Founded in 2017, by Ann Clanton, the Rhode Island Black Film Festival RIBFF was conceived to strengthen the independent film community through resource sharing, education, and collaboration. From its trailblazing beginnings and continues to be the Ocean State’s only Film Festival serving as a platform for aspiring Multicultural - Black Filmmakers, videographers and film industry professionals. The Southern Gateway of New England, the Rhode Island Black Film Festival has evolved into the Ocean State’s leading talent discovery platform for people of African descent. Today, it attracts a community of creators and enthusiasts. Each April, attendees gather in College Hill-Providence, Newport, home to the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the stunning coastal Cliff Walk and filming location to classic films The Great Gatsby, Reversal of
Fortune and AMISTAD. During five days of film screenings, panels, master classes, networking, and lifestyle experiences. Submissions are now open, inviting filmmakers to enter their work for consideration in this our 9th edition. Go to our website at https://ribff.org/submissions/

2026, the RIBFF commemorates its 9th anniversary under the powerful theme Homecoming—a tribute to the festival’s rich legacy and the global community it has united over three decades.

Join us in the Ocean State and the City by the Sea- Newport home of the Guided Age television show, , April 15-19., 2026 this historic celebration, as filmmakers, artists, executives, and fans from around the world come together for five unforgettable days of screenings, star-studded events, engaging conversations, exclusive parties, and unparalleled networking.
Recipient of the 2024 Rhode Island Film & Television Award for our contribution to the State's film industry; the Rhode Island Black Film Festival has been a longstanding platform filmmakers worldwide, dedicated to showcasing a variety of voices and narratives in independent cinema. It's a place for building lasting relationships, where filmmakers from all backgrounds, whether directors, producers, actors, or other roles, can enhance their careers. Our festival is a celebration of the diversity and innovation in independent film. Participants not only gain visibility for their work but also networking opportunities, leading to potential collaborations. We welcome filmmakers of every role and background to join us. By submitting your film to the Rhode Island Black Film Festival (RIBFF, you're taking a step towards finding your audience and advancing in the world of filmmaking.
Be part of this once-in-a-generation celebration of culture, community, and creativity. Register now!

Awards & Prizes


Best Documentary
Best Feature Film
Best Short

Rules & Terms

Narrative Feature Film
Narrative feature films must be at least 60 minutes in length but no more than 120 minutes in length and completed after January 1, 2024. The Rhode Island Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to notify the festival of your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission.
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Short Film
Short films must be no longer than 30 minutes in length and completed after January 1, 2024. The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to notify the festival of your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission.
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Documentary
Documentary films must be no longer than 75 minutes and completed after January 1, 2024. Films exceeding 75 minutes should be submitted as a feature and must meet the corresponding eligibility requirements. The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Brian Jervay

    Very disorganized and cost me money!

    Disclaimer- I didn't attend the actual festival, and here's why -

    I was notified we were selected. I spoke with the organizer on numerous occasions. I bought my non-refundable ticket to attend and reserved my room. After sending the requested link to the movie and trailer, the organizer contacted me 3 more times asking if I sent the links. I told her yes and sent them again. I followed up with her and each time she told me she received the link and everything was good. But inevitably she would email me back asking if I ever sent the link.

    That was bad enough, but the last time I followed up with her, I was assured she had the link and everything was fine. I knew she was having some kind of difficulty so I offered to speak with her projectionist. She told me it wasn't necessary, everything was good.

    The day before I was set to fly out, I noticed I hadn't seen a film schedule so I logged on and to my surprise, my film wasn't listed. I immediately called her and asked what was the issue. She said that she hadn't heard from me so she didn't schedule the film. I have no less than 10 emails going back and forth between us and at least 5 phone conversations. She then proceeded to ask if I wanted to come and she would try to fit me in. ARE YOU SERIOUS? How could I trust that? I'm very disappointed because I thought this would have been a nice festival to attend, but more that that, I am out of the money I spent for my plane tickets as well as an additional $164 for the first night of the hotel I reserved because I didn't cancel 48 hours prior.

    I feel ripped off and p***** off! Fortunately our film has done very well in numerous other festivals, but this one I feel scammed! Only gave one star because negative isn't an option.

    April 2025
    Helpful
  • Cedric Thomas Smith

    Although I was not able to attend, Ann was fantastic. I rarely have known a festival runner to reach out and talk with you on the phone to welcome you. Very personable and I am honored that we were able to share “Losing Lalo” and “Retirement Day”.

    April 2024
    Helpful
  • James Theres

    Hidden Gem of a festival. Ann Clanton does an amazing job pulling it all together.

    May 2023
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  • Jacqueline Kennedy

    Elated for our film "Mayor Pro Tem-William "Pete" Kennedy" was selected for the RIFF. The festival team communicated effectively throughout the event. Grateful to have been selected. Thank you!

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Robert Darwell

    We were thrilled to have "Black Uniform" screen at the Rhode Island Black Film Festival. We appreciate the recognition and the hospitality. Thank you very much.

    April 2023
    Helpful