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!

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

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.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Keshia Watson

    Thank you so much for including our film “Belly Of The East” in your festival programme. As we are UK based we weren’t able to organise ourselves in time to attend. However we followed along online and were so pleased to make the cut. It’s a wonderful representative festival, with a nice mix of features and shorts. I particularly loved how each day had a focus; which made it easy for the audience to choose which theme they wanted to attend. If not every day! Thanks again for your support

    November 2024
  • Damien Nembhard

    Renaissance is a great festival for black filmmakers and is well worth the attendance fee! Love Language Team was happy that our film was selected and screened in NY City. Thank you Renaissance.

    November 2024
  • Patrick Phillips

    Thank you for screening our film Crossfire Love. Festival communicated well and provided a wonderful experience.

    November 2024
  • Ben Wilson

    It was an honor to be selected for this festival!

    November 2024