Black Lives Rising is a Live|Virtual dance film festival that showcases the diversity of the Black experience through the beautiful and powerful art of dance filmmaking. This festival is unique in that it highlights artists who have an authentic message to share about the Black experience in current times, both in America and World Wide.

Awards will be granted to films that show extraordinary craftsmanship.

Filmmaker must be authorized to submit this film to Black Lives Rising Dance Festival for consideration and must have read, understood, and agreed to all entry requirements. Entrant must be the sole person responsible to make the decision to enter this media material and guarantee that such exhibition will not violate or infringe upon any rights whatsoever (including copyright, trademark, musical or contract right) of any person or entity. Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

All rights and permissions for any materials contained within the said entry have been granted and filmmaker holds harmless Black Lives Rising Dance Film Festival from any or all disputes or claims that may arise from these rights and permissions granted.

ENTRY OPTIONS / WORKS IN PROGRESS
There is no limit to the number of entries. Entrants are permitted to submit works-in-progress (i.e., without final color correction or sound mixing), but please clearly note works-in-progress in your submission materials.

PRESS MATERIALS
Press materials to include high-resolution production stills, trailers, key art, director bio, and other production must be included at time of submission to be considered by screening committee.

REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Submission of an entry gives Black Lives Rising and its presenters permission to have excerpts of accepted work, including film trailers, shown in all promotional activities related to the festival.

ARCHIVE AGREEMENT
Entrant and filmmaker acknowledge that by submitting their film to the festival, that if chosen for the festival, Black Lives Rising Dance Film Festival may include the film in the Black Lives Rising Dance Film Festival Archive.

PRESENTATION FORMAT
The following exhibition formats are eligible for Festival screening: Full HD, 1080p MP4, MOV

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • I was honored to meet Joey and be a part of this festival. Joey is so passionate about intersection black culture, dance culture, and film culture and is deeply knowledgable about each. She's willing to be and do much to make sure our film thrives in the festival and beyond! I highly recommend submitting your work and joining this beautiful community!

    January 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thank you! It was such an honor to showcase and share your beautiful, unique film! Your presence and participation made this year's festival extra special. May you continue creating amazing work that makes the world a better place.

  • Kurt Shaw

    The Black Lives Rising Dance Film Festival knows exactly what it's about, and does it very well: if you make films about dance by artists from the African diaspora, this festival is for you. Not only is the curating excellent, but the communication is brilliant: a podcast interview with all of the directors... even in Portuguese? Marvelous. Huge congratulations to Joey and Paula for their hard and effective work.

    December 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Kurt! I'm so happy you submitted because your film was a perfect fit for the festival's vision! Everyone loved the film so much! I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to share it and spread the hope and beauty that resonated in every frame.

  • Rosely Conz

    It was an honor to have our documentary selected. The work of the festival is timely and important, and I appreciate all the attention given to filmmakers and their films! Much love and gratitude to Black Lives Rising Film Festival!

    April 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Rosely! It's an honor to support your work which is so needed and important. Best of luck with your future endeavors!

  • Shelby Ronea

    Submit to the festival! Joey is dedicated to creating a space where film and dance meet together to make art. I was unable to attend the in person event but I'm so honored that my micro short film was selected.

    January 2025
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Shelby! I'm so happy to share your work and support your artistic vision. Best wishes for all your future creations~

  • Craig Talbot

    Great festival, with great communication throughout

    August 2022
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Craig! I'm so glad you submitted!