The Black Continental Independent Movie Awards (BCIMA) AKA Black Cinema Awards is an event that celebrates and recognizes excellence in film by persons of African descent or films about the global Black experience.

Our Mission

To promotes Black Independent Filmmakers and support Black films.

Our Vision

To increase marketing and distribution opportunities for Black Independent Filmmakers or films related to Black issues.

Awards & Prizes

BEST FILM

BEST DIRECTOR

BEST SCREENPLAY

BEST ACTOR

BEST ACTRESS

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

BEST EDITOR

BEST SHORT FILM

BEST DOCUMENTARY

BEST SOUND

Rules & Terms

Films completed two (2) years before submission starts date are eligible for consideration in our nomination. Non-English submissions must be available in their original language with English subtitles.

Selection Criteria

Films that promote Black Culture or addresses Black Issues
Films made by Independent Black Filmmakers
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Elvis Efamba

    Great platform for Black Independent Filmmakers. Had a wonderful time meeting fellow filmmakers and networking. Looking forward to BCIMA 2020.

    June 2019
    Helpful
  • Pamela Woolford

    I was thrilled to be nominated for a 2019 BCIMA Award—for Best Short Film—alongside filmmakers whose work I admire. And it was a joy to meet and network with the other filmmakers and industry professionals and celebrate each other’s work at the ceremony.

    There were some glitches in the awards-ceremony program the day of, which can be expected for a first year.

    My film Generation appeared to be the only experimental film nominated. I was proud to be a part of the event, and most especially, honored to have been surprised with a special Jury Award for Originality since 100% of the voters, who are fellow filmmakers, gave Generation a 10 out of 10 for originality.

    Generation has won several awards, but being recognized by my fellow filmmakers—and especially black filmmakers as Generation, like most of my art, is very much a black woman’s tale—and awarded the BCIMA statue has been one of the highlights of my tour with this film.

    June 2019
    Helpful