NOW TAKING SUBMISSIONS FOR 2027

The Hip Hop Film Festival (HHFF) is the only festival in the world dedicated to independent filmmakers who tell stories from the culture. Happening each August in New York — the birthplace of hip hop and the mecca of creativity — HHFF is more than a festival, it’s a movement for storytellers who want to reach real audiences and real opportunities.

Our alumni include Emmy Award–winner Bobby Yan, whose film Suga Momma streamed over 187 million minutes across platforms, and Stefon Bristol, who premiered See You Yesterday at HHFF before securing a Netflix deal.

Every August, HHFF brings filmmakers, artists, and audiences together for:

Master Cyphers — TED Talk–style sessions where Oscar® honorees, Emmy® winners, and top creators break down the craft and business of filmmaking.

ACT UP! Live Script Reads — Writers watch their work come alive with professional actors.

Networking & Industry Access — Connect with funders, investors, distributors, and fellow filmmakers.

myFRESHtv.com Streaming — All official selections stream worldwide on our revenue-sharing platform, giving filmmakers global exposure and proof of audience demand.

Awards & Recognition:
Winners across categories receive festival laurels, industry introductions, and in select cases, meetings with distributors and funders. Many HHFF alumni have gone on to secure streaming deals, production funding, and international recognition.

Why Submit to HHFF?

Showcase your work in New York City, the birthplace of hip hop and global culture.

Gain access to global audiences via our hybrid festival model (NYC + streaming).

Connect with industry leaders actively scouting HHFF talent.

Be part of a festival known for integrity, innovation, and opportunity.

Best of the Fest
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short
Best TV / Network Ready Series
ACT UP! Screenwriter's Competition

**** PRIZES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Submissions are expected to be at the requested length. No exceptions.

SUBTITLES REQUIRED for non-English language films. Submissions are for the main competition in New York City, where the primary language is English. Submissions in another language without subtitles will be disqualified. **This does not apply to music videos.

Premiere status films: The Hip Hop Film Festival cannot accept films entered into imitator "hip hop" film festivals, either in the US or abroad.

Acceptance in to the program is non-exclusive. Selected participants agree to promote their screening time. Participants are solely responsible for the promotion of their screening.

Harlem Film House, Inc / Hip Hop Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize the film submitted and assets accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional & commercial purposes (web, print, broadcast media) for the life of the festival (in whole or in part by the Harlem Film House, subsidiaries and partners. This includes all pre & post festival events regardless of festival season. The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. By submitting to the Hip Hop Film Festival, you shall indemnify and hold harmless Harlem Film House, Inc / Hip Hop Film Festival, it’s subsidiaries, partners, agents or affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered. By submitting your film to Harlem Film House, Inc / Hip Hop Film Festival you commit to a public screening of your film with Harlem Film House, Inc / Hip Hop Film Festival. "Commit to public screening" means films may not be withdrawn after acceptance of the invitation to screen. We do NOT return presentation materials (USBs or thumb/hard drives).

After the public screening, selected films will be added to Harlem Film House FRESHtv program/platform for the remainder of the season. FRESHtv is an extension of the festival and does NOT represent a traditional distribution deal. It is a private white label festival option and subscriber portal for industry, festival participants and donors ONLY! Participants selected for the FRESHtv program will be pitched to domestic and international studios and networks to secure a distribution deal for the project. Filmmakers have the option to opt out in writing should the placement interfere with a proven distribution deal.

Harlem Film House's FRESHtv program works to increase promotion and awareness of the film to achieve the filmmakers goal of a distribution deal with top market competitors. Titles will be removed from the festival platform at the end of the current season as determined by the festival owner. Terms may be shortened or extended by the festival committee at its discretion.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Darryn Smith

    The festival has been providing me inspiration and motivation for many moons. Year 10 was an amazing experience filled with #PeakCinema and insightful #MasterCyphers. It is truly an honor to be a participant and fan of the festival. Wishing everyone involved and all the filmmakers included effortlessness in their growth and development.

    September 2025
  • Michelene Mallard

    Amazing and informative film festival! CR Capers and her team are outstanding. You can really tell they care about their filmmakers and their journeys.

    Till next year!

    September 2025
  • Terry C Carney SR

    They are the Best, I just wish I would have Won the GOAT award!!!!!!!!

    September 2025
  • Shaneisha Dodson

    Hip Hop Film Festival was dope. I enjoyed the Cyphers.

    August 2025
  • Nakia McConnell

    Thank You for a Great Experience!!!!!!!

    August 2025