The DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF) is dedicated to showcasing quality film, webseries and television content by and/or about people of African descent. We support emerging artists striving to add diversity to the images and storytellers working in the entertainment industry. The DCBFF is committed to playing an integral role in discovering, celebrating and helping films and filmmakers by bringing them to the attention of the industry, media and public.

Awards & Prizes

Jury Awards are given in the following categories:

Best Narrative Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best International Film
Best Short
Best Web Series
Best Student Film
Best Animated/Experimental
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best DC Film- Given to film in which DC is a prominent setting or focus of the story.

Rules & Terms

All films submitted must have at least one or more of the above-the-line crew members (writer, director, producer or actors) be of African descent. All non-English language films must be subtitled in English. Entry does not guarantee acceptance into the festival. Films must have been created in 2022 or after. Submissions MUST NOT be available for viewing online (sites like YouTube, Vimeo, etc.) or on VOD platforms. Our only exception to this is for web series submissions. All students must provide a current, valid ID and submit with school e-mail.

I hereby enter the above named film/video in the 2023 DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF) competition and hold all necessary rights for said production. I understand that DCBFF will not be responsible for accidental damage to, or loss of, my entry or any other materials submitted, nor will they be liable for any legal actions, which may arise in connection to this production. If nominated, I understand I must provide DCBFF with production photos, promotional materials, and an exhibition copy of my work. I understand that, unless otherwise specified, DCBFF provides no financial compensation for any exhibition of my work. I understand that if my work is nominated, excerpts may be used by DCBFF for promotional purposes. I understand and am authorized to accept all of the terms listed under the submission guidelines, and I agree to abide by all guidelines.
85 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Celeste Banks

    The staff and people behind this festival truly care about their mission and work. They showcased the filmmakers to help elevate their careers in the way that they knew how. I am very grateful that this was my film's DC premiere.

    September 2024
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  • Tish Arana

    I really enjoyed this festival a lot. I was able to see so many great films. I appreciated the love DC Black Film Festival has for its local filmmakers as well as the rest of us. This is a two-person team pulling all of this together every year which is SO impressive. That being said I wish they had more support from their community. (read more butts in seats) Even with the smaller audiences I still had the time of my life. The Q&A's had amazing moderators who asked the kind of questions that really light filmmakers up. The theater is located on a great and lively street; perfect for your people to gather with afterwards to celebrate. I hope the DC community steps up for them because there's a need for festivals like this. I met some really great filmmakers because of this festival.

    September 2024
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  • Harold Jackson III

    DC Black Film Festival was a wonderful experience. It was a pleasure working with Kevin and the staff, and it was also a great venue to screen.

    August 2024
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  • Devin McKay

    We had a blast at DCBFF! Our film 'Don't Cry for Me' screened for this year's 2024 festival and from the moment we arrived there was so much warm welcoming energy from the staff. The programming of our block was perfect. The through line of 'Black Love' really resonated in each and every piece. Our moderator asked very thoughtful and considerate questions and it never felt like we were rushing afterwards. There was time to speak with the other filmmakers, connect with audience members, and really experience the festival, which is not always the case. Thank you so much for having us, we look forward to applying again in the future.

    August 2024
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  • Petting Zoo

    The DCBFF was amazing! We screened for the 2024 year in the competitive student block and were welcomed to the festival with open arms by the wonderful volunteers and staff. They were very communicative throughout the selection and screening process. Thank you for choosing "Petting Zoo" to be apart of this great festival. I hope you have much success in the coming years. If you are looking to enter your festival here it will be a great experience!

    - Alexus Addison

    August 2024
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