Welcome to the MiFILM Screening Series! We are dedicated to showcasing the works of underrepresented BIPOC filmmakers, highlighting diverse narratives and fostering an inclusive film industry. Our upcoming events in New York City and Los Angeles will feature a curated selection of short films centered around the seasonal theme of "FREEDOM”. These events launch this Fall in NYC and LA, with limited theatrical screenings.

We recognize the significant barriers marginalized filmmakers face in reaching audiences, with studies showing that less than 5% of films distributed by major studios are directed by BIPOC filmmakers. These statistics underscore the urgent need for platforms like ours that amplify diverse voices. That's why we're leveraging cutting-edge marketing strategies to amplify films that make noise. Our goal is to create a new pipeline to distribution by connecting films with their audience, offering filmmakers an unprecedented opportunity to work with forward-thinking creative marketing and distribution teams.

Please email the organizers for any fee waiver requests. A limited amout of requests will be honored until available. Community partner members may receive special discounts on their submission. Please send all inquiries to minoritiesinfilm@gmail.com with the subject line "MAKE NEWS WAIVER CODE".

Awards & Prizes

Selected films and their filmmakers will receive:
- Limited theatrical runs in partnering theaters.
- Bespoke film marketing and promotion in screening cities.
- Opportunities to meet with distribution partners for release and publishing.
- Invitations to exclusive networking events with industry professionals.
- Additional advancement opportunities to support filmmakers' careers.

Rules & Terms

Film Criteria:
- Films must be 20 minutes or under in length.
- Films must share the theme of "freedom" in some way to be eligible for selection.
- Films must have English subtitles if the dialogue is in another language.
- All films must have closed captions to ensure accessibility for all viewers.

Eligibility:
- Open to BIPOC filmmakers worldwide. However, we strongly encourage filmmakers who are local and/or can travel to Los Angeles or New York City should their films be selected. MiFILM will not cover transportation or lodging to the event.
- All genres are welcome, as long as they align with the theme of "freedom."
- Work In Progress films are not eligible to apply.
- Filmmakers must submit on or before the submission date to be eligible.
- Although we welcome new frontiers in creative storytelling and development, we champion the humans who employ them. Therefore, all projects utilizing machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) must explicitly state the nature in which AI was used to develop, create, or produce said material in all phases of production. Tell us the innovative ways you incorporated machine learning in to your workflow and how it has assisted you in the development of your project!

We will utilize an AI detection system to ascertain if AI predominantly created the content (greater than 60%).

Submission Process:
- All submissions must be made through FilmFreeway.
- Include a brief synopsis of the film and how it relates to the theme of "freedom."
- Submit supporting materials for consideration.
- Provide a high-resolution poster or still from the film for promotional use.
- Ensure the film has English subtitles if it contains dialogue in another language.
- Ensure the film has closed captions for accessibility.
- All films will be screened in both cities at our partnering locations.

Notification Date:
- Selected filmmakers will begin to be notified on August 14.

1 Review
Overall Rating
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  • Amir Zargara

    What an AMAZING experience this truly was. Everything from communication to promotion to execution of the screenings was so well done, and it was all in the first year of the festival. Thanks again for having us :)

    September 2024
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