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 5th year of TBFS will take place February 28, 2026 The Summit will convene at the Hampton Inn-Yorkville, Illinois.

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.

Awards & Prizes

TBFS offer special recognition in the following categories:

Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best InternationalFilm
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.

14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Orlando Suazo

    While small it’s a mighty effort! With great films screen from across the world

    March 2026
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  • Prisca Ogouma

    A wonderful experience. The Black Film Summit creates an inspiring space for filmmakers and storytellers from diverse backgrounds. I was honored to have my film screened as part of the program. Thank you to the team for supporting independent voices and meaningful stories.

    March 2026
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  • Alek Lean

    Participating in the The Black Film Summit with Doll's Torturation was an incredible honor. The festival's commitment to celebrating Black voices and powerful storytelling made this experience deeply meaningful. We're grateful for the opportunity to share our film among such inspiring creators and a supportive, passionate audience.

    April 2025
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  • Brian Jervay

    Great Festival! Greg and his team are awesome. Looking forward to next year's event!

    March 2025
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  • 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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