Welcome to the vibrant world of urban cinema at Da Bounce Urban Film Festival (DBUFF), the Netherlands' first and foremost international black film festival, launched in 2014. As we move toward our 9th edition, we continue to celebrate the rich tapestry of urban storytelling with new releases, timeless classics, narratives, features, shorts, and documentaries.

(JOIN US FROM 6-8 DECEMBER 2024 IN AMSTERDAM) for an immersive experience filled with Q&As, panel discussions, roundtable events, networking opportunities, workshops, and talent development programs. Whether you're an industry insider or a passionate film enthusiast, there's something for everyone.

Are you a novice filmmaker with a medium or low budget? Do you have a film made by or about people of African descent? We want to see your work! You don’t need to be of African descent, but your lead actor or actress must be, or your film should feature a predominantly black cast. Showcase your short urban film or documentary at the prestigious "International DBUFF Talent Award." While only Dutch citizens are eligible for awards and prizes, we also have a special category for the best foreign film.

We’re excited to announce that DBUFF is now accepting submissions for narrative and documentary features. This is your chance to be part of a festival that not only celebrates cinematic diversity but also builds bridges, stimulates growth, and uncovers the immense potential within the urban film segment.

With over 6,500 attendees last year, including industry professionals and the general public, DBUFF is the perfect platform to get your work noticed. Beyond the annual festival, we support urban film through distribution, marketing, PR, and other film-related activities.

Join us from 6-8 December 2024 in Amsterdam for a celebration of urban film like no other. We can’t wait to see your submissions and welcome you to the Da Bounce Urban Film Festival!

See you at DBUFF 2024!

For more information and submission details, visit our website.

Awards & Prizes

All official selected participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Best Short:
The winning film will receive a:
o special screening during DBUFF2024
o trophy/plaque
o certificate of participation
o €1000 to be spent on a next project

Rules & Terms

Rules and Qualification

The special screening team of Da Bounce Urban Film Festival and professional judges will select projects which will be presented in the competition and for screening. Each official selection will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Only projects that meet the following criteria may be chosen as official selections:

1. The content must be submitted by a creator/producer aged 18 +.

2. Film made by and/or about people of African-European descent. filmmaker needn't be of African-European descent, however the leading actor/actress must be of African (European) descent.

3. Films that have been produced during the 36 months preceding Da Bounce Urban Film Festival;

4. Shorts films should not exceed 30 minutes in length, including credits.
4.a Feature films should not exceed 120 minutes in length, including credits.

5. Throughout the duration of the Festival, none of the films selected may be shown outside the Festival’s official theaters before its official screening.

6. Once a film has been selected it cannot be withdrawn from the Festival program.

7. All non-Dutch speaking films must be presented in their original version with Dutch or English subtitles.

All subtitling expenses are to be met by the film’s producer.

8. The Board of Directors selects all members of the jury for competition and screening. No person having taken part in the production or promotion of a film in competition may be on the jury.

9. The jury is obliged to award the: The Best Short, Actor and Actress

10. Films to be submitted for the official selection must be entered by midnight on September 15th before midnight. An entry form must be completed for all submissions..

11. If your film is selected, a Notice of Official Selection shall be emailed on November 1st to the email address provided by the submitter in their entry form

12. On being selected you must supply to us your work in film on Blu-Ray or DCP on Nov. 15th.

13. Any supporting marketing and PR material available for the projects selected must be supplied by Nov. 8th.

14. Da Bounce Urban Film Festival office can provide you with further details if your project is selected.

15. If your project is selected for exhibit at the Festival, it is the requirement of the Festival that you put forth all effort to attend the festival, at your own travel/lodging expense to promote and support your film, and collect your award.

16. Da Bounce Urban Film Festival office has the power to settle all cases not covered by the present rules and regulations.

17. Participation in the Festival implies acceptance of all the aforementioned regulations and respect of submission and screening conditions. Furthermore by completing the initial online entry form (you/your company) agree to the Festival’s terms and rules

-submitted works must be accompanied by the entry form
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Djaka Souaré

    Terrific festival that I was so sad I was unable to attend. The films that were screening were part of a very curated program that I thought really made sense, recognizing big names while acknowledging the work of young or first time filmmaker. That creates a very exciting environment and I was honored to be nominated for a Talent Award. The communication with the team throughout was stellar, and they even followed up after the festival was over, which doesn't happen often. I really hope I can attend next time. Great job and long live Da Bounce!

    November 2019
    Helpful
  • Laura Hermanides

    Great great festival. Fantastic vibe, wonderful audience, great staff and most of all a very authentic feel overall.

    November 2018
    Helpful
  • Gabriel Bagnaschi

    Fantasic festival with a great showcase of diverse talent from all over the world. Great communication and very welcoming staff. Definetely one of the most supportive festivals for new talents and young filmmakers!

    November 2018
    Helpful