The Experience
Join us for a dynamic multi-day event featuring high-quality theatrical screenings, engaging filmmaker Q&As, and professional networking mixers. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where creators can connect directly with a live audience and fellow industry professionals in the heart of the Inland Empire.

Awards & Recognition
Submissions are judged by a panel of industry experts and educators. We offer awards across several categories, including:

Best Feature Narrative

Best Documentary

Best Short Film

Best Student Film

Audience Choice Award

Why Submit?
Beyond the screen, IEBFF is committed to the professional growth of our participants. Winners receive physical trophies and official laurels, and all selected filmmakers gain access to exclusive festival events designed to foster collaboration and future production opportunities. We are more than just a screening—we are a community built on the cinematic arts.

Awards & Prizes

Jury Awards

Best Narrative Feature: Honoring excellence in full-length fictional storytelling.

Best Documentary Feature: Recognizing outstanding non-fiction works that explore the Black experience.

John Singleton Award (Best First Feature): A special honor for debut directors showcasing bold new visions.

Best Short Narrative: Celebrating exceptional creativity in short-form fiction.

Best Short Documentary: Honoring impactful short-form non-fiction.

Best Director: Recognizing outstanding creative leadership and technical mastery.

Best Screenplay: Awarding excellence in writing and narrative structure.

Audience & Specialty Awards

Audience Choice Award: The festival's top honor, voted on by our attendees.

Programmers’ Award: Selected by our curators to highlight a standout, boundary-pushing film.

Gordon Parks Award: Recognizing works that embody significant cultural impact and artistic excellence.

Prizes

Official Festival Laurels: All winners and selections receive digital laurels for promotional use.

Festival Trophies: Winners in major categories will be presented with a physical trophy at our closing ceremony.

Cash Prizes: Select winners are eligible for cash awards to support future productions.

Industry Access: Winning filmmakers receive opportunities for networking and professional development.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms
Submission Eligibility: All films must be produced, directed, or written by individuals of African descent or prominently feature themes related to the global Black experience.

Completion Date: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.

Language: Non-English language films must have English subtitles.

Rights & Clearances: The submitter must own all rights to the film, including music and talent clearances.

Format: Selected films must be provided in a high-quality digital format (MP4 or MOV) for screening.

Premiere Status: We do not require premiere status, but preference may be given to films that have not yet screened in the Inland Empire.

Promotion: By submitting, you grant the Inland Empire Black Film Festival the right to use snippets, trailers, and stills for promotional purposes.

Selection: All selection decisions are final. Notification of acceptance will be sent via FilmFreeway.