Seattle Black Film Festival

To be eligible, films must be by or about Black people (people of African descent). While our goal is to celebrate and lift the work of Black filmmakers, we will consider films that feature Black people as a predominant focus of the work.

While the SBFF emphasizes premieres and new works, we will consider all works including vintage and archival.

Screened films must be submitted as a digital file (.mp4)

Films must have a stereo sound.

Works in progress may be submitted as long as a digital file is available for screening during the festival.

All selected entries, including works in progress, that wish to be considered for any of the SBFF awards, must forward the final digital screening file for their film by February 6, 2026. Selected entries not looking to be considered for an SBFF award must forward their final digital screening file by March 6, 2026.

Previously submitted works are eligible for resubmission.

By submitting your film, you agree that your submitted work may be screened at the festival without further consent.

By submitting to the festival, you agree that your film may be screened in any of the following ways; in-person screening event, fully virtual screening event, hybrid (in-person and virtual screening event), or VOD (video on demand). Please contact the festival at sbff@langstonseattle.org if you have questions on possible screening formats or venues.

Prior official selection filmmakers are eligible for a submission waiver. Contact sbff@langstonseattle.org with the name and year of your film.

FILM SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
- All works must be submitted via ONLINE SCREENER through the FilmFreeway platform only. No other formats will be accepted.
- There is no limit to the number of submissions per submitter, provided they are separate submissions and the required submission fee is paid for each.
- Films may be considered for multiple award categories. You only need to submit to one, and email sbff@langstonseattle.org for all other award categories you wish for your film to be considered for. No additional submission fee is required to be considered for multiple applicable award categories.
- Filmmakers will be notified via email of submission status in December 2025

PRESS MATERIALS
Accepted works must have an electronic press kit materials uploaded to FilmFreeway, or submitted via link to sbff@langston.org no later than January 9, 2026. An Electronic Press Kit (EPK) will include high-resolution production stills, key art, bio and filmography of the director, production notes and full cast and crew credits.
If these items are not submitted by January 9, 2026, SBFF reserves the right to disqualify the entry.

SUBMISSION FEES:
- Your submission will not be considered until the submission fee is paid in full via credit/debit card or other methods accepted by FilmFreeway.com. No exceptions.
- Submission fees are fully non-refundable and will not be returned under any circumstances.
- If cost is a barrier to entry, please email sbff@langstonseattle.org with your name and film, with 'Submission Fee' in the subject line. Response time is 2-5 business days.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
By submitting the work, I state that I am authorized to submit this film/video to the Seattle Black Film Festival (SBFF or "the festival") for consideration and have read, understand, and agree to all entry requirements. I hereby release the festival from all liability resulting from its exhibition of my film/video. The Seattle Black Film Festival reserves the right to remove a film from the festival program for any reason or no reason and shall not be liable for any refund or claims of any kind arising out of such removal. I agree that if the SBFF accepts my film for exhibition at the Festival, I will comply with these terms and conditions.

REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Submission of an entry gives the SBFF permission to use the work or excerpts of the accepted work, including trailers, visuals and audio, photos, graphics/art or any information provided in promotional documents and activities related to the festival.

LIABILITY
All submitters fully indemnify Seattle Black Film Festival of any liability arising from the screening or handling of the submitted work.