Denton Black Film Festival

Eligible films and original music videos must be:
1. Written, directed, or produced by Black filmmakers and/or Artists; or
2. Prominently feature Black actors or musicians; or
3. Feature subject matter which relates to the Black community and/or Black experience.
Filmmakers and or Artists of all races and ethnicities are welcome to submit when one of the previously mentioned criteria are met.

NOTE: Waivers are only provided on a limited basis for Invitational consideration for films or original music videos meeting special programming needs. Invitational selections are not eligible for competition in the awards program.

• Open to U.S. and international entries. Films and original music videos made in a language other than English must have English subtitles.
• Films and original music videos shown theatrically, sold, or having been distributed on broadcast, cable, satellite VOD or DVD by opening day of the festival are usually not eligible for the competitive awards program. Exceptions may be made at the Festival's discretion.
• Only films and original music videos completed after January 1, 2019 submitted through FilmFreeway with paid submission fees are eligible for the Competitive program and awards.
• Films and original music videos should be completed by the submission date as works in progress are not accepted.
• Competitive films and original music videos must be submitted through FilmFreeway with an online screener with HD-YouTube-or Vimeo, as the preferred methods.
• Selected films and original music videos 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 sending a copy of a dated student ID or unofficial transcript showing enrollment in good standing to dentonbff@gmail.com. This proof should be provided when the film is submitted for consideration.
• Press kits, photo materials, trailers (via YouTube/Vimeo), teasers, or any other promo materials should be provided through FilmFreeway at the time of submission.
• Film and original music video 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 and original music videos 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 or original music video 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 and original music videos (3 minutes maximum) and related marketing and promotional materials to be reproduced and distributed SOLELY for purposes of jurying, education, and promotion of the festival.

All filmmakers and/or artists who submit to DBFF will be added to the festival general email list and DBFF Institute mail list. If you do not wish to be on the mailing list send an email to dbfffilmmaker@gmail.com to unsubscribe.