Pulling Focus African American Film Festival
Official Submission Rules & Category Descriptions
1. How to Submit
Films must be submitted through one of the following methods:
● Online submission via FilmFreeway
● Direct email submission (upon request or special arrangement)
2. Accepted File Formats
Films must be submitted in digital file formats:
● MOV or MP4 are accepted
● DCP (Digital Cinema Package), the industry-standard format for theatrical screenings, will be requested from filmmakers as necessary.
3. Film Length Requirements & Category Descriptions
Short Film Categories
● Duration: 1 to 30 minutes, including titles and credits
● Must reflect the Black Diaspora, African American, or BIPOC experience
● Written and Directed by an African American or filmmaker of African Descent
● Eligible for jury awards
Open Competition Category
● This category is for films that do not meet all main competition criteria but are still considered competition-worthy. Films in this category are now eligible for Jury Awards and may be written and/or directed by filmmakers who are not of Black or African descent. Accepts all film genres (including animation or experimental) between 1 minute and 30 minutes in length.
4. Eligibility
● Films must reflect or engage with the Black American, Black Diasporic, or African experience and must be created by filmmakers of Black or African descent (this requirement does not apply to the Open Competition).
● Films must be independently produced (not backed by a major studio)
● Domestic and international films are welcome
● Special emphasis on:
Black Voices
Midwest regional films
First-time filmmakers/Emerging voices
Student films
Small production companies
5. Submission Limits
Filmmakers may submit multiple entries, but each entry must be submitted separately.
6. Works In Progress
Incomplete or work-in-progress films will not be accepted.
7. Promotional Use
If selected, you grant Pulling Focus permission to use brief excerpts, stills, trailers, and promotional material for:
● Social media
● Advertising
● Press releases
We will not use media from films that were not selected.
8. Press Kits
If your film is selected for exhibition, the festival will request an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) in the event one is not already available on your FilmFreeway profile.
9. Selection & Awards
● All submissions are reviewed by a curation committee and community judges
● Selections and awards are based on artistic merit, execution, originality, and alignment with the festival’s mission
● All decisions are final
● Award-winning films may receive certificates, trophies, or cash prizes (if available)
10. Programming Discretion
The festival reserves the right to:
● Reassign films to a more appropriate category
● Make scheduling or programming changes
● Disqualify films that violate rules, lack rights, or promote hate.
11. Ownership & Rights
You must own all rights to your film, including music, footage, and performances. By submitting, you confirm your film does not infringe on third-party rights.
12. Shipping
If physical materials are required, filmmakers are responsible for all associated shipping costs.
13. Communication
All communication will be via email.
Official Selections will be notified approximately 21 days before the festival.
14. Indemnification & Legal Disclaimer
By submitting, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the festival, Azubuike African American Council for the Arts Inc., and associated parties from any claims, liabilities, or losses arising from your submission or participation. You agree to follow all festival rules and accept that submission fees are non-refundable.
15. Agreement to Rules
By submitting your film, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to all of the above rules and guidelines. Compliance is required for participation.
