The Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) was founded in 1998 by entertainment writer and publisher Tanya Kersey, with the mission of supporting and uplifting Black filmmakers at every stage of their career. Dedicated to celebrating Black creative excellence, HBFF has played a pivotal role in discovering and launching both independent and established talent in the industry.

Since its inception, HBFF has grown into a vital hub for Black creatives in Hollywood—a space where African American filmmakers can connect, showcase their work to mainstream Hollywood, and highlight the depth, diversity, and brilliance of Black storytelling. The festival has attracted stars and industry leaders such as Academy Award® winners Sidney Poitier and Forest Whitaker, Will Packer, John Singleton, Tim Story, Malcolm Lee, Bill Duke, Devon Franklin, Debra Martin Chase, George Tillman Jr., and many more! HBFF has become a significant creative gathering spot for the Hollywood Black community.

After a six-year hiatus following the global pandemic and the passing of our founder, HBFF will return to Hollywood, California October 15–19, 2025. This highly anticipated relaunch promises an immersive, dynamic celebration of Black cinema, offering invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and career advancement.

HBFF will present a diverse lineup of feature films, short films, student films, documentaries, and web/ digital content from emerging and established filmmakers—not only from the United States but from around the world. Our programming powerfully reflects Black creativity, culture, and storytelling, providing audiences with a memorable cinematic experience that spans genres, themes, and perspectives.

At HBFF, we do more than screen films—we create a platform for discovery, celebration, and industry recognition. Whether it's a bold feature from an award-winning director, a thought-provoking documentary that brings untold stories to light, an electrifying web series redefining digital content, or a visionary student film signaling the rise of new talent, each selection is chosen for its originality, impact, and artistic excellence.

In addition to elevating filmmakers, our HBFF Storyteller Competition provides screenwriters with the same opportunity to be seen, heard, and celebrated. Writers of narrative features, short films, and television pilots compete for industry recognition, with top scripts receiving professional feedback and culminating in a Live Staged Reading attended by filmmakers, executives, and festival guests. This showcase ensures that undiscovered, game-changing stories gain the visibility they deserve, opening doors for the next generation of screenwriting talent.

HBFF is more than just a festival—it is a launchpad for creatives, a champion of Black storytelling, and a bridge between fresh talent and Hollywood's biggest opportunities.

In addition to our film screenings and storyteller competition, HBFF will host the Infotainment Conference, which runs concurrently with our film festival. The conference will feature panels, workshops, and conversations with leading filmmakers, creatives, entertainment executives, influencers, and celebrities. It is a vital platform for professionals to share their expertise, engage in meaningful discussions, and collaborate with emerging talent.

Our mission is to amplify diverse voices, connect filmmakers with Hollywood decision-makers, and introduce audiences to compelling stories that deserve to be seen.

HBFF 2025 will be where the next generation of groundbreaking filmmakers and storytellers meets the industry and the world—ushering in fresh narratives, visionary artistry, and the future of Black cinema.

Awards & Prizes

To Be Announced

Rules & Terms

Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) Rules and Terms

FILM CATEGORIES

Narrative Feature Film:
Length: 60-120 minutes
Completion Date: After January 1, 2024
Eligibility: The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one key creative—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the eligibility criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to disclose your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission.

Short Film:
Length: No longer than 45 minutes
Completion Date: After January 1, 2024
Eligibility: The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one key creative—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the eligibility criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to disclose your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission

Documentary Film:
Length: No longer than 75 minutes
Completion Date: After January 1, 2024
Eligibility: The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one key creative—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the eligibility criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to disclose your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission

Student Film:
Completion Date: While enrolled as a full- or part-time student
Eligibility: The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one key creative—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the eligibility criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to disclose your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission A valid copy of your current student ID must be included with your submission. There is no invitational program for this category.

Web/Digital Series:
Completion Date: Within the 2024-2025 calendar year
Submission: Up to three webisodes from the same series, each not exceeding 20 minutes
Eligibility: The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one key creative—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the eligibility criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to disclose your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission

Film Diaspora:
Eligibility: The Film Diaspora Collective will showcase independent films and filmmakers from outside of the U.S. or Canada. Filmmakers from the Diaspora, anywhere outside the continental United States and Canada are invited to submit in this category. However, to be eligible for the competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the eligibility criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to disclose your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission
Narrative feature films must be at least 60 minutes in length and completed after January 1, 2024. Short films may be no longer than 45 minutes and must also have been completed after January 1, 2024.

Storyteller Competition:
Submission Guidelines: Submissions for the 2025 STORYTELLER COMPETITION are now open, accepting entries from Black writers. A screenplay or teleplay may be written for any genre, i.e. drama, comedy, sci-fi, rom-com, horror, thriller, etc.

Submissions must be properly formatted and adhere to industry norms and standards. For guidance, refer to The Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats by Hillis Cole and Judith Haag, or another reputable industry reference.

• A feature-length screenplay should not exceed 120 pages.
• A half-hour pilot or episodic script should not exceed 25 pages.
• A half-hour short film should not exceed 45 pages
• A one-hour teleplay or script should not exceed 45 pages

The cover page of your submission may not include any identifying information about the writer(s). DO NOT INCLUDE the writer’s name(s), contact information, Writers Guild of America registration number, or copyright number. This information should not appear anywhere within the body of your submission. Submissions containing prohibited information will be disqualified.

Our Storyteller competition will culminate in a Live Storyteller Reading. Each of the three (3) selected finalists will have a scene from their script brought to life in our Storyteller Live Showcase. This will be a dynamic, exciting live stage reading of selected scenes from the three final scripts, brought to life by talented actors under the guidance of a renowned professional director. This dynamic, intimate event will offer a unique glimpse into the material, showcasing powerful acting and the director's vision to create a memorable theatrical experience

INFOTAINMENT COMPETITIONS

Monologue Slam:
The Hollywood Black Film Festival Monologue Slam is an electrifying live competition that puts actors in the spotlight, performing their monologues before a dynamic panel of industry leaders—casting directors, producers, and filmmakers. Participants not only showcase their talent but also receive invaluable feedback and critiques to sharpen their performance and presentation. It's your chance to shine and make an unforgettable impression!

Applicants must submit:
• A current headshot
• Your résumé
• A video recording of your selected monologue (1-2) minutes)

How Will Participants Be Selected?
A panel of festival staff and industry professionals will review all submissions and select the final 20 participants for this event based on the following criteria:
• Performance skills (voice, emotion, stage presence)
• Creativity and originality
• Clarity of vision
• Ability to engage the audience

Selected participants will perform live at the event during the festival. Bring your A-game! This is a real audition experience. Be prepared, polished, and professional.

Pitchathon:
This is a groundbreaking platform designed to amplify diverse voices in film and television. This one-of-a-kind event invites content creators to present their ideas and pitch their projects to a panel of industry executives, who will offer constructive feedback and valuable suggestions on how to shape your project into a marketable success. This is not a sales event; it’s an incredible opportunity to receive expert guidance and elevate your creative vision.

Applicants must submit the following:
• A logline for your project (a brief 1-2 sentence summary)
• The genre (e.g., drama, comedy, sci-fi, horror, etc.)
• The format of your project (e.g., feature film, half-hour pilot, 1-hour series, etc.)
• Potential distribution outlets (optional, but encouraged)
• A potential distribution strategy (optional, but encouraged)
• A short video pitch (2-3 minutes) OR a 1-page written pitch
• All applicants will be notified via email regarding their acceptance status
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If selected as one of the 20 participants, you will pitch your project live at HBFF 2025 where you will receive valuable feedback in real time from a panel of industry professionals.
Please note: This is an educational event only—no sales or funding will be offered. The focus is on constructive feedback to help you refine and develop your project.

Please be advised that all submission fees are non0refundable.

Confidentiality & Protection of Ideas
All submitted materials will remain confidential and will be reviewed solely by festival staff. The festival is not responsible for any public disclosure of ideas, pitches, or creative content. Participants are strongly encouraged to take their own precautions to protect their intellectual property.

**LEGAL DISCLAIMER***
By submitting a project to the Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF), I affirm that I am authorized or have the legal rights to submit the content, including any music, images, and likenesses within the film. I hereby authorize and indemnify HBFF to use images, production stills, and trailers from my film for promotional purposes, including marketing and advertising on their website, social media platforms, and other promotional materials.

Please read the complete rules & terms for each competition or category before submitting your project. By submitting your entry, you confirm that you have read and agree to the submission requirements. Failure to adhere to the competition rules may result in disqualification.
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