Now in its 7th year, the journey to the seventh Rhode Island Black Film Festival (April 6-9, 2024) begins with our submissions. Bringing together creative people. Submissions to the 2024 Rhode Island Black Film Festival open September 1.

Black culture enthusiasts and content creators from around the world gather for four days of feature, short screenings, talk events, parties and networking. Come join us for live in person screenings on College Hill in Providence, the City by the Sea - Newport, from April 4-7, and virtually April 8-10. 2024.
 The Film Festival is Rhode Island's only platform serving as a creative space for conversations, ideas, and projects by filmmakers of African- American, Caribbean and Afro-Latin descent. The Rhode Island Black Film Festival is four days of feature, short and documentary films by filmmakers from around the globe.
The Rhode Island Black Film Festival: Black Culture in Film

Awards & Prizes

Film of the Year
Best Documentary
Best Feature Film
Best Short
Best Student

Rules & Terms

By entering the Rhode Island Black Film Festival you agree to follow its rules and guidelines. Eligibility requirements are final. There are no exceptions.

We consider films in any language, from anywhere in the world. If your film is not in English, make sure it has English subtitles where necessary.

We consider films regardless of their premiere status. Even if your film premiered at another festival, it’s still eligible.

Only features that don’t have distribution are eligible for RIBFF. Entrants must notify the festival at once if their distribution status changes.

There’s no distribution rule for Short Films. All Short Films, including those released online, are eligible.

We don’t provide waivers to any filmmakers. This is how we ensure an equal playing field and stay fair to all who submit to our festival.

If accepted, entrants are responsible for delivering their exhibition copy and other materials, such as: trailer, screener link, press stills, and press-kit, by deadline.

If accepted, filmmakers are required to do their best to attend the festival.

We are unable to update screeners once they are already in our system. We encourage filmmakers to submit their work as early as possible.
Submissions are accepted until 11:59 PM EST on the deadline date.

9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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
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  • 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
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  • 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
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  • Arden Teresa Lewis

    We had our world premiere of Leveling Lincoln at the RIBFF and throughly enjoyed our experience. Communication and housing were great and the filmmakers were welcomed with respect and appreciation. Thank you also for honoring Leveling Lincoln with the historic documentary award for 2022. We are grateful.

    April 2022
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