In order to submit to the Los Angeles Underground Railroad Festival, two or more of the following should have a background from the African Diaspora:
1. Lead Actor/Actress
2. Director
3. Writer
4. Producer
5. Editor
6. Director of Photography
Eligibility Requirements
18 or older to submit
All films must have been completed after Jan. 1, 2021 to be eligible.
Feature films must not have been on or released through U.S. or international television, in commercial release or on the Internet prior to the dates of the festival. This includes Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Vimeo, DVD Sales or Amazon.
If your work is selected:
An electronic press kit completed with production stills, Synopsis of the film, and a 350 or less word biography of the director and screenwriter must be sent to the Black Lives Black Words International Project team.
A dvd of the film must be mailed to the Black Lives Black Words office, and a downloadable copy has to be sent via email.
Film trailers should be emailed.
EPKS, posters and postcards should be sent to the BLBW office for press and marketing no later than Jan. 20th, 2025.
Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
Film Producers are responsible for insurance and shipment costs of films to LIFF.
The title of the work and name of entrant must be on all mailing containers, labels, can reels and film leaders.
Selected film entries will be notified by February 1st, 2025. Jury Award and audience award winners will be announced at the Closing Night “It’s A Wrap” Party. An Awards Certificate will be awarded to the winners. Some Award categories may have co-sponsors providing prizes. One award or prize will be given to the individual designated on the official entry form.
Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted into LAURRFF will receive the following:
Two(2) festival passes per submitted film to see all the festival films FREE
Admittance for filmmakers to the “Opening Night Event” or the “It’s A Wrap Party”
Film prints and other film material will be handled with utmost care. However, neither the LAURRFF staff nor supporting theatre organisations staff can assume responsibility for damage or loss of the print and other film materials, en route or otherwise, during the course of the festival’s possession of the print.
All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by the Los Angeles Underground Railroad Film Festival, without notice.
