The Social Justice Now Film Festival is an annual showcase of content that confronts the social and economic issues facing the United States’ black and brown communities. Through films, community conversations and impact events, we aim to rally a coalition committed to amplifying the voices of the marginalized and creating real and lasting, social and political change. The first annual event will take place on line from October 21st through October 25th, leading up to the 2020 election. The film program will include narrative and documentary features, short films and new media projects that align with the themes of social justice and explore issues of racial injustice, implicit bias, Black identity and human rights. The Social Justice Now Film Festival is the signature initiative of the Film Life Foundation, an LA based nonprofit organization founded by American Black Film Festival creators Jeff and Nicole Friday. Michael B. Jordan and Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Opal Tometi will serve as the festival’s 2020 Co-Ambassadors. Coalition Partners for the event, supporting and helping to build the first-of-its-kind festival, include Endeavor Content, One Community, and Outlier Society. Sony Pictures is the event’s Founding Sponsor.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
-Projects submitted can be of any ethnicity or background from any country.
-Films MUST have themes of social justice, racial injustice, implicit bias, Black identity or human rights
-Entrants must be 18 years of age or older
-Domestic and International Films eligible
-Films must be in English language or contain English-language subtitles
-Films must have completed post-production on or after January 1, 2019
-Films will have global viewership
-Geotargeting or limiting viewership does not apply to any screenings.

PROJECT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
-All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway. No other formats will be accepted.
-There is no limit to the number of submissions per submitter, provided they are separate submissions, required submission fee will be applied for each.
-All submissions must be uploaded by regular deadline of September 12, 2020.
-Upon festival acceptance on or before October 9, 2020, you will have one week to submit all required participation material including electronic press kits materials and Filmmaker Checklist, if accepted as an official selection.

PROJECT SUBMISSION FEES:
-Your submission will not be considered until the submission fee is paid in full via credit card. No exceptions.
-Submission fees will not be returned and are non-refundable even if you project does not make the festival.

PROJECT SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
-All submissions must be submitted and are required through FilmFreeway-- including all Forms, Screeners, PDF Files, Submission Fee, Brief Synopsis of project, Filmmaker Bio, Press Kits and Stills. Only 1 submission per fee.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • LeRon Lee

    Proud to be part of the inaugural festival, it was a great idea to see so many great and impactful films on one stage. The festival ran smooth on a well-oiled platform.

    December 2020
  • Riptide Pictures VU

    Honored to have our film be part of this festival, and to have been able to connect with the planning committee and the other filmmakers. SJNFF was created to highlight various works amplifying social justice issues and it did just that- the array of films topics and panel discussions included in the program was vast and compelling. We didn't want it to end! Looking forward to continuing to support this festival and its team.

    November 2020
  • Jonathan Isaac Jackson

    We were extremely happy to be a part of this festival, and they did a great job with the festival, all considering. I can't wait to watch SJNFF grow over the next few years, and can't wait to attend it in person after the pandemic.

    November 2020
  • Jonathan Rowan

    Awesome festival with a purpose! The films included were of great quality and powerful voices! The communication was spot on with this festival and I look forward to the continuation annually.

    November 2020