The San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF), is pleased to present our inaugural Black film festival October 10 - 13, 2019. The mission of SABIFF is to support Black filmmakers and expose audiences in San Antonio and beyond, to multi-dimensional filmworks and diverse narratives from the global Diaspora. The time is long overdue, the time is ripe, the time is now. SABIFF believes that the narratives, images, history, culture, lives and diverse range of art and storytelling of Black filmmakers matter. We welcome Black filmmakers from around the world to participate in the first of many SABIFF events to take place in the 7th largest city in the United States.

San Antonio, the second largest city in Texas, recently celebrated its Tricentennial celebration in 2018. Widely known tourist attractions include: the Alamo, the five-time NBA champion SPURS basketball team, delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, the 750 ft. Hemisphere Tower and its River Walk, which runs through the downtown area. SABIFF’s expansion of arts, culture and storytelling through Black films adds to the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion events. SABIFF, a division of Forward Progress Arts & Entertainment, is excited to shine the spotlight, turn up the volume, bring on the action and showcase exceptional works created by-for-about people of African descent.

SABIFF's February 2019 soft launch introduced a sampling of the Alamo City’s homegrown talent. The Black filmmaker showcase and panel discussions were received with an overwhelming positive audience response. SABIFF is empowered to continue to leverage that response through a representation of globally produced film screenings, industry panel discussions, networking, and other social events this fall. We are primed to add to San Antonio’s rich legacy with a festival that highlights the hidden figures of Black indie films that rarely make it to the big screen for mass audiences. Join us for a groundbreaking and historic weekend celebrating storytelling, culture and the arts through filmmaking, and of course, some down home San Antonio hospitality!

*Black Heritage Things to do in San Antonio https://www.visitsanantonio.com/black-heritage/

Awards & Prizes

*Best Narrative Feature Film
*Best Documentary Feature Film
*Best Narrative Short Film ,
*Best Documentary Short Film
*Best Student Narrative Film
*Best Student Documentary Film
*Best Actor in a Film
*Best Actress in a Film
*Audience Choice Award

Rules & Terms

Submissions are being taken for Films/Videos with subjects/subject matters by, for and about people of the African Diaspora (Black people of African descent from around the world). Films must consist of a Black Creative in key roles which include, but are not limited to the: director, producer, primary actors, and key crew positions.

All entries must be in English or have English subtitles.

Entry fees are non-refundable.

No waivers will be given as we are a non-profit organization.

Films must have been created after January 1, 2016. No Works In Progress are accepted. Please submit the film that you would want exhibited if selected.

Submissions MUST NOT be available online for public viewing (YouTube, Vimeo, etc) or on any Video On Demand platforms (Amazon, I-Tunes, etc).

The filmmaker agrees to let the festival use excerpts from their submission for use in SABIFF 2019 trailers, publicity and promotions.

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SUBMISSION AGREEMENT
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As the submitter of entry, I have read and have complied with all of the San Antonio Black International Film Festival rules.

I acknowledge that the submission is my/our original work and there are no disputes regarding the ownership of the submission.

I warrant the submitted material does not defame or invade the rights of any person living or dead and I fully indemnify the Festival against any claim made for such violations of law. To the best of my/our knowledge, all of the statements herein are true and correct.

I understand that failure to adhere to the Festival rules will result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fee.

The individual submitting the film hereby warrants that they are authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

I agree to hold the San Antonio Black International Film Festival harmless from all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or in connection with any and all claims of third parties, 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.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
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Hospitality
Networking
  • Tawan Bazemore

    We were unable to attend the San Antonio Black International Film Festival 2019 but I must say the communication was great! I was never left wondering. From what I saw there were amazing short films!! The venues were really cool! I just wish my team and I could have experienced everything I heard about the festival! It seemed like it was quite an event!

    We are honored to have been apart of SABIFF19. Our short film “Sound” won Best Narrative Short and Best Actress.

    Thank you so very much Ada Babineux , Pat Whitfield and the whole SABIFF team!! The Sound team is grateful and we look forward to submitting again!

    October 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much! We look forward to the next Bazemore production. Blessings

  • Bob Celli

    We were thrilled to be part of the inaugural year of SABIFF. We were unable to attend, but the communication was excellent. They had a powerful lineup of films and we were honored to be among.
    Thank you Ada and the entire festival team. May you continue to grow!

    October 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Bob for your kind review. We are hoping and praying to grow our audience to expand our film festival offerings. It was great to connect with you and we appreciate you allowing us to include your film in our inaugural festival. All the best on this and your next project(s)!

  • Javid Farahani

    Dear
    I’m honored to be announced that my short film “Under the Blade” got accepted in such a good festival.

    Thank you very much
    Javid Farahani
    The producer and director of the short film “Under the Blade”

    October 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Javid for the review! Keep creating films and using your voice by any means necessary.
    Blessings,
    Ada