Season III of the Autumn Sun HBCU Invitational is upon us and we want YOUR film to showcase the best cinematic talent from across the HBCU landscape!

Enter for the opportunity to be one of 24 HBCU filmmakers selected and hosted in Detroit (MI) this November for a chance to take home the $25,000 Jury Award!

Please see Rules and Terms below for registration next steps.

Happy filming to all participants!

TITLE HONORS
Autumn Sun Official Jury Selection ($25,000)
Best Narrative
Best Non-Narrative

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT:
Best Drama
Best Animation
Best Documentary
Best Musical / Movement
Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Score/Soundtrack
Best Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Costume Design
Best Makeup
Best Visual Effects

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Participation is open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at any HBCU during the 2024-2025 academic year, including Fall graduates!

Films must be directed by an HBCU student. (Music videos and vlogs are not permissible at this time.)

REGISTRATION

Registration is mandatory. Submissions are password protected.

To register email the following information to HBCUShorts@Gmail.Com

1. FIRST AND LAST NAME
2. COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY
3. PHONE NUMBER
4. EMAIL

Registrants will receive an email confirmation once completed.

FESTIVAL GUIDELINES:

Students may submit multiple films, but each entry must be submitted separately.

Viewer discretion warnings must be applied to submissions containing nudity, violence, language, or other suggestive themes.

Films should not exceed a runtime of 45 minutes.

For best quality, films should be submitted in a 16:9 aspect ratio.

While not mandatory, closed captioning is strongly advised for accessibility.

Films in languages other than English must include legible English subtitles.

When submitting, please include the following:

1. A headshot of the submitting student.
2. Still images from the film.
3. Associated social media accounts. Personal or business.

For all other questions or assistance, please text 313.680.9699 or email HBCUShorts@Gmail.Com