The Oscar Devereaux Micheaux BFAB Festival celebrates Black film, art, and books in the heart of Paducah, Kentucky - a UNESCO Creative City with deep roots in African American cultural history. Co-produced by the Paducah Historical Preservation Group, Inc. (PHPG) and the Kentucky BIPOCU Filmmakers Association, this festival honors the legacy of Oscar Devereaux Micheaux, pioneering Black filmmaker born near Paducah. Our festival is intentional - it was started to enhance the cultural exchange with the arts in Paducah KY - a UNESCO City known for the National Quilt Museum, its Lowertown artist community, the Hotel Metropolitan & Museum that was listed in the "GREEN BOOK" and hosted some of the greatest musicians of modern times. We welcome submissions of shorts, anime, documentaries, and feature films with historical, educational, scientific, cultural and social awareness themes. The festival will include a screening of Micheaux's historic work in addition there will be authors and artists showcasing and selling their works.

Awards & Prizes

There will be a "BEST FILM" award in each category: shorts, anime, documentaries, and feature film. Based on audience Votes.

Rules & Terms

1. Eligible individuals to submit include beginner filmmakers,college and university student filmmakers, published filmmakers, and independent filmmakers. Although not required for eligibility, preference is given to premier status films of Black and Brown filmmakers whose films are directed by, produced and or are the main character or subject of the film: Kentucky, US, & World Premiers. BFAB has the right to disqualify a submission without refund of any kind, if eligibility requirements are not met, including if eligibility status changes post-submission.

2. Film Categories - Short Narrative (2 -15 min), Anime (5-20 min), Documentary (10-60 min), Feature Narrative (45-80 min)

3. Film has to be completed within the past 24 months (on or after August 28, 2024).

4. This is a juried film festival.

5. Accepted Formats: DCP (preferred) or MP4.

6. Subtitles required for non-English language films.

7. Submitters must own or have documented rights to all music, footage, and adapted scripts. Copyright infringement of any kind will result in disqualification. Filmmaker liable.

8. Entry fees are due at time of submission in US dollars and are non-refundable. Filmmakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodations. Entry fees for students will be discounted at 50% with proof of a current and valid student ID or a letter from accredited school that proves enrollment.

9. A "Best Film" award will be presented in each category, determined by audience vote.

10 Final submission deadline - June 4, 2026, 11:59 pm EST