A2BFF’s goal is to bring talented Film Artists of Color to Tree Town during the African American Downtown Festival to reclaim the cultural narrative and showcase the diverse experiences of Black in America.

Join us in Ann Arbor on the first Saturday in June running concurrent with the African American Downtown Festival!

The Ann Arbor Black Film Festival is an event dedicated to showcasing the creativity and diversity of black cinema. Founded in 2024, the festival aims to celebrate the rich heritage of black storytelling and provide a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to share their voices and perspectives. Through screenings, panel discussions, and special events, the festival seeks to inspire dialogue, promote inclusivity, and empower black creatives in the film industry. For more information, visit www.a2bff.org.

Audience Select - The most popular film at our show.

Best in Show - The film that demonstrates the best example of cinema at the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival.

Best Performance - The actor, dancer, or singer achieves remarkable characterization encouraging our audience to connect with the piece.

Best Documentary - Captivating non-fiction storytelling about Blackness and the Black Experience.

Best Editing - For films that execute compelling rhythm and timing that feel well integrated in the work.

Best Music or Audio Production - Awarded to cinematic sound stages that pull us into the story, get us hype and help build the perfect audio atmosphere.

Best Cinematography - Awarded to the film that achieves a visual gestalt that elevates the project.

The (A2BFF) Ann Arbor Black Film Festival’s goal is to assemble talented film artists of color to Tree Town during the African American Downtown Festival to reclaim the cultural narrative and showcase the diverse experiences of Black people. A2BFF ONLY accepts original films written, directed, and/or produced by diasporic Africans or presents a cast of predominantly African descent. Content that would be considered discernibly pornographic will NOT be accepted.

A2BFF does not pay rental/screening fees. Instead, our limited resources are invested in the production and promotion of the best possible showcase for your work.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ENTRY SUBMISSION

1. All entries must be through FilmFreeway or Festhome. No other formats will be accepted.
2. Submitted films must have been completed AFTER November 1, 2022.
3. Your film MUST NOT be available for public consumption on the internet.
4. All films must be in English or have English subtitles.
5. A screener must be submitted for review.
6. One film per entry fee per submission. Multiple submissions are allowed but each film must have its
own submission form and entry fee.

All film submissions must received by April 3, 2026. All submissions must be complete. Any submissions received after April 3, 2026 may be considered for next year’s festival. Notification of acceptance into the 2026 film festival will occur no later than April 17, 2026. If accepted, a screening print, high quality digital copy (Full HD or greater) must be available to the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival no later than May 7, 2026. All submitted screeners will become the property of the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival. Staff of the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival, its sponsors, judges, or stakeholders are not responsible for damages or lost materials entered into the festival.

All entries selected into Ann Arbor Black Film Festival defer the right for A2BFF to use any footage or information from the screener, and all submitted publicity photos and any other materials sent to us pertaining to this entry for the Ann arbor Black Film Festival’s promotional purposes, without limitations.

Entry fees are non-refundable and non-negotiable, and may be submitted through FilmFreeway or Festhome.

PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT
When submitting to A2BFF you represent and warrant that you have full legal right and authority to submit the heretofore mentioned film/video project for consideration by the Ann Arbor Black Film festival, and that all necessary consents, licensing and approvals have been obtained with respect thereto. You and all connected to the video/film project agree to hold the Ann Arbor Black Film festival and its sponsors harmless in any and all matters pertaining to the consents, licenses, and approvals of heretofore film/video project. You understand that your submission is in no way a guarantee of acceptance into the Ann Arbor Black Film Festival. You understand that if your work is not chosen, You are not entitled to an entry fee refund. No one from the Ann Arbor Black Film festival or its sponsors has the authority to guarantee your film project admission for exhibition.

By submitting, you are acknowledging that you have read the terms and conditions appearing herein, and agree, without exception, to all the terms and conditions stated.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jouel Truesdell Anthony

    Ann Arbor Black Film Festival provided clear communication, filmmaker networking opportunities, and Q&A sessions for filmmakers. There are many events that include local and national Black history as well as exploring the diaspora through film and media. Events are held at three locations located in downtown Ann Arbor that provide something for everyone. Thank you Chris Anderson and team for providing a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy wonderful films, connect with fellow filmmakers, and engage in learning opportunities. It was a pleasure having 'Nuisance' as part of the 2026 program.

    June 2026
  • The place and people to be with!

    June 2026
  • Marj Kleinman

    Thank you, Chris and team, for featuring "Stoop Chat with Maani & Mr. Sweat"! I wasn't able to make it in person, but I sent my local Ann Arbor cousins and they really enjoyed it.

    June 2025
  • Kendrick McLin

    This was a great event and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Awesome to be surrounded by so many talented people. I also loved how it was event that the organizers of the festival put their heart into the event! Job very well done!

    June 2025
  • Thanks for having our film "a film called black: King's Speech" we had a great time in Ann Arbor!

    June 2025