San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF)
October 2–4, 2026 | In-Person (San Antonio, TX) & Online

Celebrating 8 Years of Black Storytelling. The San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF) proudly celebrates its 8th year from October 2–4, 2026, taking place both in person in the Alamo City and virtually across the world-wide-web.

This year’s theme, HISTORY upRISING, centers the urgency of preserving, honoring, and protecting Black history—especially during a time when access to these stories is increasingly challenged. SABIFF affirms film as a powerful medium for truth, memory, resistance, and cultural expression.

While HISTORY upRISING guides our 2026 programming events, films of all genres, styles, and themes are welcome. Narratives, documentaries (features and shorts), animation, music videos, and student films do not need to align with the theme.

SABIFF celebrates bold, nuanced, and unapologetically Black storytelling—stories by, for, and about people of African Descent across the global Diaspora.

🎬 OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS ---- January 26 – June 14, 2026

SABIFF invites original, high-quality films and video works from around the world that reflect diverse perspectives on the Black experience.

Eligible Categories Include:
*Narrative Features & Shorts
*Documentary Features & Shorts
*Animation
*Music Videos
*Student Films

Submission Requirements:
*Films must be by, for, and/or about people of African Descent
*Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIOPC) must hold key creative & production roles
*All genres, styles, and storytelling approaches are encouraged.
*Films must be made within the last 5 years

SABIFF is committed to uplifting underrepresented voices and expanding access to platforms for Black filmmakers globally.

🌟 Key Events | SABIFF 2026

Opening Night Networking Reception
In partnership with the San Antonio Film Commission
Ankh Achievement Awards
Featuring special guest, activist-oriented filmmakers

- “Black Friday” Student Matinee Field Trip
- Film screenings, workshops, and youth engagement
- “Soul Saturday” Films-In-Competition Screenings
- Two-screen showcase with filmmaker Q&A sessions
- Best of Show – Cinema Under the Stars Wrap Party
Pre-festival celebration (Location TBA)

SABIFF is dedicated to:
-Showcasing exceptional films
-Advocating for Black filmmakers
-Supporting creatives of African descent
-Amplifying stories from the global African Diaspora

We believe in the power of Black stories to educate, inspire, and drive social change.
#BlackFilmsMatter

Tourist Suggestions:
*Black Heritage Things to do in San Antonio -- https://www.visitsanantonio.com/black-heritage/

Awards & Prizes

OPEN CALL selections will be a part of a FILMS IN COMPETITION this year. An award and prizes will be honored in each of the following categories:

*Best Narrative Feature Film *Best Narrative Short Film
*Best Documentary Feature Film *Best Documentary Short Film
*Best Student Film *Music Video (& Spokenword)
*Audience Choice Acknowledgement *Best Animation Film
*Best Actress & Best Actor *Best Cinematographer
*Best Scriptwriter * Best Editor

Rules & Terms

Films submitted must feature subject matter by, for, and about people of the African Diaspora (Black people of African descent worldwide).

Each project must include at least one Black creative in a key role, such as director, producer, writer, lead actor(s), or essential crew.

All films must be in English or include English subtitles.

COMPLETION DATE:
* Films must have been completed after January 1, 2021.
* Submissions must be no older than five (5) years.

Exception:
For SABIFF 2026, filmmakers with a compelling project older than five years may request consideration by emailing SABIFF with a brief explanation and a preview link.

WHAT WE DO NOT ACCEPT:
* Works-in-progress
* Screenplays or scripts
* Episodic web series
-Web series are accepted only if submitted as a single, stand-alone narrative or
documentary.

PREMIERE & RELEASE STATUS:
* At the time of submission, films must not have had:
* A national or international commercial theatrical release
* A television broadcast or public network airing

SUBMISSION FORMAT:
* Submit the final exhibition version of your film.
* Required format upon acceptance: MP4
* Resolution: 1080 x 1920
* A screener link is required with submission.

PROMOTIONAL USE:
By submitting, filmmakers grant SABIFF permission to use film stills, trailers, clips, and related materials for festival promotion, including the website, social media, and marketing.

RIGHTS & LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY:
* Filmmakers must own or have legally cleared all rights to their submitted work.
* The submitter warrants they are authorized to submit the film for exhibition.
* Filmmakers agree to indemnify and hold harmless the San Antonio Black International * Film Festival from any claims arising from the submission or exhibition of the work.

AGREEMENT:
By submitting to SABIFF 2026, you confirm that:
* All information provided is accurate.
* The film complies with festival rules.
* Failure to comply may result in disqualification without refund.

FORMATS:
Please note the necessary formats for accepted film submissions. We are capable to handle most kinds of mp4, mov, and m4v files, however, as advance notice for selected video/films, we recommend the following video settings for BEST live streaming results when streaming via our sabiff.tv platform.

- Format: mp4
- Video codec: H.264 (AVC)
- Audio codec: AAC
- fps: 30 max (Higher fps may cause disruption of stream)
- Video duration: At least 1 minute
- Orientation: Landscape, Portrait, Square
- Audio bitrate: 128 kbps
- Video bitrates: 1500 kbps - 6000 kbps
- 360-degree Video bitrate: 5000 kbps - 10000 kbps
32 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anichka B

    We had the incredible honor of being part of SABIFF 2025, and we truly could not have asked for a more meaningful festival experience. Even from across the ocean, we felt the passion, care, and integrity that this festival brings to independent filmmaking.

    Although we couldn’t attend in person this year, the team went above and beyond for us — including sending our Best Musical Short award and our Honorable Mention for Best Cinematography for our short film/music video "Minha Vizinha (In The Hood)" all the way from San Antonio to Europe. This level of attention and generosity speaks volumes about the values at the heart of the festival.

    SABIFF is so much more than a showcase of films. It is a space dedicated to bold change, fearless storytelling, and uplifting underrepresented voices. Their commitment to ACTIonVism — using film as a tool for positive social impact — is not just inspiring, but essential to the future of our industry and our cultural conversations.

    From the community energy to the vibrant discussions, from the powerful film lineup to the stunning live music (which we could feel even through social media clips!), the festival radiates creativity, purpose, and Soul. It is clear that every element is curated with intention and Love.

    To Ada Babineaux and the entire SABIFF team: thank you for championing filmmakers with such heart and rigor. Thank you for celebrating stories that challenge, question, and expand our world. And thank you for making us feel included and valued, even from thousands of kilometers away.

    We hope with all our hearts to attend in person next year and stand among this inspiring community.

    If you are a filmmaker considering submitting to SABIFF, don’t hesitate — this festival is a rare and powerful gem.

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We truly appreciate your thoughtful review Anichka. It means so much to know that you see and value us just as deeply as we see and appreciate you. Thank you for considering SABIFF 2025 to showcase your work. We wish you continued success with "Minha Vizinha" as it travels the world and finds the right distribution home. Please continue to speak your passions through the powerful medium of film, telling stories that connect us all through our shared humanity.

  • Justin O'Shea Cooper

    I was deeply honored to have my film CIRILO, A Legacy Untold selected for the 2025 San Antonio Black International Film Festival (SABIFF), where it was nominated for Best Documentary Short and ultimately won the award.

    My sincere thanks to SABIFF, its dedicated staff, and Founder/Director Ms. Ada M. Babineaux for their professionalism, warmth, and commitment to excellence. The festival provides a powerful platform for Black filmmakers whose stories are interesting, engaging, entertaining, and profoundly necessary—especially in times like these.

    SABIFF continues to affirm the importance of authentic storytelling and the voices behind it. I’m genuinely grateful to have been part of this year’s festival.

    — Justin O. Cooper, Director/Producer
    CIRILO, A Legacy Untold

    October 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We extend our sincere thanks back to you for unearthing the history of a man we came to know through your documentary. By presenting this documentation, you reinforce the importance of delving deeper into learning our history and honoring the often untold heroes and heroines who have contributed to the progress of this country—and the world.

    It has been a true joy to see the additional honors CIRILO has received beyond our festival. Continued success is surely your destiny. We look forward to future works.

  • Sean Hunt

    Thank you for accepting Step Dad into the festival. It was a wonderful festival to meet other creatives, very well put together. The vibe was 100 and the networking was great. Nothing but great energy everywhere! We will definitely be back in 2025

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you! It was great meeting you, and we appreciate your venturing to SA to partake in SABIFF 2024. We look forward to future works.

  • Chris Barlow

    While it lacked in attendance, in general it was run well and on time. The support and hospitality was excellent. I wish there were more workshops, panels and networking opportunities. The gift bag was a GREAT touch, but the cost to attend the awards ceremony/brunch was unexpected and should have been inclusive to at least those nominated for awards.

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your feedback Chris! We’re committed to enhancing our support for filmmakers and increasing audience attendance, which is one of our main goals. Just a note: the cost of brunch was included in the Filmmaker's All Access Pass, which covered the filmmaker's attendance at the awards event.

  • Cortez Mack

    Greetings SABIFF,

    Thank you for selecting the music video, “Reparations” as HONORABLE MENTION, this is a GREAT HONOR, and, I am HUMBLED by this GREAT RECOGNITION!!!

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you Cortez for your kind words! We’re thrilled to recognize “Reparations” as an Honorable Mention. Your work and creativity truly shine through, and we’re honored to celebrate your talent. Congratulations!