Autumn in DC Just Got Better!

UnShushed! Film Festival is a festival for fantasy, horror noire, Southern Gothic and Afrofuturism films by black women and emerging filmmakers creating genre films with black women protagonists.

It takes place in Washington, DC but its a celebration of filmmakers from around the world and of the African Diaspora.

The theme of this inaugural competition is blowback, an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result, or set of repercussions.

Emerging filmmakers can submit a micro short fantasy, horror noire, Southern Gothic or Afrofuturism film that includes this year’s theme, in some way. Micro short films are five minutes or less in duration, including credits. An emerging filmmakers is someone who has not directed or produced a feature film, television show and more than two short films.

Submissions are considered for the micro shorts block and Best Film and Audience Choice Awards which takes place in the state-of-the -art theater at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library.

This celebration comprise Community Screening, Emerging Filmmaker Micro Shorts and Awards, Films by Filmmakers to Watch and Q&A, Workshops, and a Southern Gothic Theme Reception, offering opportunities to network and enjoy great films.

Feel free to blend genres! And show us what you have.

We look forward to having our minds blown!

See you at the UnShushed! Film Festival

Awards & Prizes

Audience Choice

Rules & Terms

The theme for this inaugural competition is blowback, an unforeseen and unwanted effect, result or set of repercussions.

Emerging filmmakers can submit micro short fantasy, horror, Southern Gothic or Afrofuturism film that includes this year's theme in some way.

UFF considers an emerging filmmaker as someone who has not directed or produced a television show, feature film and more than five short films.

Micro shorts are films five minutes or less in duration, including credits.

Films must have a black woman as lead.

Filmmakers and/or submitters must have all rights cleared and necessary licenses for their submissions to UnShushed! Film Festival.

By submitting your film, you agree that you are the sole owner and producer of the film and that you have permission to use any copyrighted materials which appear in the film including, music, still and moving images.

Submissions must be received by the listed deadlines.

After submitting your film, which should be a digital file or link, please make sure your submission status says, “In Consideration”.