The DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF) is dedicated to showcasing quality film, webseries and television content by and/or about people of African descent. We support emerging artists striving to add diversity to the images and storytellers working in the entertainment industry. The DCBFF is committed to playing an integral role in discovering, celebrating and helping films and filmmakers by bringing them to the attention of the industry, media and public.

Awards & Prizes

Jury Awards are given in the following categories:

Best Feature
Best Documentary
Best Short
Best Web Series
Best Student Film
Best Animated/Experimental
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best DC Film- Given to film in which DC is a prominent setting or focus of the story.

Rules & Terms

All films submitted must have at least one or more of the above-the-line crew members (writer, director, producer or actors) be of African descent. All non-English language films must be subtitled in English. Entry does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Films must have been created in 2017 or after. Submissions MUST NOT be available for viewing online (sites like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) or on VOD platforms. Our only exception to this is for web series submissions. All students must provide current, valid ID and submit with school e-mail.

I hereby enter the above named film/video in the 2019 DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF) competition and hold all necessary rights for said production. I understand that DCBFF will not be responsible for accidental damage to, or loss of, my entry or any other materials submitted, nor will they be liable for any legal actions, which may arise in connection to this production. If nominated, I understand I must provide DCBFF with production photos, promotional materials, and an exhibition copy of my work. I understand that, unless otherwise specified, DCBFF provides no financial compensation for any exhibition of my work. I understand that if my work is nominated, excerpts may be used by DCBFF for promotional purposes. I understand and am authorized to accept all of the terms listed under the submission guidelines, and I agree to abide by all guidelines.
31 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Latasha Kennedy

    DC Black Film Festival is an incredible festival! I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Kevin and his team are excellent communicators and lead with a lot of warmth and passion. They also provide several press opportunities to help the filmmaker get the word out about their film as well as obtain content to further promote their film. They also did a fantastic job at providing opportunities to meet other filmmakers and their curation of films was top notch. Excellent festival! Will definitely submit my next project and attend the festival in the future!

    September 2019
    Helpful
  • Bader Al Shuaib

    The festival was great and I'm glad I got the chance to take part and attend. The networking was awesome and their programs are fantastic. I loved how they provided space for PR and press networks. Kevin was so easy to stay in touch with and communicate with. Hope I get to take part in the festival again sometime!!

    August 2019
    Helpful
  • Sébastien Marques

    Excellent communication ! Even if I couldn’t make it to the festival, it was a pleasure to have my movie screaned !

    August 2019
    Helpful
  • Nyasha Hatendi

    Kevin and the team are the BEST! Punching well above their weight. Watch this space. Was an honor to be featured amongst so many talented filmmakers and to be co-opted into the mission. Thank you for the opportunity guys. Highly recommend ed

    August 2019
    Helpful
  • Jennifer sharp

    Kevin, the founder/programmer, really cared about every movie that he selected and all the filmmakers who attended. He arranged press opportunities for every movie in the festival and was super orgainzed and punctual with the even. I can't wait to see how it grows, because it is on the road to something exceptional. It already is exceptional, but it's a young festival so it's only going to get better! It makes a difference when the filmmakers are appreciated and respected as they are here!

    August 2019
    Helpful