New York's Capital Region is quickly becoming the home to many large-scale productions for major networks & studios. We have served as the backdrop for "The Place Beyond the Pines", HBO's "The Gilded Age", Amazon & NYT's "Modern Love" and many more! Our community works to highlight & develop local talent in the industry while inspiring those looking to find a way in!

Thanks to our Founding Sponsors: Business For Good and the Renaissance Albany Hotel, we invite all filmmakers from the diaspora, actors & production communities to get involved & apply to be considered! Now more than ever, we need to tell our stories & create our future together. See you at the movies!

Awards & Prizes

$2500 Best Feature, Narrative
$1500 Best Feature, Documentary
$1000 Best Short, Narrative
$1000 Best Short, Documentary
$500 Programmer's Choice

Rules & Terms

All participants in this film festival must identify as black or part of the African diaspora. This includes directors, producers, writers, actors, and all other members of the film production team. Our festival celebrates the creativity, diversity, and stories of the black community and it is our mission to provide a platform for black filmmakers to showcase their work. We welcome submissions from filmmakers of all ages and experience levels, and we encourage filmmakers to submit films that highlight the complexities and nuances of the black experience.

Films submitted for consideration must feature black individuals and/or themes that are relevant to the black community. We are looking for films that challenge conventional narratives, explore social issues, and amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. The festival will showcase a range of film genres, including but not limited to drama, comedy, horror, and documentary. Our panel of judges will review all submissions and select films that embody the spirit of the festival and reflect the richness and diversity of the black experience.

By submitting your film to this festival, you agree to comply with all festival rules and terms. You also grant the festival the right to screen your film during the festival and use excerpts of your film for promotional purposes. If your film is selected, you will be required to provide the festival with a high-resolution digital copy of your film. The festival is not responsible for any lost or damaged materials. The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that does not comply with the festival rules and terms, or that contains offensive or inappropriate content. All decisions made by the festival panel of judges are final.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ime Etuk

    The Renaissance Black Film Festival was an incredible experience—organized, inspiring, and rooted in genuine community. I was honored to have Outdoor School accepted and deeply humbled that it received the Best Narrative Feature award. Communication was clear and consistent, and the vibe was all love and community uplift.

    October 2025
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  • Yasodhara Film

    One of the very best film festivals we've been a part of, in every respect.

    October 2025
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  • Hettie Barnhill

    What an awesome time had. The festival was professional artistic and community centered. Thank you so much for adding my film to the lineup. Hopefully looking forward to doing it again in the future.

    October 2025
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  • JAMI FREEMAN

    This was not a well organized event. They posted details for the festival a week before the event. Very last minute for people traveling out of town. The film screenings were shown on a big screen tv in a hotel ballroom. No theater experience. The award ceremony was very disappointing. There were only three awards. They did not announce the nominees. No awards or certificates were given. They just announced the winners.

    October 2025
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  • Michael Sayinet

    I would like to thank Renaissance Black Film Festival for selecting and showcasing our documentary "The Journey East". The festival was well organized, with amazing communication and guests. Truly thank you to the organizers and the team.

    October 2025
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