PLEASE NOTE: We have disabled International submissions at this time as we have received a far greater amount of films in this category than we're able to program. Still accepting all other submissions. Thank you.
PLEASE READ: Before submitting, please review the "Rules & Terms" section. We do four (4) cycles each year centered around cultural heritage. The purpose is to promote and celebrate various cultures. Please be certain your film is aligned with the theme/cycle you are submitting to. Films that are not theme appropriate will be disqualified. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CYCLE:
Our FEBRUARY 2021 showcase will take place online and celebrates Black history, African and African American cultures. The national theme for Black History Month 2021 is: THE BLACK FAMILY: REPRESENTATION, IDENTITY, AND DIVERSITY. We are actively seeking content that speaks to this theme. Films may cover a range of genres but we prefer family friendly, educational, uplifting and inspiring selections. Submitted films highlighting the National 2021 Black History Month theme are strongly encouraged and preferred. We are also open to smart, "outside-the-box" thrillers that support the theme (but no horror slashers or gore, please).
DUE TO COVID-19 AND ONGOING EFFORTS TO PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING, WE WILL HOST SHOWCASE DATES ONLINE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
OUR CITY:
Huntington Beach is a seaside city within Orange County in Southern California. Known for its beautiful beach, mild climate, and excellent surfing, it earned the nickname of Surf City USA. This event is sponsored by the Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force.
MISSION & BACKGROUND:
The Huntington Beach Human Relations Task Force (HRTF) promotes and celebrates diversity in Huntington Beach through education and understanding. The Huntington Beach community-wide effort to promote human dignity is an important element in building a better community. In support of this mission, we are hosting cultural showcases throughout the year.
CULTURAL CINEMA SHOWCASE:
We host a series of cultural cinema showcases each year in celebration of Black History Month, Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, National Hispanic - Latinx Heritage Month, and Native American - First Nations Heritage Month. Using the arts as a bridge, we curate and select a variety of films - narrative, documentary, animation, web/new media/experimental, shorts and super shorts (3 minutes or less) - to share with the local community.
Although we do not offer cash awards, submissions that are designated as "Official Selection" will have their projects featured during our online showcase, along with receiving official laurels sent via email. Filmmakers from high-scoring films may be invited to participate in a live, digital panel where members of the press are often invited. Some films will receive the highest honors (acknowledgements) and be chosen as "Jury Selection" "Programmer Selection" "Mayor Selection" or "Best in Show" etc.