The Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) is an annual film festival that takes place in Accra, Ghana. The festival aims to promote and celebrate the works of filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora, as well as to provide a platform for African films to be showcased on an international stage.
BSIFF was founded with the aim of creating a space for African cinema to be celebrated and recognised whilst elevating Black/African stories. The festival features film screenings, panel discussions, storytelling camps, workshops, and networking opportunities for filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts.
The festival accepts submissions of feature-length and short films in various categories, including fiction, documentary, animation, and experimental films. BSIFF also presents awards in different categories.
BSIFF has become a prominent event in Ghana and the African film industry, attracting filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from across the continent and beyond. The festival has also played a crucial role in promoting the growth of the film industry in Ghana.
The 9th edition will take place from September 15th-21st, 2024.
Join the movement of Black Stars and be a change maker. Our home is Accra, the capital of Ghana and we offer the best cultural and film experiences to all our audiences home and abroad.
*AWARDS*
Feature Films
BSIFF has three competition programs for feature films —International Showcase, Africa Rising Showcase & Odehye3 Showcase— plus some non-competitive programs. Our competitive programs for Feature-length films are eligible for jury prizes.
International Films shortlisted by the programming department will be considered by the jury for “Best International Feature Film.” The films must be at minimum an International Premiere, with priority given to World Premieres.
African Films shortlisted by the programming department will be considered by the jury for “Best African Film.” The films must be at minimum an African Premiere, with priority given to World Premieres.
Ghanaian Films (Odehye3) shortlisted by the programming department will be considered by the jury for “Best Ghanaian Feature Film.” The films must meet the requirements of Ghana’s National Film Authority (NFA) and be directed by a Ghanaian citizen or permanent resident.
*Short Films*
BSIFF has two competition programs for short films — International Shorts Showcase, AfroShorts —plus our non-competitive film program, Shorts on Shots.
African and International short films that have premiere statuses will be eligible for the “Best International Short Film Award.”
Ghanaian short films that are produced in Ghana and directed by a Ghanaian citizen will be eligible for the “Best Ghanaian Short Film Award.”
Please note: Selected short films that are available online will only be considered for our short film event, “Shorts on Shots.”
*Audience Awards*
BSIFF Audience Choice Awards: All African films directed by Africans and selected for BSIFF are eligible for the audience award for their runtime category (Feature, Short, Episodic Series).
Unless otherwise agreed by the Festival in writing, awards will be given to the winning film director (as identified in the Film Information Form) on behalf of the film.
*Craft Awards*
Awards for Best Screenplay, Best Directing, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Editing will be given directly to the respective people and will be fulfilled approximately 12-30 weeks after the closing date of the BSIFF.
Award eligibility is subject to any restrictions or conditions imposed by applicable laws and regulations (international, federal, state or otherwise), and the award recipient is responsible for all applicable taxes, customs, tariffs, insurance and similar charges or costs (if any).
*Distribution Opportunities*
BSIFF is focused on supporting films with distribution opportunities through our platform, the Africa Film Market. Shortlisted and award-winning films in our award categories qualify for distribution consideration with our distribution partners.