By submitting a video piece to Kansas City PBS for consideration in the inclusion of the Reel Black Film Festival, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
Eligibility
i. Submissions are open to all individuals. Filmmakers under 18 years of age, must have a parent/legal guardian provide written consent for the film to be considered and screened
ii. There is no limit to the number of projects an individual may submit
Film Requirements
i. Video piece must be non-fiction and the filmmaker or film must have a Midwest connection
ii. All submitted films must be picture locked
iii. All short film submissions must have been completed on or after December 31, 2024; all feature length submissions must have been completed on or after December 31, 2023
iv. Films must not have been broadcast on television or streaming platforms prior to their screening at the festival. However, prior screenings at other festivals or private events are permitted
Categories Eligible for Film Submission
i. Short Films: 10 minutes or less
ii. Feature Films: 30 to 60 minutes
*Note: Films between 10 and 30 minutes will not be considered
Submission Guidelines
i. All submissions must be made through the Reel Black Film Fest FilmFreeway portal
ii. A link to the film (e.g., Vimeo, YouTube, or other secure streaming platform)
iii. Any required permissions or releases (e.g., music, likeness, parental consent if under 18)
iv. There is no fee for submission
Selection & Notification
i. Submission does not guarantee selection. All decisions made by the selection committee are final
ii. Selected filmmakers will be notified by October 20, 2026
iii. If selected, filmmakers agree to provide a high-quality screening copy by November 16, 2026
iv. If selected, filmmakers will be responsible for all travel and accommodation expenses incurred to attend the festival
Rights & Permissions
i. By submitting, you affirm that you hold all necessary rights to the film, including music, images, and any third-party content. Documentation of permissions/approvals will be provided upon Kansas City PBS's request
ii. By submitting a film, the producer/owner supplies Kansas City PBS the right to screen the film during the festival and to use excerpts, stills, and promotional materials for marketing and publicity purposes. A formal agreement between the filmmaker and Kansas City PBS must be signed before any selected film is screened
iii. The festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission that does not comply with the guidelines
Indemnity
By submitting a film to Reel Black Film Fest Presented by Kansas City PBS, the filmmaker (and/or their parent or legal guardian if under 18) agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Kansas City PBS, its affiliates, partners, sponsors, employees, and volunteers from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) arising from or in connection with:
i. Any breach or alleged breach of any representation made by the filmmaker in the submission;
ii. Any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening rights, or any other rights related to the submitted film;
iii. Any other claim arising out of the exhibition or promotion of the film by Kansas City PBS.
