An annual showcase of films that celebrates the black experience. The festival takes place in Sarasota, Florida as well as virtually and is organized by the partnership of the Sarasota Film Festival, a world-renowned film festival of 24 years, as well as the New College of Florida, the Boxser Diversity Initiative, Multicultural Health Institute, Manasota Association for the Study of African American Life and History and Ringling Museum.

Visions of the Black Experience Emerging Filmmaker Scholarship

In order to submit to the "Visions of the Black Experience," your film's subject must center on the historical, social, or cultural experiences of black people in the Americas and around the world. In addition, as a part of our mission is to promote emerging filmmakers, at least one of the key filmmaking positions should be filled by a black person.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

All films submitted not in English must be subtitled in English.

If your work is selected:

An electronic press kit completed with production stills, Synopsis of the film, and a biography of the director must be sent to Visions of the Black Experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

The filmmaker is responsible for clearing all rights to the material in their film.

The Visions of the Black Experience film festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes.

The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.

The undersigned shall indemnify and hold harmless Visions of the Black Experience from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anthony Reed

    It was an honor to have my documentary screened at this event.

    November 2022
  • Jason Henderson

    I enjoyed being a part of the Vision of the Black Experience. My documentary I Am A MARTIAL Autist was in the virtual platform. The promotion of this festival was great. Thanks

    November 2022
  • Yanatha Desouvre

    Thank you for selecting our film, The Sweetest Girl, to be viewed at your event.

    November 2022
  • Bridgett Ladd

    Thanks for the opportunity to screen our film. I appreciate the communication with us. I know it was a challenge having a virtual film festival during this pandemic but you all made it work.

    December 2020
  • Harrell Williams

    Great festival and opportunity! Thank you so much Visions of the Black Experience! Best to you All!

    November 2020