Welcome to the Inaugural REFRAMING Cinema Film Festival

Hosted by Vues de Culture, a nonprofit organization, the REFRAMING Cinema Film Festival is a celebration of Black and minority voices in film, storytelling, and visual artistry. More than just a festival, this event is a platform to challenge narratives, amplify diverse perspectives, and honor underrepresented communities in cinema.

This year, we are proud to present a diverse lineup of narrative films, documentaries, student works, and mobile cinema from filmmakers of color and independent voices. Beyond the screen, attendees can engage in breakout sessions, panel discussions, and our curated Art Walk, where visual storytelling meets cultural expression.

VIP attendees will have exclusive access to the Sunday premiere of Built on Zydeco, a powerful documentary that delves into the heart of Zydeco music and culture. Featuring Keith Frank, Terrance Simien (two-time Grammy Award winner), and Reginald "Buckwheat Jr." Dural (Grammy Award winner), the film also includes cameo interviews with a host of other Zydeco musicians, offering an intimate look at the artists who keep this rich tradition alive.

Join us for an unforgettable weekend of films, conversation, and creative exchange as we celebrate the power of authentic storytelling.

Welcome to REFRAMING Cinema—where new perspectives take center stage.

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY
• Open to both United States and International filmmakers.
• Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
• Films must be created by a writer, director, and/or producer who is a person of color (including but not limited to East Asian, South Asian, Black, African-American, Latino, and Pacific Islander) AND/OR feature people of color in the cast and storyline. At a minimum, films must highlight an inclusive cast that reflects the shifting demographics around the world.
• Films must not have any current or previous broadcast, cable, or online exhibition.
• Selected projects cannot screen within 60 miles of the festival within 90 days of the event.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All submissions will be accepted only through FilmFreeway.com.
All projects submitted must be received digitally by May 5, 2025, and must include the following materials:
1. Completed official submission form
2. Film synopsis
3. High-resolution film still (minimum 300ppi)
4. Director & Writer bios
5. Director & Writer headshots (minimum 300ppi)
6. Working video link & password for screening

IMPORTANT SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
• It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the submitted video link and password remain active throughout the selection process. If the submission link does not work, RCFF reserves the right to disqualify the entry without a refund.
• Films must adhere to the stated time limits within their respective categories.
• All non-English films must include English subtitles, and the cost of subtitling is the responsibility of the filmmaker.
• Your submission will not be considered until the submission fee is paid in full via credit card.
• Submission fees are non-refundable.
• Students: Entry fees will be waived upon receipt of a valid student ID or a letter from an accredited school verifying enrollment. For questions, contact info@reframingcinema.org.

CATEGORIES & FEES

ACCEPTED GENRES
The REFRAMING Cinema Film Festival welcomes a diverse range of genres, ensuring that every story has a place. We accept sci-fi, action, comedy, drama, romance, documentary, animation, and narrative films. These genres can be selected within any of our submission categories, whether they are feature films, short films, or student films.

Feature Films
• Minimum 41 minutes, preferably under 120 minutes.
Short Films
• Maximum 40 minutes, preferably under 30 minutes.
• Short-Short: 3 to 10 minutes.
Student Films
• 3 to 10 minutes (Must provide proof of student status).

SELECTION PROCESS
• If selected, you will be notified on or before April 28, 2025.
• If your film is selected, it cannot be withdrawn from the festival program.
• The Board of Directors of RCFF and guest panelists will select films for screening and competition.
• Each official selection will receive a Certificate of Participation and a digital PNG selection file.
• Selected filmmakers will be notified via email on or before April 18, 2025. If you have not received notification, you are encouraged to reach out via email.
• The festival reserves the right to provide further details to selected filmmakers as necessary.

ATTENDANCE & FESTIVAL PARTICIPATION
• Selected filmmakers must attend the festival at their own travel/lodging expense to support and promote their film. The festival will provide travel suggestions for attendees.
• By participating, filmmakers acknowledge that the festival may take photos and videos during the event for promotion and documentation purposes.
• The Festival office has the power to settle all cases not covered by these rules and regulations.
By submitting your film, you agree to the above rules and regulations. We look forward to your submissions and celebrating diverse storytelling at REFRAMING Cinema Film Festival!