BronzeLens Film Festival will celebrate its 14th annual festival in 2023.

We're proud to be an Atlanta based film festival. Film and television productions spent $4.4 billion in Georgia in fiscal 2022. The music industry thrives here, and Interactive media is alive and well. In other words, there is a hub of creativity and room for growth
that is amazing!

BronzeLens showcases films by seasoned as well as the “next generation” of filmmakers that are by, for and/or depicting People of Color, particularly of the African Diaspora. We know that representation matters. Our selections are from filmmakers worldwide. Themes delve into the past, confront present day and imagine our future. We are looking for films that are inclusive and diverse which speak to our heart, mind and soul. But it's not all serious though. We love a good laugh too!!

In addition to outstanding films we have awesome workshops, Master Classes and Conversations about the art and business of filmmaking. They provide takeaways that will enhance your knowledge. Previous partners have included BET, WarnerMedia, OWN, Seed and Spark, Microsoft and many others.

BronzeLens Film Festival has been approved as an Academy Awards® Qualifying Festival for the Short Film Awards. The winner will be eligible for consideration in the Short Film category of the Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with Academy rules.

According to FilmFreeway BronzeLens ranks “in the top 1.5% of more than 8,000 film festivals and creative contests around the world.” We offer an in-person movie theater experience for our screenings. In addition, we transition to a virtual festival by opening our reach and provided networking in a creative space on a global scale through our use of a variety of platforms. BronzeLens aims to offer a place where filmmakers feel seen, nurtured and valued. When selected they immediately become part of our extended family. We will all grow together.

Recent reviews from attending filmmakers have said:

“Incredible seminars, several amazing filmmaker luncheons, and an “Oscar Like” award ceremony made this festival quite a magnificent affair.”

“Seriously, BronzeLens was an incredible festival with an outstanding awards show, fantastic films, and great panels with people to actually learn from.”

“BronzeLens took care of the pros and the newbies. There was a special liaison just for screening filmmakers and this made introductions and networking easier….”

BLFF has grown from a four-day festival to year-round programming. Since our first year, we were invited by Ava DuVernay to be a charter member of AFFRM, now ARRAY. In that capacity, we are a member of a collective of leading African American film festivals that comprise a unique distribution model. In addition, we’ve programmed as a 2021 Sundance Satellite, as well as for the Atlanta Jazz Festival, The Neighborhood Awards Expo, a bi-annual Family Film series, a South Asian Film series, screenings for leading theater companies as well as conducted career workshops and provided promotional support for many of our “alums” who have gone on to have theatrical and digital releases.

Awards & Prizes

We recognize excellence in the following categories:

- Best Feature
- Best Short: BronzeLens Film Festival has been approved as an​ Academy Awards®​​ qualifying festival for the Short Film Category.
- Best Web Series
- Best Documentary
- Best Short Documentary
- Best Student Film
- Best Music Video
- Best Dance on Film
- Best Actor
- Best Actress
- Audience Award determined by attendee and online voting
- Best of Festival

Cash Prizes to be Announced

Please note:
- final cuts only- not works in progress.

Rules & Terms

BronzeLens Film Entry Submission Guidelines

BronzeLens Film Festival (BLFF) is now accepting film entries for our 2023 Festival. We are seeking films by or about people of color that explore the trials and triumphs of life using the moving image. This is a necessary step towards inclusion for many who have not had their stories told. It is an integral part of our mission to expand who and what
is seen.

Please read the following information fully and complete the online submission form found on FilmFreeway. BronzeLens Film Festival DOES NOT GRANT WAIVERS FOR ENTRY FEES. If you are a previous BronzeLens filmmaker (if a previous film was an Official Selection) there is an Alumni Rate code that you can request at info@bronzelens.com. Note: if your film was shot in Georgia there is a $10 entry fee reduction (Early Bird, Regular or Late deadlines applies). You are encouraged to submit prior to the deadline for a reduced fee. There are no refunds after submission.

BLFF Eligibility

Entries MUST be written, directed, produced and/or principally acted by a person of color. This is mandatory for consideration. Works in progress are not allowed.

More than one entry can be submitted; however, each entry must be accompanied by a separate online submission form, entry fee, color JPEG publicity photo, one - two sentence synopsis and URL link and password. Year of completion must be 2021 or later. Foreign language films must have English subtitles.

Online submissions must include the fully completed submission form, entry fee, JPEG publicity photo(s), downloadable trailer link, two sentence synopsis and URL link (Vimeo preferred). The URL link and password for selected films must be available until
August 27, 2023. IMPORTANT NOTE: If selected we will have very important
time-sensitive correspondence. Add us to your contacts- info@bronzelens.com. Be sure to include the phone number of the submitter. THIS IS MANDATORY.

Completion of the entry form certifies that you are the rightful owner of the submitted work and own all rights and releases necessary for public screening, that all legal clearances and releases including, but not limited to talent, intellectual property, music or stock footage are the responsibility of the filmmaker, and that the submitted film is not subject to litigation and is not threatened by litigation. If selected, you agree to provide a final exhibition downloadable link and password upon request. You give permission for BLFF to utilize clips or stills of your entry for festival promotional purposes (including but not limited to television, web, and presentations).

BLFF encourages at least an Atlanta premiere for the selected films and shorts. Projects may have distribution but not yet had a theatrical release, airplay on television, or broadcast on the Internet (excluding web series, dance and music videos).

Official Selection Announcement will be made in early July 2023. We traditionally do this via Facebook Live. It will be followed up by an official acceptance sent via e-mail.

Submission and Judging Categories include:

- Feature Film (narrative fiction): (41 minutes +)
- Short Film (40 minutes or less)
- Documentary: (30 minutes +)
- Short Documentary: (up to 29 minutes)
- Web Series (submit two in a series; each not to exceed 15:00)
- Music Video (must be an original song, not a cover and not to exceed 10:00)
- Dance on Film (must be an original song, not a cover and not to exceed 10:00)
- Student Shorts (up to 30 minutes); must be written, shot, directed and produced by
students who were in college during the time of its production.
(Student shorts are NOT eligible to be submitted in the Shorts category.
BronzeLens reserves the right to move them to the Student category)
- Best Actress *
- Best Actor *
* Please be sure to list the name and their character's name in your credits.

82 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • irungu mutu

    Thank you BronzeLens! We were so honored to screen 'LEAVING ISIOLO' at its Southern US theatrical premiere in 2022. An incredible lineup of films & panelists, fantastic communication & organization. A great festival overall! BlessUp.

    February 2023
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  • frey Dagne

    It was a well organized event and a beautiful experience!

    October 2022
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  • Marchelle Thurman

    Black White and the Greys was fortunate enough to screen at the BronzeLens Film Festival and win Best Feature and Best of Festival. It was truly an amazing experience. The festival team puts so much care into making sure everything runs smoothly and that the filmmakers have a wonderful experience.

    The theater we screened at was incredible. The epitome of luxury. The festival also planned great panels and Q&A’s with top people in the industry, and the wisdom shared was invaluable.

    And last but not least the amount of talented filmmakers blew us away. Every film was so well done and we left feeling inspired. And the bonus is we made some wonderful friends. This festival is a MUST. We would 100% submit again and hope that we have the opportunity to be a part of this festival in the future.

    September 2022
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  • Kuan Cao

    Honored to be a part of the festival. Realy warm, professional and well-organized event. Cheers.

    September 2022
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  • Ebony Blanding

    Grateful for this hometown screening and all the beautiful work put in to make it a success!

    September 2022
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