The Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation (MAAHF) proudly invites filmmakers to submit their short films for consideration in the 3rd Annual Films for Funds (FFF) Short Films Festival, a signature fundraising event supporting African-American youth in Montclair, New Jersey.
The FFF Short Films Festival is a celebration of storytelling that centers, honors, and amplifies the African-American experience. The festival showcases a curated selection of short films exploring Black culture, history, identity, and community through powerful, authentic, and creative perspectives.
The festival takes place at the historic Bellevue Theatre in Upper Montclair, NJ, featuring a professional screening space with approximately 133 seats, creating an intimate yet impactful audience experience for filmmakers and attendees alike.
Films for Funds is a cornerstone scholarship fundraiser for MAAHF. Over the past 10 years, the Foundation has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to African-American graduating seniors in Montclair who demonstrate academic promise and financial need. The festival serves as a tentpole event to raise critical funds that help students access higher education and pursue their college goals.
We welcome short films across all genres—including narrative, documentary, experimental, and animation—that reflect the richness, complexity, and lived experiences of the African-American community. Filmmakers of all backgrounds are encouraged to submit work that sparks dialogue, preserves cultural history, and inspires future generations.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature an optional in-person panel discussion with selected filmmakers, cultural leaders, and community voices. This moderated conversation will explore the creative process, themes presented in the films, and the role of storytelling in cultural preservation and community empowerment. Panel participation offers filmmakers a unique opportunity to engage directly with audiences in an intimate, mission-driven setting.
Selected films will be screened as part of a thoughtfully curated festival program designed to encourage audience engagement, filmmaker dialogue, and community connection. The festival will conclude with an awards presentation recognizing outstanding achievement in several categories.
By submitting to the FFF Short Films Festival, filmmakers contribute to a meaningful cultural event that directly supports scholarships for African-American youth and advances the educational mission of the Montclair African-American Heritage Foundation.
Festival Date: May 30, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Submission Guidelines
Films must be 30 minutes or less, including credits
Submissions should align with themes of African-American culture, history, identity, and community
Filmmakers of all backgrounds are welcome
Selected films will be screened during the festival at Bellevue Theatre, Upper Montclair, NJ
Optional participation in:
In-person filmmaker panel
Audience Q&A and discussion
Awards will be presented in select categories
Entry Deadline: March 23, 2026
Notification of Acceptance: March 30, 2026
Why Submit?
Purpose-Driven Impact
Submitting to FFF Short Films Festival means your work directly supports a meaningful cause. FFF is a tentpole scholarship fundraiser for MAAHF, helping provide college financial assistance to African-American graduating seniors in Montclair, NJ.
Celebrate and Amplify Black Stories
FFF centers films that explore African-American culture, history, identity, and lived experience. Authentic storytelling that honors the past, reflects the present, and inspires future generations is highly valued.
Community-Focused Audience
Your film will be screened before an engaged audience of community leaders, educators, students, artists, and supporters of cultural preservation—creating meaningful dialogue and real connection.
Filmmaker Visibility & Engagement
Selected filmmakers may participate in an optional in-person panel discussion and audience Q&A, sharing insights and connecting directly with viewers.
A Festival with Real Impact
FFF uses film as a vehicle for education, cultural preservation, and tangible community support. Submissions contribute to a legacy of over $50,000 in scholarships awarded over the past decade.
TBA - March 31, 2026
