The Roxbury International Film Festival (ROXFILM) is the largest festival in New England dedicated to celebrating the work of filmmakers creating films celebrating people of color.

ROXFILM showcases feature-length films, documentaries, shorts and animation. We are particularly committed to screening works by filmmakers with a connection to the New England area, however we also screen works by filmmakers from around the world as well.

The festival also includes workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities, receptions, parties, and Q&A with filmmakers and special guests. Previous guests have included, Ruby Lee, Billy Dee Williams, Robert Townsend, Charles Burnett, Ernie Hudson, Daphne Maxwell-Reid, Michael Beach, Ava DuVernay, CCH Pounder, Kasi Lemmons, Victoria Rowell, Hill Harper, Jamie Hector, Mel Jackson, and Miriam Colon, Russ Parr, Guy Torry, N'Bushe Wright, Susan Batson, Anthony Montgomery, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Michael Ealy, Chico Bennymon, Marla Gibbs Topper Carew, Quincy Newell, S. Epatha Merkerson and the countless amazing independent filmmakers who make our festival what it is, a filmmaker's festival.

28th Annual Roxbury International Film Festival will be held June 18, 2025-- July 2, 2026. Films will be screened at the Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, Northeastern University, Mass College of Art and Design, JustBook-ish, Haley House Bakery Cafe, and Hibernian Hall in Roxbury, MA.

More general information about the festival can be found at www.roxfilmfest.com

Awards & Prizes

ROXFILM is a competitive festival. Awards include but are not limited to "Audience Favorite," "Best Short Film," "Best of Festival," "Best Documentary," "Emerging Local Filmmaker," and "Youth Filmmaker," the "Henry Hampton Award for Excellence in Documentary Filmmaking" and the Visionary Award named after Amy Hood a long time film festival attendee.

Rules & Terms

The Roxbury International Film Festival (ROXFILM) is dedicated to showcasing work by and about people of color. Our mission is to support these films and filmmakers as well as to provide an opportunity for audiences to view these works and experience stories often overlooked in mainstream media.

We require that films be by or about people of color. The films can be made by anyone, just the films should focus on people of color within the story line.

By submitting your film you are waiving any screening fees for your film. (Exceptions: films that have been requested by the festival, opening and closing night films and special screenings)

We require that you do not screen your film within 20 miles of Boston 90 days before screening at ROXFILM.

ROXFILM ALUM - free submission. contact Roxfilmfest@gmail.com.
91 Reviews
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  • Aishat Abiri

    This was an all round fantastic experience. Got to see so many awesome films and meet amazing filmmakers

    July 2026
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  • Damian Paul Daniel

    Was so honoured to have our film 'My Dad, Guyana and Me' screen at Roxbury film festival this year, and was so glad that we were able to make it out to Boston from the UK to attend. It's so clear that Alison and Lisa have created a strong community over the years with this festival and see the loyal crowd turn out in numbers was really special, it truly is one of THE events in the Boston calendar. Total hats off to the rest of the Roxbury team who work so hard. It was a shame we could only stay for a cookie of days but felt very privileged to be a part of it. Thank you and bless you. Damian xx

    July 2026
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  • Michael Reilly Peraza

    An incredible festival. Festival directors Lisa and Alison set the tone with kindness and heart. They've assembled an outstanding staff and a dedicated team of volunteers who clearly care about sharing these films and stories with the world. Throughout the entire festival process, communication was clear and timely, and everyone was responsive and helpful.

    As a filmmaker, I felt welcome and at home from Day One. Beyond the warmth and kindness of everyone involved, the quality of the films was excellent, and I thoroughly enjoyed the festival events.

    Daily networking events gave filmmakers, actors, and other attendees the chance to have inspiring conversations and forge new connections. Oh, and they fed us really well! The 2026 edition also featured a wonderful range of additional programming, including a pitch competition, an acting workshop, a guided tour of Roxbury, and a headshot clinic. I appreciated all of it.

    I really can't say enough good things about the Roxbury International Film Festival. I am so grateful our film "Gone Fishin'" had its world premiere there, grateful for the people both working the festival and attending it, and grateful for all the thoughtful, important works of art I experienced there. RoxFilm is an easy recommendation to any filmmaker considering submitting their work.

    July 2026
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  • Aaron Cassara

    This is a fantastic festival with incredibly dedicated founders and organizers. I hope to be back!

    July 2026
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  • Anita Allison

    Great communication and very friendly festival. We were so honored to be a part of it! We had really positive audience feedback and that meant the world to us.

    July 2026
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