Our mission:

Through the art of film, we celebrate the richness, diversity and creativity of storytelling for the cultural enrichment, progression and education of communities worldwide.

IBFF is committed to:

Hosting a celebratory, culturally diverse, community inclusive, family friendly, festival that provides a source of education and entertainment for all participants.

Engaging people of all races and cultures in the support, development and enjoyment of culturally relevant depictions in film.

Creating an environment to showcase independent film from around the globe that accurately depicts the cultures, images, and traditions of all communities.

Introducing the work of Tennesseans in filmmaking to a larger national and international film community.

Providing a venue for filmmakers to present their work, collaborate and network with one another, and to learn from industry professionals.

Educating children and young adults in the complex art of filmmaking.

Fostering global partnerships and collaborations among people from the visual and performing arts, music, radio, television, and film.

Attracting economic growth and development in Tennessee by bringing all aspects of the film and television industry into the state.

Training, preparing and equipping a skilled workforce in Tennessee to staff filmmaking projects.

IBFF looks forward to enriching and being of service to the community. We embrace the significance of creating an environment that will inspire, cultivate, and encourage.

Awards are given in the following categories:

- Best Long Documentary
- Best Short Documentary
- Best Narrative Short
- Best Narrative Feature
- Best Animation
- Best of the Festival
- Best Social Justice Film
- Best International Film
- Honorable Mention
- Best Inspirational Film
- Best Student Film
- Best of Tennessee
- Best Music Video

There is no limit to the number of entries you may submit. Fees are non-refundable. Payment in US dollars may be made online only. T Submissions will not be viewed unless accompanied by entry fee(s) .

All packages and inquiries should be addressed to:


International Black Film Festival
Attn: Film Competition Division
810 Dominican Drive
Nashville, TN 37228

Films entered into competition, whether international or from the US must be directed, produced, written or principally acted by an artist of African Descent. The festival does not accept films made before July 2019.

All entries must be submitted via online screener or mailed on Blu Ray for judging, evaluation, audience feedback, and competition. Upon acceptance, the festival utilizes a
digital file in mp4 or .mov format for screening. DCP formats are utilized for unique cases only. Filmmaker must make arrangements with festival staff to screen all formats other than Blu Ray or Digital File. The primary contact listed on the application will receive the letter of acceptance via email.

• Feature films and short films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English for Festival presentation.
• For submission purposes, online formats may be of works-in-progress, films with temporary soundtracks, or digital outputs and should first be tested and in excellent condition before submitting.
• Filmmakers must deliver final format (as indicated above) for Festival screenings. No exceptions will be permitted.
• Student entries must be works shot, directed, and produced by the student. Adult supervision must be limited to an advisory capacity.
• For all submissions include the running time on the Blu Ray
• Indicate the region-coding of the disc, and, if the DVD is in PAL format, print “PAL” on the disc.
• If submitting a work-in-progress, indicate the elements that are incomplete on the Blu Ray.

**Competition films must NOT have received a contract from or been released by a major or independent distribution or broadcast company. You may clarify questions of eligibility prior to submission of entry by e-mailing us at info@ibffnashville.com.

SUBMISSION MATERIALS
• Completed submission with fee
• If not able to upload via online screener due to geographical location. Please mail preview Blu Ray to addresss above. ( Region 0 or 1 and NTSC preferred).
• Entry fee payment via online with FilmFreeway or in package with submission
• One press kit (Cover Art, Trailer, Synopsis, Director Bio and Pic) must be submitted electronically via FilmFreeway at the time of entry. Films that do not have press materials will be disqualified from selection.

ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (EPK) REQUIREMENTS
Upon submission to FilmFreeway, your EPK is required and must be uploaded at the time of submission. If you do not have an EPK the festival can help you with putting one together. Email us at info@ibffnashville.com for details.

See requirements below.

• Synopsis of film (50 words or less-Very Important!)
. Film Cover Art
• Director Biography (Maximum 250 words)
• Hi-resolution photo of Director (300 DPI – 1 photo only)
• Prints, still photo or high-resolution digital images (300 DPI – 2 images only)
• One 30-90 second trailer via vimeo or youtube link

FINAL SCREENING FORMATS & REQUIREMENTS
If your film is selected for exhibition, please be advised that the festival will require:

• Blu Ray and digital file.

• Electronic Press kits should be submitted at entry to be considered.

FINAL SCREENING FORMATS & REQUIREMENTS
If your film is selected for exhibition, please be advised that the festival will require:

• Blu Ray and digital link. DCP will be accepted for special cases only.

• Electronic Press kits with photo stills (color and black & white)
• Headshots of Director(s) (1 photo only)
• Biographies of Director(s)
• Film trailers, clip reels, posters, postcards, and EPKs, if available.

INTERNATIONAL ENTRIES

All international entries must be seen “free domicile” to the festival address, with all transportation charges, duties and taxes prepaid by the shipper. We cannot accept entries shipped via air-freight if customs and delivery fees have not been paid. All entries from outside the US should be sent Air Mail Registered or by a parcel or express service. Non-English films must have English subtitles.

STAGE PLAYS ENTRIES
Entries for stage plays should be entered for the purpose of being transitioned to film for DVD or theatrical release only. There may be 1-3 plays selected for live performance during the festival. Live performances of stageplays will be limited to duration of 1 ½ hours.

ADULT CONTENT
IBFFN will review and make a determination if it is believed that adult content (i.e. language, sexual content, nudity, violence) is not acceptable for the festival. If accepted, and is determined that content is not family- friendly, it may be screened at a later time slot. However, the festival does reserve the right to refuse any submission if deemed unfit for our viewers.

SELECTION OF WINNERS AND PRIZES
Films will be previewed and selected by a jury. One winner per genre will be selected and awards and/or prizes will be given for each genre to the DIRECTOR during the festival awards ceremony. Separate awards/prizes may be given to students and/or children in each genre.

Return Of Films

Film sent in Blu ray format are not returned to filmmaker unless a special request is made to Festival Management before the festival begins. Festival staff do not have approval to release films to any member of the filmmakers party during the film festival. The filmmaker will be responsible for any expenses for the return of films.