HBCU First LOOK Film Festival Submissions:
RULES & TERMS:
Film submissions will be accepted in the following categories from February 11, 2026 – August 28, 2026:
- Feature
- Short
- Mobile
- Animation
- Documentary
- Family & Faith
- Health & Wellness
- Global Impact
1. The competition is open to U.S citizens that are actively enrolled in an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), or recent HBCU graduates within the last three years (2022, 2023, and 2024).
2. Feature films are 40 minutes in length or longer. Short films are under 40 minutes in length.
3. Films shot completely on a mobile device are acceptable.
4. Films that are not in English must be subtitled. Ultimately, all films screened at the First Look HBCU Film Festival will be subtitled. Please provide your film with subtitles.
5. Films that have been shown theatrically, broadcasted on television prior to the festival, or are available on DVD/VOD are not eligible for consideration.
6. Entries must not have been publicly shown before January 1, 2025.
7. Entries must be submitted for pre-screening via Vimeo or YouTube link. If you use a secured link, you are REQUIRED to keep us updated with passwords or your film may be rejected. You may also send a DVD or Blu-Ray. Should you choose to send a hard copy screener, please send 2 copies. Send to: First Look HBCU Film Festival, 3314 Spriggs Request Way, Bowie, MD 20721
8. If you are burning a consumer disc, write your Project Title, Film ID# and Contact information on the disc in a clear and legible fashion. Please test your consumer-burned DVD on several makes and models of players before sending it to our offices. Please use recyclable packaging. The DVD’s or Blu-Ray’s will not be returned.
9. Works in progress are not accepted.
10. You may submit multiple entries, but must fill out a separate entry form.
11. Films must not contain profanity, nudity or excessive violence.
12. The Global Impact category films must be shot internationally.
13. For submissions to be considered for the HBCU First LOOK Tubi Channel, films MUST have a runtime of 20 minutes or more
