Through a Different Lens

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural Solange Film Festival, on May 2-4, 2025, where our intention is to build community and inspire change through the art of storytelling and the power of cinema. The mission of this festival is to share stories and experiences from voices that often go unheard, with a special focus on first-time and undiscovered filmmakers who are making their mark on the world of film.

Live screenings take place at the Row House Cinema, a historic loft building in one of Pittsburgh's most popular neighborhoods. Join us to discover new perspectives, ignite conversations, and build a vibrant community inspired and empowered to change the world. In addition to thought provoking films, attendees can look forward to initiatives that foster creativity and connection throughout the festival, including panel discussions and Q&As with industry professionals.

Our student spotlight provides an opportunity for emerging filmmakers to share their unique perspectives with an audience, often for the first time. Opportunities to network and receive feedback from industry professionals underscores Solange's commitment to fostering an environment where fresh ideas and diverse voices can be heard.

With programming that includes documentaries and narratives, we’re looking for filmmakers who want to inspire hope and change through their art, telling stories about the human experience. The Solange Film Festival can be your platform to inspire hope and change through art that unites us. You create. We share. The world knows.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL PROVISIONS:

1. We accept nearly all genres of film and video. Please do not submit any pornographic or teenage exploitation films.

2. We screen exhibition versions of accepted films exclusively in the DCP format. Filmmakers who are accepted to, and choose to participate in, SFF must share a DCP version of their film. If a filmmaker does not have a DCP version ready, they can utilize the services of a third party to prepare a DCP version. All associated costs will be the responsibility of the filmmaker.

3. Solange Film Festival (“SFF” or the “Festival”) is hereby granted the right to utilize excerpts from any film submitted to and accepted for exhibition by the Festival for promotional purposes, including to promote the Festival in future years. The Festival hereby receives an irrevocable, non-transferable, royalty-free license to use portions of such submissions for the aforementioned promotional purposes.

4. All screening tapes, press kits, publicity info, photos, etc. will be retained by SFF as part of the Festival's library, unless a specific written request is made for the return of such materials and the cost of return shipping is provided to SFF. These materials will be returned no later than 14 days after the last screening of the 2025 festival.

5. The individual or entity submitting the film hereby warrants that it possesses the legal right and authority to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts the terms contained herein.

6. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold SSFF harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees and court costs) which may be incurred by the Festival arising out of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

EXPRESS CONDITIONS REGARDING FILM SUBMISSION:

1. By submitting a film to SFF, you represent and warrant that you possess the legal right and authority to do so, and that you accept full legal responsibility for the intellectual property contained therein.

2. Solange Film Festival (“SFF” or the “Festival”) is hereby granted the right to utilize excerpts from any film submitted to and accepted for exhibition by the Festival for promotional purposes, including to promote the Festival in future years. The Festival hereby receives an irrevocable, non-transferable, royalty-free license to use portions of such submissions for the aforementioned promotional purposes.

3. Submitting your film grants SFF an irrevocable, non-transferable, royalty-free license to exhibit your work at the 2025 Festival. By submitting your film, you agree to use your best efforts to to have the Director and other key contributors to your project (actors, screenwriters, producers, etc.) attend the Festival in the event your film is selected for screening.

4. The undersigned shall indemnify and hold SFF harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorneys’ fees and court costs) which may be incurred by the Festival arising out of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered. We look forward to receiving your film submission.