The Third Annual Diamond State Black Film Festival (DSBFF) will highlight works created by and featuring People of Color. Additionally, it hopes to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and showcase career opportunities in the film industry through a series of workshops, panel discussions and master classes.

The Diamond State Film Festival invites directors, producers, and screenwriters who are People of Color to submit their films for consideration.

Please contact organizers with any questions at DiamondStateBFF@gmail.com

$500 Award to the Top Film in Each Category

- Documentary - Feature: Non-fiction submissions 40-120 minutes.

- Narrative - Feature: Dramatic and comedic submissions 40-120 minutes.

- Shorts - (Documentary and Narrative): Films up to 30 minutes any genre

- Diamond - Films with a Delaware resident(s) as writer, producer, and/or director.

- College: Films by a college student . Must provide copy of student ID with submission.

- Student - Film by a Delaware student(s) (Grades 6-12). Must provide copy of student ID with submission. NOTE: Student category is open to ALL filmmakers respective of race.

By entering the Diamond State Black Film Festival (DSBFF) you agree to follow its rules and guidelines. Eligibility requirements are final. There are no exceptions.

All entries will be viewed and given equal consideration.

Films must be by a writer, director, and/or producer who is a person of color (Black, African-American, Latino, Asian Native American, or Pacific Islander) AND/OR feature people of color in the cast/storyline EXCEPT the “Student” category.

The Student category is open to creatives of all ethnicities.

Student filmmakers must submit proof of students’ status by uploading a current and valid Student ID upon submission on our FilmFreeway site or by emailing a photo of one to DiamondStateBFF@gmail.com with the film's title in the subject line. Student submissions without an accompanying ID may be disqualified at DSBFF’s sole discretion.

Diamond category entrants should note the Delaware resident(s) and their role in the production.

We consider films in any language, from North America. If your film is not in English, make sure it has English subtitles where necessary.

All entries must be submitted through DSBFF’s FilmFreeway link. All fees are nonrefundable.

Entering a submission to the festival is not a guarantee that your film will be screened at the festival.

Feature films should be at least 40 minutes and no more than 90 minutes in length.

Short films should be 30 minutes in length or less.

Student films can be no longer than 20 minutes.

All entries should have been completed after January 1, 2022.

Notification will be by Aug. 15, 2024

All entered films grant the Diamond State Black Film Festival a non-exclusive limited-use agreement to use selected portions of films chosen for competition and/or to use film promotional materials to promote the festival, including the rights to utilize any excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at DSBFF for promotional purposes and/or the festival website. Filmmakers retain all rights , title and interest in their films and all intellectual property.

Press Kit materials should be sent only upon notification of being officially selected. The Diamond State Black Film Festival assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY of marketing and promotion if proper press kit materials are not sent after notification as deemed in the General Rules. It is the sole responsibility of the filmmaker to send all materials listed.

DSBFF does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of materials. Please do not send us any original copies, master copies, or the only copy you have, etc.

By agreeing to these Terms and Conditions, you certify that you hold all necessary rights for the submission of this film and have read the regulations.

Dates and guidelines are subject to change without prior notice; please refer to the festival website for any adjustments.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Safiya Songhai

    There was great promotion of the films in competition, and communication with the organizers. I had a wonderful time and I can't wait to return in the future.

    November 2023
  • We did not get to attend this festival but got communications from them the entire time. We just moved to NC and will go to the next event when we submit for our new film coming soon. A good film festival handled professionally and with grace. 5 stars all the way.

    October 2023
  • Robert Darwell

    The Diamond State Black Film Festival was fantastic! All along the way, there was a lot of communication from the Festival. The gentlemen (the Kevins) who organized the Festival went above and beyond.in pairing my film, "Black Uniform," with a panel of local Black men and women veterans after the screening. They really cared and personalized the festival experience for me as a filmmaker and for their audience as a whole. Hard to believe that they're just 2 years in. This is one festival that really cares. THANK YOU!

    October 2023
  • They are very professional and their communication lines are open. I recommend that everyone submit and support this festival. They are growing and deserve to have the word spread.

    October 2023