The National Black Film Festival has established themselves as one of the premier film festivals in the country. Educational workshops and panels that give the filmmaker and/actor insight into their chosen field. You don't want to miss our networking events starting with our opening night mixer and followed by the NBFF All Black Party and NBFF 2023 Awards Show. Join us and your film can be the next projecting on the big screen!

The NBFF acts as a bridge to connect industries professionals and those upcoming talent with entertainment, education and empowerment.

The NBFF was founded with an initiative to build an enlightening platform for future filmmakers and actors. Another primary goal of the NBFF is to stimulate the production of more high quality films in the Houston, Texas metropolitan area-mapping the city as a major cinematic outlet.

Come mix and mingle with the industries elite, learn trade secrets and build those essential relationships that will take your filmmaking to the next level.

The National Black Film Festival, The Home of Black Cinema, TV And Streaming!

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best Web series
Best TV Pilot
Best Animation
Best Student Film
Best Original Screenplay
Best Music Video

All winners of each category will be announced on the night of the awards.

In order to submit to the National Black Film Festival, one or more of the following should be African American:

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.
Those submitting in student films MUST have proof of current enrollment.
All films submitted not in English must be subtitled in English for presentation.

Submission Requirements

In order to be completely submitted, all submissions must include:
Completed filled out entry form
Preview Blu-ray (Please put run time and title of the film on the screener)
Entry Fee

All Entry Materials will not be returned.

One person may submit in different categories but only once in each category.
Also, each particular film submitted maybe only be submitted in one category.
Each submission requires a separate entry fee.

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 must be sent to the National Black Film Festival email.
2 additional Blu-ray copies must be mailed to the National Black Film Festival office.
Film trailers should be emailed.
EPKS, posters and postcards should be sent to the NBFF office for press and marketing no later than March 11, 2023.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Films that are accepted into the National Black Film Festival should 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.

The filmmaker is responsible for clearing all rights to the material in their film.

The National Black Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless National Black Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Participating in The National Black Film Festival was an experience I'll always cherish. I had the honor of my screenplay, "Straw on the Camel," winning the 'Best Short Screenplay' category. Though I couldn't attend physically, the festival team ensured I felt included and celebrated every step of the way.

    From the beginning, their communication was impeccable. The staff responded to my inquiries quickly and professionally, which made my remote participation smooth and enjoyable. The efforts they took to bridge the physical distance impressed me significantly.

    Having my work, "Straw on the Camel," recognized at such a prestigious platform was deeply gratifying. The festival's commitment to showcasing diverse narratives, as demonstrated by their warm reception of my thriller/horror piece, was truly admirable.

    But what touched me the most was the festival's ability to foster a sense of community, even virtually. The inclusivity and camaraderie they've cultivated among filmmakers, fans, and critics alike are beyond commendable.

    In summary, The National Black Film Festival is a stellar celebration of Black cinema, and I am honored to be a part of it. I wholeheartedly recommend this festival to anyone seeking a platform that genuinely values and uplifts unique voices in film. This remarkable event gets a resounding five-star rating from me.

    June 2023
  • Jarrett Roseborough

    We were truly honored to have our production “This is My Black” selected for the National Black Film Festival. We were even more thrilled to hear that our production took home the award for Best Feature Film! This has been such a great experience! Thank you to the National Black Film Festival team for all of your work!

    June 2023
  • Julian Hampton

    Having a chance to see so many awesome films, connecting with creative people and enjoying a wonderful city were highlights of the festival. Having our film Fighting Olympus receive Best Feature Film was icing on the cake.

    June 2022
  • Thank you for accepting our TV pilot "Fight City" which won the award! Amazing festival.

    June 2022
  • Thank you for welcoming Bloodlines The Mogadishu Diaries into your prestigious festival. I realize the competition was keen. I am truly honored to be an award recipient. This has been such an amazing experience. I can't tell you how much I appreciate this. Hat tip to the staff of the National Black Film Festival. 5 Stars!

    June 2022