Year 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!

In addition to the introduction of Best Narrative & Best Non-Narrative to the Title Honors category, this year will also institute the eligibility of Cinedance films for festival consideration.

Happy filming to all participants, we cannot wait to see your work!

Awards & Prizes

TITLE HONORS
Autumn Sun Official Jury Selection ($10,000)
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

Rules & Terms

Participation is open to all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at any HBCU during the 2023-2024 academic year, including Fall graduates!

Eligibility Requirements:

Films must feature an HBCU student in a principal role as Director, Producer, or Screenwriter. (Music videos and vlogs are not permissible at this time.)

Registration is mandatory. Submissions are password protected.

Email the following information to Shorts@AutumnSunFest.Org to register:

First and Last Name
College/University
Phone Number
Email Address

Submission Guidelines:

Multiple entries are allowed, but each film 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.

Selected films will be asked to provide digital stills.

Feel free to reach out to [Shorts@AutumnSunFest.Org] if you have any questions or need further assistance.