Dear Future Frames Participants,
Frames is a reunion between the various voices of the Afro-Diaspora. Frames will connect film, art and literature. It’s a coming together - a cinematic cookout for the soul. At the heart of Frames, is storytelling and community.

We encourage submissions that are personal, loud, delicate and everything in between. Frames is for every artists that has had to budget their creativity due to institutional constraints.

Our curatorial panel will curate events that include art exhibitions, spoken word and, of course, film. We look forward to all the love, creativity and courage each and every one of you will share with us. See you in February.

Love Always,
Frames Curatorial Team

Awards & Prizes

The Frames Spotlight Award (Grand Prize)
Celebrates the most outstanding film of the festival, honoring bold storytelling and cultural resonance.

The Jury’s Lens Award (Jury Prize)
Selected by the festival jury, this award recognizes artistic excellence, innovation, and mastery of craft.

The People’s Voice Award (Audience Prize)
Voted by festival attendees, this award highlights the film that most deeply connects with the community.

Rules & Terms

Frames: Our Stories Film Festival welcomes films by African and African diaspora filmmakers that explore, reflect, or engage with the African experience in all its complexity. We accept all genres—horror, documentary, musical, and animation—and all qualifying entries are automatically considered for festival awards.

Eligible films must have been completed in 2023 or later. We accept short films (up to 30 minutes, ideally 3–15 minutes) and feature-length works (45 minutes and above). Up to three submissions per filmmaker are allowed; however, we do recommend submitting what you feel to be most representative of the narratives you wish to tell. Films in non-English languages must include English subtitles. You must own or have secured the rights to your work. By submitting, you grant Frames permission to screen your film and use promotional materials. All entries must be submitted via FilmFreeway. No submission fee. Final selection is at the discretion of our curatorial team.
1 Review
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sally Ngoiri

    Frames of Our Stories is a thoughtful and welcoming festival that genuinely celebrates diverse voices in filmmaking. The programming felt intentional, highlighting stories that are both personal and socially relevant. Communication from the team was clear and supportive throughout, making the experience smooth for filmmakers. It was an honor to have The Swap included among such compelling work, and I appreciate the platform the festival creates for meaningful storytelling.

    March 2026
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