Divergent Film Festival: Year Two - Brooklyn Edition

After a groundbreaking inaugural year in Orlando, the Divergent Film Festival returns with even greater energy and creativity—this time in the heart of Brooklyn. Known for its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant artistic community, Brooklyn serves as the perfect backdrop for the second year of this trailblazing festival, dedicated to celebrating diverse voices and unconventional storytelling.

This year’s festival promises to push the boundaries even further, showcasing films that challenge the status quo and redefine the narrative landscape. With a special focus on Afrofuturism, Afrosurrealism, and stories that highlight BIPOC and multicultural perspectives, the Divergent Film Festival is where art, culture, and innovation intersect.

Attendees can look forward to:

• World Premieres & Screenings: Experience a curated selection of groundbreaking films from emerging and established filmmakers who are unafraid to tell bold, unapologetic stories. Each screening will be followed by thought-provoking Q&A sessions with the filmmakers.
• Panels & Workshops: Join industry professionals, including directors, writers, and producers, for engaging discussions and hands-on workshops. Topics will range from the future of Black cinema to the role of independent film in social justice movements.
• Spotlight on Brooklyn: This year, we’re shining a light on Brooklyn’s own filmmakers, artists, and creators. Explore the stories that make this borough a hub for innovation and cultural expression.
• Community Engagement: The festival will host a series of events aimed at connecting filmmakers with the local community, including collaborative projects, art installations, and pop-up performances throughout Brooklyn.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles during our exclusive networking events, designed to foster collaboration and inspire new creative partnerships.

Awards & Prizes

The Divergent Film Festival is committed to celebrating excellence in filmmaking, focusing on stories that challenge the norm and elevate underrepresented voices. This year, we’re honoring outstanding achievements with a select number of prestigious awards.

Award Categories:

• Best Film
• Recognizing the most exceptional film of the festival, whether feature-length or short, that exemplifies outstanding storytelling, direction, and overall production quality.
• Best Director
• Awarded to the director who demonstrates a unique vision and masterful execution, bringing their story to life with creativity and precision.
• Best Documentary
• Honoring a documentary that sheds light on significant social, cultural, or political issues, capturing real-life stories with depth and impact.
• Best Cinematography
• This award recognizes the film with the most outstanding visual composition, lighting, and camera work, enhancing the storytelling through powerful imagery.
• Best Music Video
• Brooklyn Choice Award
• Voted by festival attendees, this award goes to the film that resonates most with our audience, reflecting the festival’s spirit of connection and engagement.

Rules & Terms

Rules and Terms

1. Eligibility:

• Original Content: All submitted films must be the original work of the applicant and must not infringe on any copyrights or other rights of third parties.
• Completion Date: Films must have been completed within the last two years prior to the festival date.
• Language: Non-English language films must include English subtitles.
• Submission Categories: Films can be submitted in the following categories: Feature Film, Short Film, Documentary. Each film may only be submitted in one category.

2. Submission Guidelines:

• Entry Format: Submissions must be made through our official online platform (e.g., FilmFreeway) in digital format. Physical submissions (DVDs, Blu-rays, etc.) will not be accepted.
• Submission Fees: Each film must be accompanied by the applicable submission fee. Submission fees are non-refundable.
• Screening Rights: By submitting your film, you grant the Divergent Film Festival the right to screen your film at the festival and to use excerpts for promotional purposes.
• Multiple Entries: Filmmakers may submit multiple films, but each film requires a separate submission and fee.

3. Selection Process:

• Judging: All submissions will be reviewed and judged by a panel of industry professionals. Films will be evaluated based on originality, creativity, technical excellence, and alignment with the festival’s mission.
• Notification: Filmmakers will be notified of their selection status approximately 6 weeks prior to the festival. All decisions by the selection committee are final.
• Finalists: Selected films may be considered for any of the five award categories. The festival reserves the right to reassign films to different categories if deemed appropriate.

4. Screening Requirements:

• Format: Selected films must be available in a high-quality digital format for screening (DCP or equivalent). Filmmakers are responsible for providing the final screening copy by the deadline specified in their acceptance notification.
• Technical Quality: The festival is not responsible for poor-quality film submissions, including issues related to sound or image quality.

5. Awards and Prizes:

• Recognition: Awards will be presented in the following categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Documentary, Best Cinematography, and Audience Choice Award.
• Prizes: Winners will receive festival laurels, a trophy, and any applicable cash or in-kind prizes. Specifics regarding cash prizes will be communicated to winners after selection.
• Obligations: Winners agree to include the festival laurels in their film’s promotional materials and to credit the Divergent Film Festival in any public screening or distribution of their film.

6. General Terms:

• Rights: Filmmakers retain all rights to their films. The festival’s screening of selected films does not imply any transfer of rights.
• Liability: The festival is not liable for any damage or loss of materials submitted. Filmmakers are encouraged to retain a backup copy of all submissions.
• Withdrawal: Once a film is selected, it cannot be withdrawn from the festival. If a film is withdrawn after acceptance, any screening fees or costs incurred will be charged to the filmmaker.
• Promotion: The festival reserves the right to use film excerpts, stills, and promotional materials for marketing and promotional purposes.