

    August 2023
  • Had a great time, drove up to see them premiere my film with a few friends and had an amazing weekend. What an opportunity!

    August 2023
  • Adrian Todd Zuniga

    A extremely well-run festival, with amazing social-media outreach. I was thrilled HOLD ME, DON'T TOUCH ME was part of it, and would recommend Blackbird Film Festival to anyone.

    June 2023
  • Brittany Smith

    This festival is amazing! A friend told me about BlackBird and I am so happy I submitted because I only have great things to say. Their whole team is friendly and kind. They make the festival experience so seem-less and fun! They hold events both online and off to participate in which makes networking with other creatives so easy. Will submit again and I hope you do too!

    June 2023