The Sixth Annual Kwanzaa Film Festival 2022 begins December 26th to the closing ceremony on 1/1/2023.

Tickets can be purchased TBA

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

We strongly encourage independent filmmakers who have universal themes from African American storytellers who attract the global audience.

We accept films in these categories:
.Nguzo SABA (7 PRINCIPLES) AWARD A film short or feature narrative (US and INTERNATIONAL) written, produced or directed by a person of African descent . The film must include at least one scene emphasizing one of the seven principles.

a. Short Narrative films by emerging women directors

b. Team of A Black Woman Writer or Director with a Black Male Writer or Director narrative feature films that express empowerment of African American Role models

c. Short documentary films that educate and empower us to become financially literate.

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

Awards & Prizes


We All filmmakers will be considered for a license agreement will also choose films to be a part of our Tour. through out the year The winning selections will have the opportunity to be reviewed by Digital Media Rights for a distribution offer. Damon Dash Studio and Homestead who have partnership with Fox Soul, TUBi and others as a preferred customer. UK media as well. They are all income producing distribution companies

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.

24 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • A'ndre Davis

    During very trying times and many last minute changes beyond the control of anyone, the committee did a great job of keeping everything flowing. I would definitely submit to this festival in the future.

    February 2022
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  • Keith Powell

    The Kwanzaa Film festival is an excellent platform for filmmakers Like myself I got an opportunity to meet a Lotta other filmmaker‘s and resources for filmMaker that are definitely need it for future projects Thank you so much and I appreciate being a pie of this great experience

    February 2022
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  • Ebony Gilbert

    A beautiful festival that celebrates the black experience!

    January 2022
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  • Alex Nicoletti

    Thank you so much for including our short in your festival! It meant a lot that our story was seen by all of you.

    January 2022
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  • Gabrielle Cornish

    Kwanzaa Film Festival was a WONDERFUL film festival to be a art of! I thoroughly enjoyed myself!

    The staff has been nothing short of exceptional in their communication, and thoughtful planning. There are plenty of crucial connections to be made in this industry and this board is excited to bring everyone together.

    100% recommend, you will not regret it!

    January 2022
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