Before submitting, please read through all the rules and terms below. By submitting your project, you acknowledge that you have read and agreed to all of the following:
After submitting if you experience an change in email address, you jmust notify us @ dbfffilmmaker @gmail.com. If your film is selected for the festival and we are unable to reach you yoour film may be dropped from the line-up. We strongly suggest to also include a phone number where you can be reached. We will not share your number.
Film Submission Rules & Terms (See Screenplay Rules Below)
Eligible films must be:
1. Written, directed, or produced by Black filmmakers; or
2. Prominently feature Black actors; or
3. Feature subject matter which relates to the Black community and/or Black
experience.
Filmmakers of all races and ethnicities are welcome to submit when at least one of the previously mentioned criteria is met.
• Open to U.S. and international entries. Films made in a language other than English
must have English subtitles.
• Films submitted through FilmFreeway with paid submission fees are eligible for the
Competitive awards program. Films in competition may not have had commercial
distribution and must be completed after January 1,2022. Invitational films may be
included in Festival programming but are not eligible for awards. If you have
previously been an Official or Invitational Selection you may request an Alumni
discount code at dbfffilmmaker@gmail.com.
• Films must be submitted through FilmFreeway with an online screener with HD,
YouTube, or Vimeo as the preferred methods.
• Films should be completed when submitted. For any exceptions you must contact
us at dbfffilmmaker@gmail.com prior to submitting. If not, they will be marked
disqualified, and the submission fee will not be returned.
• Selected films will be provided at the filmmaker’s expense in the specified exhibition
format by the date specified by DBFF.
• College student and Texas High School category films must provide proof of student
status at the time of production by uploading a copy of a dated student ID or
unofficial transcript showing to FilmFreeway or sending this documentation to
dbfffilmmaker@gmail.com. This proof should be provided when the film is submitted
for consideration.
• Press kits, photo materials, trailers, teasers, or any other promo materials should be
provided through FilmFreeway at the time of submission.
Film submissions attest original work with no disputes regarding ownership or
copyright. The submitted work does not defame or invade the rights of any person
living or dead and DBFF.
• Submitted films may be utilized for promotional purposes of the Festival, limited to
private screenings, and preview-only copies for press and supporters, unless
otherwise arranged with DBFF.
• Submission fees are non-refundable, and once submitted a film may not be
withdrawn without a written request and then at the sole discretion of DBFF.
• Liability:
- All submissions and selected entries will be handled with the utmost care. However,
DBFF cannot accept responsibility for losses, damages or additional charges incurred
during shipping, due to file errors, due to authoring errors, due to normal wear and
tear, or due to equipment failure.
- DBFF is not responsible for any claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses
(including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) arising from or in
connection with any claim (including those of third parties) involving music clearances,
copyright, trademark, credits, publicity of any film submitted to or screened by DBFF.
Reproduction Agreement:
- Submission grants DBFF and its affiliates permission for accepted films (3 minutes
maximum) and related marketing and promotional materials to be reproduced and
distributed solely for purposes of promotion of the festival.
TEXAS SHORT SCREENPLAY SUBMISSIONS RULES & TERMS
• Screenplays must be written by at least one writer who resides in Texas. Be
prepared to provide Proof of Residency.
• The writer shall identify as Black, and if multiple writers the principal writer should
identify as Black.
• Submissions must be received via FilmFreeway on or before the deadline dates with
a paid fee. Entry fees are non-refundable.
• Screenplays must be a maximum of 20 pages and submitted by the writer and
uploaded in a PDF formatted according to current industry standards. You may
consult popular screenwriting tools for assistance. Pages should be numbered in
the top right-hand corner.
• All material must be original, and all rights must be wholly owned by the writer(s)
• Scripts that have already been produced are ineligible.
• Material must be submitted by the writer. If written by a team. Must be submitted by
one of the writers with written consent from the others. The title page should credit
all writers of the material.
• No revisions or missing pages will be accepted once a submission as been received.
• If a writing team is chosen as a winner or otherwise receives any award and/or prizes
will be presented to the writer submitting the project. Any dividing or sharing is the
responsibility of the team in accordance with any agreements.
• We recommend strongly that submitters copyright their materials with the U.S.
Copyright Office and/or register with the Writers Guild of America (WGA) prior to
submitting their script to any competition. Contact a lawyer with any questions.
Screenwriter Benefits:
• Two VIP Experience (All Access) Festival privileges for writer(s) and/or guest Note:
Deadline dates for pass reservations apply. Additional passes may be requested at
discounted prices.
• Table read for all finalists of their screenplay to be performed during the festival by
qualified actors.
• Additional prizes to be announced. Competitive winner(s) will be announced at the
Awards Celebration during the festival.
• Panels, workshops, award programs, mixers, etc. Note: While most classes and
events are free special master classes, etc. may have discounted fees.
• Access to all special VIP spaces
• Discounted hotel accommodation rates are available for all filmmakers and
.
* Categories, awards, and benefits are subject to change at the discretion of DBFF*
