Welcome to the Black & Brown Femme Film Festival (BBFF)!
The Black & Brown Femme Film Festival is more than just a celebration of cinema—it's a movement. BBFF is a dedicated space where stories by femme filmmakers of color take center stage, offering audiences a chance to experience authentic, powerful, and groundbreaking perspectives that shape our world.

At BBFF, we honor the artistry and vision of cisgender, transgender, and non-binary femme filmmakers from diverse cultural backgrounds. This festival is a vibrant platform for exploring stories of resilience, joy, identity, and transformation across all genres, themes, and techniques.

Whether it’s the quiet power of a deeply personal short or the electrifying energy of an experimental masterpiece, BBFF showcases films that challenge, inspire, and unite us. Our festival fosters connection and amplifies voices too often overlooked, creating a dynamic community of creators and audiences alike.

Join us in celebrating the brilliance of Black and Brown femme filmmakers. Together, let’s shine a spotlight on the creativity and diversity shaping the future of film.

Experience BBFF—Where Stories Find Their Power and Representation Takes the Lead.

Awards & Prizes

BBFF Film Festival – Official Jury Awards
Award: BBFF Jury Award Certificate and Trophy

Best Narrative/Comedy
Best Documentary
Best Experimental
Best Horror/Thriller
Best Music Video or Performance
Best Chicago Filmmaker

Rules & Terms

Eligibility Requirements
*Film submissions will be accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway.
*File Format: MP4 only. (ProRes not accepted)
*Filmmakers of Color: Submitters must identify as filmmakers of color
*Femme Filmmakers: Submitters must identify as femme (cisgender, transgender, or non-binary)
*Production Date: Films completed after January 1, 2024
*Length: Short films must be 20 minutes or less
*Themes & Genres: Open to all themes, genres, and techniques
*Language: Non-English films must include English subtitles

Submission Requirements
Ownership: Filmmakers must own all rights to their film, including music and third-party assets
Quality: BBFF offers free submissions and expects professional-level storytelling and production value
Required Materials:
Downloadable HD film link (MP4 only)
YouTube trailer (required for consideration)
Artwork (poster, stills, or promotional graphics)
Contact information (email and phone)
Public Availability:
Finalist films must be temporarily removed from public platforms until after the festival.

Selection Policy
Due to high submission volume, acceptance into BBFF is competitive. Incomplete or late materials may result in selection of a runner-up or semi-finalist.

Social Media Expectations
Because BBFF does not charge submission fees, social media participation is required.
Instagram Required: All submitters must have an active Instagram account
Finalists: Expected to like, share, tag, and collaborate on BBFF posts to support community visibility

Rights & Permissions
By submitting, filmmakers grant BBFF permission to use trailers, teasers, posters, and stills for promotional purposes only. Full films will not be shared outside official festival screenings. BBFF reserves the right to adjust festival logistics and programming.

Submission Guidelines
Films that do not meet eligibility requirements may be disqualified.
All materials must be submitted by the official deadline.
Submission confirms agreement to all terms above.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ramy Nabil

    سعيد جدا بالتجربه ❤️🙏🏻 شكرا للمهرجان وشكرا للفرصه

    July 2025
    Helpful
  • DCTV Youth Media

    We love applying for this festival! Our students have shared great feedback on the outcome of this festival. They were very transparent with everything they needed from us, and also super organized, which is very helpful because we are submitting it from NYC. Even though we aren't able to make it to the screening, the warm feelings of everyone who cares about this Festival shine through! You'll always have a friend in DCTV!

    July 2025
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  • Dini Parayitam

    Fantastic festival! Warm, kind, and spirited. I especially loved the transparency and inclusive efforts made by the organizers on social media. Though we could not attend in person, we were engaged through and through online and felt so honored to have our first film ALL YOUR YESTERDAYS included in this talented, ambitious line-up. As emerging filmmakers, every bit of support goes a long way and we couldn't be more grateful.

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We were honored to screen your film ALL YOUR YESTERDAYS. Welcome to the BBFF Family

  • Olivia N'Ganga

    Black & Brown Femme Film Festival is perfect. I recommend it to filmmakers from all over the world.

    April 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    I'm so happy you had a good experience. It was an honor to show your beautiful and impactful film. Welcome to the BBFF Family!

  • Brandon Jones

    I don’t often get the opportunity to attend film festivals, but I can confidently say that this was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It was truly an honor to have my work showcased alongside such a thoughtfully curated selection of short films. Visiting the Logan Center for the Arts for the first time was a delight; it provided a fantastic venue for the festival.

    I was especially grateful for the chance to connect and network with other talented Black and Brown filmmakers in Chicago. From the engaging professional interview conducted by one of the festival volunteers, to the effective promotion of our films on social media, and the vibrant festivities that followed the screenings, it was clear that this festival was organized with a genuine passion for filmmaking and storytelling. I look forward to submitting my work again in the future, confident that this festival will continue to thrive and celebrate the art of cinema.

    August 2024
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