2025 Festival Dates: In Person January 29th- February 2nd and Extended Virtually February 2nd- February 9th!

DBFF is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black culture with film at its heart and spotlights on other forms of storytelling, like spoken word, art, music, comedy, and dance. We also highlight social justice issues through films and panel discussions. We are looking for creatives from all around the world who want to share "our" stories in a variety of genres. The submission categories offer a wide range of opportunities whether you are a new filmmaker or have an established career in the industry.

Each year we host curated experiences alongside our competitive film festival. Being accepted means you have access to experience an array of films, insightful panel discussions, workshops, music, comedy, spoken word, art, virtual events. This is all designed to inspire and connect you with like minds, hone your craft and of course, #ExperienceCulture. It's time to get noticed at the 2025 Denton Black Film Festival!

We are excited this year to announce a new category: Texas Short Screenplays. See screenwriting rules and terms for additional information.

The competitive program awards are provided in each category and have included Panavision camera packages, cash prizes, trophies, and certificates. Stay tuned for the announcement of award prizes for the 2025 festival. Finalists for each award category are determined by the submission team's ratings. The selection of award recipients in each category is accomplished through a ranking system by industry professionals. Award winners are announced at the Awards Celebration held during the festival and on social media after the end of the festival.

For the Virtual program, People Choice Awards ( Special Laurel and Certificate) are provided to the audience favorites in each category. Winners are announced at the end of the Virtual festtival.

Note: Award eligibility is subject to any restrictions or conditions imposed by applicable laws and regulations (international, federal, state or otherwise), and the award recipient is responsible for all applicable taxes, tariffs, insurance, and similar charges or costs.

For international filmmakers, awards and prizes will have free shipping, but the filmmaker is responsible for any duties, taxes, special fees, etc. Certain prizes may not be available internationally and may only be available in the USA. No alternate or additional compensation will be provided in this situation.

Screening Filmmaker Benefits:
• Two VIP Experience (All Access) Festival privileges for filmmaker and one guest.
• Up to Six (6) complimentary tickets for your film’s screening.
• Discounted prices for additional passes and tickets.
• Filmmaker events i.e., panels, workshops, award programs, mixers, etc. are usually complimentary, but special classes or events may require a nominal fee.
• Access to all special VIP spaces.
• Discounted hotel accommodation rates are available for all filmmakers and guests.

*Categories, awards, and benefits are subject to change at the discretion of DBFF*

Selected Screenwriter Benefits:
• Two VIP Experience (All Access) Festival privileges for writer(s) and/or guest.
• Discounted prices for additional passes and tickets.
• Finalists’ screenplay table reads performed during the festival by qualified actors
• Additional prizes to be announced.
•Filmmaker events i.e., panels, workshops, award programs, mixers, etc. are usually complimentary, but special classes or events may require a nominal fee.
• Winner(s) announced at the Awards Celebration during the festival.
• Access to all special VIP spaces.
• Discounted hotel accommodation rates

* Categories, awards, and benefits are subject to change at the discretion of DBFF*

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 the following:
After submitting if you experience a change in email address, you must notify us @ dbfffilmmaker @gmail.com. If your film is selected for the festival and we are unable to reach you, your film may be dropped from the line-up. We strongly suggest you also include a phone number where you can be reached in case we need to get in touch with you for time sensitive matters. We will not share your number.

Film Submission Rules & Terms (See Screenplay Rules Below)
Filmmakers of all races and ethnicities are welcome to submit when at least one of the following three criteria is met.
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 or Black experience.
Eligible films are:
• 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, but 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, and preferred methods YouTube, or Vimeo.
•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
Filmmakers of all races and ethnicities are welcome to submit when at least one of the following three criteria is met.
1. Must have a Black writer, or if multiple writers the principal writer is Black.
2. Prominently feature Black characters; or
3. Feature subject matter which relates to the Black community or Black experience.
Eligible Screenplays:
• Must be written by at least one writer who resides in Texas... Be prepared to provide Proof of Residency.
• Submissions must be received via FilmFreeway on or before the deadline dates with a paid fee. Entry fees are non-refundable.
• Once submitted a screenplay may not be withdrawn without a written request and then at the sole discretion of DBFF.
• Screenplays may be up to a maximum of 20 pages in length 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 only contain the name of the project and not include the writer(s) names.
• No revisions or missing pages will be accepted once a submission has 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.
• Co-writers will be given credit in the winners list, announcements, and awards.
• Any dividing or sharing is the responsibility of the team in accordance with any agreements.
• We strongly recommend 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.
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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • The Denton Black Film Festival was recommended to me by two of my close filmmaker friends who absolutely raved about how great the festival was and I can now confirm everything they said was absolutely true! I was honored to have our film "Scroll Food" screened at the festival earlier this year and I was happy my wife and I were able to make the trip down to attend in person. From the communication, to the quality, networking opportunities and overall feeling of support and hospitality, the festival founders and their team do a remarkable job of really making the overall experience feel like a creative family/community effort. I love the variety of various event options and screenings to choose from both within the festival and even some of the auxiliary events that allow you to experience some of the tourist attractions of Denton.

    The selection of films was truly remarkable...from deeply personal documentaries, to compelling dramas and funny comedies. It was great to see the awesome works from various filmmakers around the country.

    Overall, the Denton Black Film Festival was a profoundly moving and enlightening experience. I highly recommend it to anyone who might consider attending or submitting their works in the future!

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    David, it was so special for you and your wife to attend the festival. Thanks for your feedback. Our DBFF team works hard to put on a festival that is a special experience for both the filmmakers and the audiences. We are glad you were able to make connections with fellow creatives.

    Best wishes for the continued success for "Scrool Food" as we have noted it's inclusion in outher festivals. We look forward to seeing your future projects.
    Linda and the DBFF Team

  • Safiya Songhai

    The Denton Black Film Festival is packed with brilliant work from around the globe. The venue is gorgeous, the people are supportive, the experience is incredible.

    The film won Audience Choice Award and received some fans. I will always submit to the denton Black Film Festival.

    April 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Hi Safiya-
    As we begin planning for 2025 DBFF we always look back at the previous festival and think about all of the wonderful filmmakers and films we have been blessed to meet. You are one of them. We appreciate your participation in our 10th festival.

  • Natasha C Smith

    I am deeply thankful to the Denton Film Festival for selecting my film 'Color of Love' for screening. It's an honor to have my work showcased in a festival that celebrates diverse storytelling and filmmaking talent. My heartfelt thanks go out to the entire team at the Denton Film Festival for their hard work and dedication in organizing such a meaningful event. I look forward to the possibility of participating in future editions and contributing to the vibrant film community that the festival nurtures.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Natasha,
    Thanks for the wonderful feedback. Yhis is what keeps us motivated. It was our pleasure to screen "The Color of Love" at our 10th Anniversary festival. We are honored to count you in the DBFF Alumni Family and hope to continue our relationship. Best Wishes.

  • Sean Kithas

    The Denton Black Film Festival was a terrific experience for our film makers who attended and made many fruitful connections that have led to more film screenings in different states. The written correspondence with staff was always professional and cheerful. The entire team of "The Quilt: A LIving History in African American Music" reccommends this festival.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Sean,
    We are honored to have screened "The Quilt..." at the festival and value our continued relationship in finding additional screening opportunities. It is a pleasure working with Musical Bridges.

  • We were thrilled to have our short film client NIA screen at the 2024 edition. The benefit of film festivals is crafting an audience, curating a programme, and sharing stories along the way. To have a debut British filmmaker screen their work in front of an engaged US audience was brilliant.

    March 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We appreciate the service Festival Formula provides in guiding filmmakers through their festival experiences. International films and debut filmmakers are a wonderful part of our festival each year. Hope to see more projects from your clientele. Best Wishes,