Celebrating its 30th year in 2024, The Black Harvest Film Festival is Chicago’s annual showcase for films that celebrate, explore and share the Black, African American and African Diaspora experience. The Festival, held at the Gene Siskel Film Center, curates both short and feature length films, proudly presenting influential auteurs and emerging filmmakers of color side by side.

The 30th Black Harvest Film Festival will be held at the Gene Siskel Film Center November 8-21, 2024. The Black Harvest Film Festival invites Black, African American and African Diaspora identifying directors, producers and screenwriters to submit their work for consideration.

Please contact Gene Siskel Film Center Director of Programming Rebecca Fons at rfons@saic.edu with questions or to request a fee waiver.

Awards & Prizes

Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Black Harvest Film Festival Prize - Best Feature
Richard and Ellen Sandor Family Black Harvest Film Festival Prize - Best Short

Rules & Terms

Feature-length films (any length 45 minutes or longer) and shorts (up to 45 minutes in length or shorter) are eligible for consideration.

All entries must include a screener link, a completed entry form, and a press kit or credit list.

Year of completion must be 2023 or later.

Films that have had public Chicago or suburban screenings prior to the Festival are generally ineligible for consideration. Please let us know with your submission if your film has or will play elsewhere in Chicago prior to Black Harvest. Films that are otherwise available online/virtually are ineligible for consideration.

Films not in English must be submitted with English subtitles.

Only films directed, co-directed, produced and/or written by Black, African American or African Diaspora identifying filmmakers are eligible for consideration.

Entries selected for the festival must be available for public exhibition in one of the following formats: DCP or Apple ProRes formatted digital file. DVD and Blu-ray discs will not be accepted for theatrical projection.

All legal clearances including, but not limited to, talent, music, or stock footage are the responsibility of the filmmaker.

The Gene Siskel Film Center reserves the right to utilize clips or stills from any film selected for the festival for publicity purposes.
13 Reviews
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  • ILA Creative Studio

    Loved every bit of the experience as an emerging filmmaker. The programming felt inclusive and intentional, and it was certainly a vast and beautiful array of work. I enjoyed being a featured short during the festival, and being introduced to the wonderful film community in Chicago. So much gratitude to Jada-Amina, Nick, and Rebecca. They were all supportive and great to work with. I look forward to all the great things they'll have in store next year!

    February 2024
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  • Lonnie Edwards

    It was amazing! I love what the Black Harvest Film Festival did to maintain it's magic from year's past while moving forward. Blessed to have shown a film in 2023! Such a great experience I cant wait to see what 2024 brings! Keep up the great work

    January 2024
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  • Marc Pitre

    I was impressed on every level by Black Harvest Film Festival. Communication was clear and timely, the facility is top notch, and the films, discussions, and attendance are high quality. I hope to return to Black Harvest as a participant and as an audience member. Jada-Amina, Nick Leffel, Rebecca Fons, and the City of Chicago make Black Harvest Film Festival essential.

    November 2023
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  • Shiloh Tumo Washington

    Thank you all so much for selecting my short film 'One For My Baby' and allowing it to exist in such wonderful company with the rest of the programming. The Gene Siskel has always felt like home, thank you for having us along!

    November 2023
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  • Kevin Coleman-Cohen

    This was by far one of the best experiences I ever had. Rebecca was AWESOME, in fact, the entire team was great. Communication was top notch, other festivals can really learn from Black Harvest. I felt right at home, supported, and in an environment that centered around filmmakers and their films. I want to remain part of the great festival for years to come.

    November 2023
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