The Fourth Annual Kwanzaa Film Festival 2020 is committed to discovering and developing filmmakers to help support the principles Unity, self-determination,collective work and responsibility,cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Due to Corona virus 19 we will be launching an online site entitled The Kwanzaa Film Festival Experience. These films will be view on an ongoing basis at particular time slot. We also pick a select few to have an online event targeting a discussion around your film.

We strongly encourage independent filmmaker who have universal theme from African Americans storyteller who attract the global audience.

We accepting films in these categories:

1. Unity Short Narrative films
Seeking films from Africans filmmakers that express the relationships between African in Diaspora to Africa Americans or African films that provide an understand of African cultural and creative expression.

2. Kuchigalia emerging women directors short films
Seeking films which exhibit strong female lead characters who are self determined.

3. Ujima Black Male Writers short films
Seeking narrative films that express the empowerment of Black Men as role models.

4. Ujaama Short Documentary Films
seeking films which educate and empower us to become financially literate.

5. Nia Short student films
Seeking students which have the most compelling story.

6. Kuumba Cinematography short film
Seeking films that contain beautiful and stylized composition and framing and elevate the film as a whole.

7.Imani feature film that inspires and has a compelling story of faith. ( documentary or narrative fiction)

8, Martin Luther King communicating across culture short and features films
This category is reserved for a film which shows the influence of African diaspora and/or in its relationship and influence on another cultural. This film will be shown on Martin Luther King's Jr Birthday. We are also seeking meaningful music videos.

We will also chose films to be a part of our "four seasons of Kwanzaa Film Festival " Tour. All filmmakers will be considered for a license agreement contract which will allow us to create a tour with for your project. We will also be able to have a license agreement for any submission with Digital Media Rights Inc.

Eligibility Requirements

a. We will not have any waiver for any of the participants.
B. No refunds for any participants
c.strong consideration for work finished in 2019 however we have no time restrictions
d. All films must at least 20 percent African American in the production team or cast.
e.Collegiate films must provide proof of attendance
f. Short films no longer than 30 minutes
g. Feature can not be longer than 90 minutes.
H. Filmmakers are responsible for all music, title, cast clearances

Based on the COVID 19 we will be screening films year round so if you are not selected for the festival dates you may also be part of the Four Seasons of Kwanzaa Film Festival Experience online Tour. Please indicate if you would like to be consider for this.

Awards & Prizes

Our winners will receive a distribution deal within our Kwanzaa Film festival catalog as an Amazon preferred customer. This would be under a contract offering revenue.

Rules & Terms

Films must be the original work of the applicants. If a film is based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation rights agreements to the Festival. Neither the Festival nor its jurists investigates or attests to the authenticity of an applicant’s statement of authorship or rights secured. By entering the competition, you are acknowledging that you have secured all necessary rights.
Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in the film, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. Kwanzaa film festival expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.
BY SUBMITTING THE MATERIAL, THE APPLICANT HEREBY AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, HOLD HARMLESS, AND DEFEND THE FESTIVAL, ITS EMPLOYEES, DIRECTORS, REPRESENTATIVES, AND AFFILIATES FROM ANY LIABILITY, CLAIMS, AND DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE SUBMISSION AND FROM ANY FEES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, THAT ANY OF THEM MAY INCUR IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.

3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jenny Ledikwe

    This festival is a wonderful platform emerging and experienced filmmakers. We were honored to have Trafficked--Africa screened as part of the Youth Iniative. The opening night ceremony was lovely, with good networking.

    January 2020
    Helpful
  • Cota Myway

    Absolutely wonderful experience!
    Thank you for you Hospitality!
    Sharon Reeves Battle

    January 2020
    Helpful
  • sibongile nene

    Communication was strained. Updates on the screening of the film was not done.

    January 2020
    Helpful