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.

Jury Awards are given in the following categories:

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best International Film
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.

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 2021 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 2023 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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kevin is amazing! He and his team put on a wonderful festival experience that truly places filmmakers at the heart of programming throughout. DC Black Film Festival is wonderfully curated and really served to be one of the first stops on my festival run and we ended up connecting with other filmmakers we would continue running into both on the Black Filmmakers circuit and beyond. The DC Black Film Festival workshops were some of the best I experienced - thank you DC Black Film Festival and Kevin for an amazing experience. Thank you also for including Assaman, our first film, in your Official Selection 2022.

    November 2022
  • Brandon Shaw

    Such an amazing experience. Kevin and his team really made us filmmakers feel special. And I am super grateful to walk away with a win. Thank you DC Black Film Festival!

    September 2022
  • Bradley Gueho

    Great festival! Awesome social promos and communicates well with their filmmakers!

    August 2022
  • Jasmine Je’toi None

    Super cool being apart of such a high quality festival! Even though I couldn’t attend the in-person screenings, Kevin created a dope virtual experience for us filmmakers to still connect and discuss our films! I really appreciated that!

    August 2022
  • Julia Mallory

    Kevin and the DC Black Film Festival staff were very helpful and hospitable throughout the process. I appreciate the warm welcome during the opening night and Kevin's intentional questions during the talk back. I would highly recommend DCBFF!

    August 2022