The Windsor International Black Film Festival (WIBFF) celebrates Black stories from Canada and around the world. Our 3rd annual event will take place on August 13-16th, 2026, to celebrate the contributions of Black filmmakers and storytellers internationally.

Festival days will include film screenings and premieres of our major category winners, alongside immersive discussion panels, followed by a red carpet awards night. PLEASE NOTE THAT AWARD WINNERS THAT ARE NOT PRESENT WILL HAVE TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO PICK UP THEIR AWARD. OR MAKE ALTERNATE ARRANGEMENTS TO GET THE AWARD MAILED OUT.

Trophies/Introduction to Agents in the Canadian Film Industry/ In some cases, joint productions with WIBFF.

GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SUBMISSION:

All projects must retain world premier status leading up to the festival day, with no theatrical screenings having been offered to the general public, unless the project submitted has changed significantly from its previous version.

Eligibility for a country-specific category requires 50% or more of a project's funding to have originated from within the specified country.
The applicant is responsible for obtaining authorization from the owner(s) of any copyrighted or trademarked content or materials within the project. The Windsor International Black Film Festival cannot be held responsible for the inclusion of such content or materials and, alongside our representatives and affiliates, is free from liability, including fees or expenses, arising from any such copyright infringement. Third-party claim(s) of unauthorized copyrighted or trademarked content or material may result in disqualification without a refund.

The applicant is also responsible for clearing the project's content of any actual or potential legal claims, for which the Windsor International Black Film Festival, alongside its representatives and affiliates, is free from liability for any such claims, including fees and expenses that may arise from such claims. Third-party claim(s) may result in disqualification without a refund.

Projects previously submitted are only eligible for resubmission if they have been changed significantly from their originally submitted version.

Any project containing significant non-English dialogue is required to provide on-screen English subtitles. Lack of necessary subtitles may result in disqualification without a refund.

All project files submitted must be via direct digital upload or by providing a Vimeo or YouTube link directly to the applicant's FilmFreeway project page.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring their project's submission status on FilmFreeway is listed as "In Consideration" by 11:59pm of the deadline date. Any submissions past the deadline may be considered for another deadline window if applicable.

SUBMISSION CATEGORIES & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
1. Narrative Documentary Films
2. Documentary Feature Films
3. Short Films
4. Episodic Content
5. New Frontier Projects
6. Retrospectives
7. Tributes Film
8. Student Films
9. Poetry (film/video)
10. Music Videos
11. Women Film
12. International Film
13. Animation
14. Gospel Film
15. Stage Play
16. AI Films

Nollywood Categories
• Best Nollywood Feature Film
• Best Nollywood Short Film
• Best Nollywood Indigenous Language Film

Performance Categories
• Best Nollywood Actor
• Best Nollywood Actress
• Best Nollywood Supporting Actor
• Best Nollywood Supporting Actress
• Best Nollywood Child Actor

Additional Creative & Industry Categories (Recommended)
• Best Nollywood Director
• Best Nollywood Screenplay
• Best Nollywood Cinematography
• Best Nollywood Editing
• Best Nollywood Sound Design
• Best Nollywood Production Design
• Best Nollywood Costume Design
• Best Nollywood Music Score

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Tonja Ayers

    We had a great time attending this festival and I am honored to have had two films selected which also won two categories. I encourage other indie filmmakers to submit their films.

    August 2025
  • Although I wasn’t able to attend in person, being part of the Windsor International Black Film Festival was an honor. The festival’s commitment to celebrating Black stories and uplifting diverse voices is evident in everything they do, from their programming to the way they highlight emerging talent.

    Having Shayla nominated for Best Short Film, Best Editing, and Best Actress in a Short Film (Keira Davies) was deeply meaningful. Even from afar, it’s inspiring to see how the festival creates space for meaningful conversations and connections through film.

    The Windsor International Black Film Festival is doing vital work, and I’m grateful that our film was included among such a powerful selection of stories. I hope to join the event in person in the future.

    August 2025
  • The Windsor International Black Film Festival was such a unique and great event. Proud to be part of it and hope more filmmakers participate in the next edition so that the positive vision should continue to grow.

    October 2024
  • leonard farlinger

    Great festival. So honoured to have won. Thank you for showcasing out movie.

    August 2024