For 12 years the Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF) will screen e 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 of color.

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 of the Carolinas, Best Short, Best Feature, Best Black Women In Film, Best Documentary, Best Student Film, Best International Film. Audience Award, Best Director, Best Score, Best Actors

Rules & Terms

Only films premiering at the Charlotte Black Film Festival as a Charlotte premiere will be permitted. Meaning you cannot premiere your film at another festival in the Charlotte area prior to screening at our festival.

The winners of which are chosen by special juries will receive awards for the highest score in each of the following rating categories.
:
1) Originality / Creativity 2) Direction 3) Writing 4) Cinematography 5) Performances
6) Production Value 7) Pacing 8) Structure 9) Sound / Music.

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”.
43 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Adah Obekpa

    We were honored to be apart of this well organized and fun festival! Thank you so much for the interviews and online feedback. We truly enjoyed ourselves even in the online format!
    Thank you again

    September 2021
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  • Jacqueline Kennedy

    The Charlotte Black Film Festival took place over several days, allowing filmmakers, casts and crews to witness the creativity of so many exceptional films. Thank you to the festival for highlighting women in unconventional careers by creating a panel discussion around my film '1 Out of 8'. The festival was outstanding - THANK YOU!

    August 2021
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  • Think 100% FILMS

    Thank you to Tommy and the team for a wonderful festival! It was great to participate in a panel with people from the local area and we thank you for including Ain't Your Mama's Heat Wave as a finalist!

    August 2021
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  • Amanda Phelps

    This was a wonderful festival for black creatives to showcase their work. There was lots of support felt from the team and they were very communicative. I was happy to be a part of this festival and receive an award! Thank you so much, Charlotte Black Film Festival!

    July 2021
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  • Constance McIntyre

    Great Film Festival. The virtual Q & A sessions provided a great opportunity to discuss our films and to network. The fellowship was wonderful and insightful. Thank you for selecting our short s “ Social Justice” as well as “Fighting for Me”.

    July 2021
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