The Black Film Summit is a film festival the looks to provide our audience and community with films that Engage, Entertain, Enlighten, and Educate as we come together out of love for film and the culture. The 4th year of TBFS will take place over 3 Saturdays during Black History Month. February 8th, 15th, & 22nd The Summit will convene at the Hampton Inn-Yorkville, Illinois. A first for The Black Film Summit, we will be a hybrid festival providing an opportunity for those who can't be here in person to still enjoy the festival online from wherever they may be in the world.

The Black Film Summit is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for filmmakers across the Pan African diaspora to gather, be heard, and have their work showcased. We strive to give the African American community and its allies a safe space where they can enjoy, converse, and celebrate independent films featuring people of color.

Filmmakers in attendance will have the opportunity to introduce their film and hold a short Q&A afterwards with the audience. Filmmakers unable to attend will be able to provide a short- no more than 30 seconds- video introduction to their film.

Awards & Prizes

TBFS offer special recognition in the following categories:

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best International Feature Film
Best International Short Film
Best Illinois Feature Film
Best Illinois Short Film
Best Performance- Feature Film
Best Performance- Short Film
Best Ensemble- Short Film
Best Ensemble - Feature Film

Rules & Terms

1) Film submitted for review must be complete, finished, project.

2) Film must be made available for download via FilmFreeway, Vimeo, or emailed to The Black Film Summit within 7 days of admission to festival.

3) Failure to meet download deadline will result in your film being removed from the festival lineup.

4) Filmmakers responsibility to attain all proper rights and permissions for all materials in the film.

5) Film must either be produced, directed or feature a person of African descent. Anyone may submit film so long as one (1) of criteria is met.

6) Film must have completion date no later than December 31, 2021

7) There are no fee waivers in the interest of being fair to all filmmakers

8) It is the filmmakers responsibility to ensure film has subtitles, failure to do so will result in disqualification.

10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pat Battistini

    A big thanks to Greg and his crew for the opportunity to screen at The Black Film Summit! Great communication as well! We hope to be back!

    March 2024
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  • Charles A. Honeywood

    Attending the Black Film Summit was an experience that far exceeded my expectations. This event is not just a film festival; it's a vibrant celebration of black filmmaking, storytelling, and cultural expression. From the meticulously curated screenings to the insightful discussions, every aspect of the summit was designed to inspire, educate, and connect.

    The organization of the summit deserves special recognition. Despite unforeseen changes, the team behind TBFS managed everything with remarkable professionalism and grace, ensuring that the focus remained on the films and the filmmakers. The transition to a virtual format was seamless, enabling an even wider audience to participate and engage in this significant event.

    One of the most impactful aspects of TBFS was the opportunity it provided for networking. Meeting and exchanging ideas with a diverse group of passionate and talented individuals from the black film community was not only enriching but also highlighted the summit's role in fostering collaborations and future projects.

    The selection of films showcased at the summit was exceptional, featuring a wide range of voices and perspectives that underscore the depth and diversity of black storytelling. Each screening was a testament to the creativity and resilience of black filmmakers, and the awards ceremony was a fitting celebration of their achievements.

    March 2024
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  • 12 Stones Productions

    Great audience and submission of films!

    March 2024
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  • Mark Cofie

    What a festival! Thank you TBFS

    August 2023
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  • Victor Ragland

    Amazing festival I will be attending every year!

    April 2023
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