Our festival is a celebration of the vibrant tapestry of cultures that converge in Colorado, showcasing cinematic works that illuminate the movement of peoples and the richness of communities across the globe. From the ancient Greek origins of the term 'diaspora'—meaning 'to scatter about'—we draw inspiration to explore stories of migration, identity, and belonging through the art of cinema.

As an initiative of the Askkanwii Filmmaking Hub Incubator, a nonprofit organization based in Denver; the Colorado Diasporic Film Festival is dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and connection. Through a curated selection of films, documentaries, shorts, and panel discussions and workshops; we invite audiences to embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that reveals the beauty and complexity of human experiences, both near and far.

A unique aspect of our festival is our collaboration with Askkanwii filmmaking hubs in Africa. We are committed to enhancing the quality of filmmaking and storytelling among young African filmmakers, empowering them to take control of the narrative in telling African stories for and by African filmmakers. By supporting these talented individuals, we aim to amplify authentic voices and ensure that African stories are told with the depth and richness they deserve.

Additionally, we are proud to make the Colorado Diasporic Film Festival a family-friendly event. We plan to include a special kid-friendly screening section, scheduled for Saturday, to accommodate families. This section will offer films suitable for children, providing an engaging and educational experience for young viewers. This emphasis on family inclusivity sets our festival apart, offering a unique opportunity for parents to share the joy of cinema with their children.

Join us at the Colorado Diasporic Film Festival, where every story is a thread in the beautiful tapestry of our shared human experience.

Awards & Prizes

1. Best Feature Film ($500 Cash Prize, Trophy and Digital Recognition)
2. Best Cultural Feature Documentary ($500 Cash Prize, Trophy and Digital Recognition)
3. Best Short Film ($400 Cash Prize, Trophy and Digital Recognition)
4. Best Cultural Short Documentary ($400 Cash Prize, Trophy and Digital Recognition)
5. Best Children’s Short Film ($200 Cash Prize, Trophy, Digital Recognition)
6. Best Animated Short Film ($200 Cash Prize, Trophy, Digital Recognition)
7. Best Student Short Film ($200 Cash Prize, Trophy, Digital Recognition)

Additional prizes may be announced. Current award categories and prizes are subject to change.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms

We encourage you to review the following rules and terms:
By submitting your project, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to all the following Rules & terms:
Submission requirements:
1. Films are accepted via FilmFreeway only.
2. Each submission must be accompanied by a submission fee paid in full. Once we have all the materials, the submission will be marked in “consideration” and it is the submitter’s responsibility to make sure that all submission requirements are met.
3. Any submission that is incomplete by our final deadline will be disqualified without a refund of submission fees.
Subtitles:
4. All foreign language films must be submitted with English subtitles unless you submit an English version of your film. If we discover that a foreign language film is missing English subtitles, we will let you know via email for updates. If the submitter fails to provide working English subtitles by the final submission deadline, the project will be considered incomplete, and we will disqualify without refund of submission fees.
5. Submitted films should be in digital media file format: MOV or MP4.
6. Films must reflect the diasporic experiences, BIPOC experience and be created in part by diasporic and BIPOC filmmakers or writers.
7. The general film category is open to local, national, and international films, with special emphasis on collaborative or independent filmmakers work with short or feature films produced by professional filmmakers, first-time filmmakers, student filmmakers, emerging independent filmmakers
8. Awards and Official Selections are at the sole discretion of the jury and programming
committee and are based on the overall merits of the films. The selection committee
and jury's decisions are final.
9. If your film is selected, you allow us to use brief excerpts (stills & video clips) in
promotional and marketing campaigns for our competition. We are happy to use any
trailer you may have. We will not use any media from any films not selected as semi-
finalists, finalists, or winners.
10. Works in progress will not be accepted.
11. Each applicant must be the rightful owner of
submitted films and own all literary and musical rights.
12. One filmmaker cannot submit multiple films
13. The filmmaker will assume material and print shipping costs to The Colorado Diasporic Film Festival (if necessary.).
14. If your film is accepted, we have the right to screen the film during The Colorado Diasporic Film Festival event.
 The Colorado Diasporic Film festival reserves the right to make necessary scheduling or programming changes to the event.
 Please do not send press kits with your entry. We will contact you if we need Press
materials after selecting your film.
 Entrants agree to indemnify and hold us, including our volunteers, directors, sponsors, and affiliates, harmless against all claims arising from entry or participation in the Colorado Diasporic Film Festival.
 All responses by the Colorado Diasporic Film Festival will be made by email. Official Selections will be contacted approximately 21 days before the festival.
 By submitting your film to The Colorado Diasporic Film Festival, you agree that you have read, understood, and agree to all the festival’s, as mentioned above, rules and
guidelines.
 IF YOUR FILM IS SELECTED, YOU MUST COMPLY WITH OUR RULES AND TERMS.
 Indemnification: Applicant and rightsholder shall, at all times, indemnify, defend and hold the Colorado Diasporic Film Festival, the Askkanwii Filmmaking Hub Incubator and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, associates, judges, employees, service providers, contractors, and sponsors of the foregoing harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, penalties, liabilities, costs, and expenses including, reasonable counsel fees, arising out of or relating to: festival violations, omissions, violations of copyright.