Nine years in a row, the Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF) will screen three days of Independent Films, Workshops, Industry Networking, Master Classes and more.

Our mission is to create economic empowerment for, heighten awareness of, promote the significance and need for African American cinema as an art form, and to be a voice for independent filmmakers.

This year’s festival itinerary includes four days of educational and empowering film screenings, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and networking opportunities. In addition, the CBFF’s prestigious Red Carpet “Vision Awards” will recognize the achievements of emerging actors, composers, screenwriters and directors.

Awards & Prizes

Trophies Awarded - Best Short, Best Feature, Best Documentary, Best Student Film, Best International Film. Audience Award, Best Director, Best Score, Best Actors

Rules & Terms

Select features, documentary, short films and music videos participate in the Festival’s
five competitive sections, the winners of which are chosen by special juries. Awards are
given for the Best Short, Documentary, Feature, Music Video, and International film.
All categories are eligible for the Audience Awards, which is chosen based on ballots
submitted by the festival audience. Street teams and promotional flyers
are encouraged to promote your film to attendees. Winners will be
announced during the Red Carpet “Vision Awards”.
21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kareem McM

    I really enjoyed this festival greatly. It had a variety of strong films from the and African and African-American diaspora and provided rich networking opportunities for filmmakers and the vendors. I look forward to submitting and attending in the future.

    May 2019
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  • Cadell Cook

    The heart behind this festival is second to none. We were honored to win Best Short Film at the 9th annual CBFF. Tommy Nichols and his team have created an environment of learning, sharing and networking. There were a few bumps in the road, but I think this festival is going to set a new standard of exellence next year. Oh, and the awards ceremony was the best ceremony I have ever attended. Great host, great DJ, great times had by all. See you all next year!!!

    May 2019
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  • Lana Taylor

    A special thank you to the Charlotte Black Film Festival for selecting my film. Thank you for the opportunity to share my film with people on the big screen at your event. I appreciate the selection and would like to thank them for all of their communication. Great festival!

    May 2019
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  • James Theres

    CBFF was the world theatrical premiere for the SixTripleEight documentary. Producer Edna Cummings and several family members of the SixTripleEight women were there for the World Theatrical Premiere. And one very special guest was 98-year old Bernice Barker, a member of WWII unit from Hickory, NC. CBFF rolled out the red carpet for her. Very appreciative. Wonderful festival, well-organized, and received a nomination for Best Documentary. Great start to the film festival run.

    April 2019
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  • Khaeem Yisrael

    The 2019 CBFF was a first class event. The hotel accommodations were great. Mr. Nichols and the entire CBFF staff were curtious, friendly,helpful and very professional. The films screened were high quality and very entertaining. The Charlotte Black Film Festival is definitely a premiere film festival destination for serious black filmakers.

    April 2019
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