Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and the individuals educated within them have made innumerable contributions to American society, yet much of this history continues to be untold. One way to document the rich history and impact of these institutions is to develop a digital archive that preserves and shines a light on the unique stories of activism, leadership, and community building that have positively shaped the United States and the larger world. What stories of transformative faculty/staff/administrators, influential alumni, unique band/athletic programming or other cultural experiences help us better understand the contributions of HBCUs? Films and filmmaking are underutilized tools in documenting HBCU histories, yet when engaged, they give filmmakers the opportunity to pursue novel storytelling techniques with sound, music and visual art integration.

The HBCU Film Festival is a short film festival providing the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to exhibit their emerging work on some aspect of HBCUs. Any student or team of two students is eligible to submit a film regardless of filmmaking experience. Films that have previously screened in other festivals are eligible for submission. Filmmakers should comply with all copyrights (i.e. soundtracks, actor releases) required for their films before submitting them.

The Spring 2025 Film Festival, held in Atlanta, Georgia, on April 11, 2025 will include film screenings and panel discussions.

Awards & Prizes

*Best Documentary about a School. Entries in this category can be focused on faculty/staff/administrator(s) at an HBCU; a program at an HBCU; or the HBCU’s overall compelling history

*Best Documentary about an HBCU alumnus. Entries in this category can be focused on HBCU alumni (i.e., entrepreneurs, activists/legislators, scientists etc.)

*Jurors’ Choice. Film festival attendees will select this award. All submitted films will be eligible no matter the focus of the film

*Best HBCU student(s)-only Film. Entries submitted by current HBCU students will be eligible for this award.

Rules & Terms

Who is eligible and what is the entry fee?

Undergraduate and graduate students at colleges and universities throughout the United States are eligible to participant. There is no entry free to participate.

What is the submission deadline?

The festival submission deadline is February 1, 2025.

When is the Film Festival? April 1, 2025.

How do I submit an entry?

Film entries should be submitted to FilmFreeway using the link on this website.

What should the film be about?

Submitted films can be about any aspect of the legacies of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) including but not limited to HBCU faculty, HBCU alumni, campus life, and institutional history. The best documentaries tell a clear and compelling story.

How long should the film be?

Submitted films should be 5-10 minutes.

Will there be prizes awarded to the best films?

Yes, prizes will be awarded to the best films in each category