The Academy accredited Run&Shoot Filmworks Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival also known as "The Summer's Finest Film Festival" is now entering its 22nd year on Martha's Vineyard. We have screened and promoted some of the most outstanding and emerging Feature, Documentary and Short films produced by and starring African Americans from across the world. The majority of screenings and events take place at Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center (MVPAC) located adjacent to Martha's Vineyard Regional High School at 100 Edgartown Vineyard Haven Road.

Best Short Film
Best Feature Film
Best Documentary Film

FILM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Films must be by a writer, director, and/or producer who is a person of color (including but not limited to East Asian, South Asian, Black, African-American, Latino, and Pacific Islander) AND/OR feature people of color in the cast/storyline. At a minimum, films must highlight an inclusive cast that reflects the shifting demographics around the world.
- MVAAFF programming emphasizes premieres and new works in categories including narrative and documentary films, both features/shorts.
- Festival screenings will only be shown on DCP.
- Film must have a composite optical sound.
- Films in competition may not have had a commercial distribution or been broadcast in the United States. The programming committee reserves the right to waive this rule in the case of small non-commercial, non-publicized showings.

-It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the submitted video link and password work throughout the selection process. The MVAAFF will attempt, but is under no obligation, to contact the Applicant using the contact information provided on the submission form in an effort to obtain the correct video link and or correct password of the Film. The MVAAFF reserves the right to disqualify, without refund of any or all submission fees previously collected from the Applicant, any Film/Video Link or password that does not work correctly.

- MVAAFF does not pay rental/screening fees. Instead, our limited resources are invested in the production and promotion of the best possible showcase for your work.
- Films must have been completed AFTER January 1, 2023.
- Works in progress may be submitted, as long as the final version is shared prior to the festival and a DCP will be available for screening during the Festival.
- Previously submitted works are not eligible for re-submission.

FILM SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:
- All works must be submitted via ONLINE SCREENER via FilmFreeway. No other formats will be accepted.
- All submissions should adhere to the TRT requirements, as outlined in each category criteria.
- There is no limit to the number of submissions per submitter, provided they are separate submissions and the required submission fee is paid for each.
- All films must be uploaded as an online screener.
- Filmmakers will be notified via email of submission status before or by July 12, 2024.
-Filmmakers are encouraged to reach out via email if they feel they have not been notified.
- You must have your festival acceptance and release paperwork completed by July 15, 2024, and your electronic press kit materials and Filmmaker Checklist must be submitted ASAP, if accepted as an official selection.

FILM SUBMISSION FEES:
- Your submission will not be considered until the submission fee is paid in full via credit card. No exceptions.
- Submission fees will not be returned and are non-refundable.

FILM SUBMISSION CHECKLIST:
The following must be included for each submission:
- Submission Form (Accepted online exclusively via FilmFreeway, 1 per submission)
- Preview Screener or Script (online screener or PDF file required, uploaded via FilmFreeway)
- Submission Fee (Accepted online via FilmFreeway)
- Film Festival History & Confirmed Future Film Festival Participation
Optional, but recommended materials include: Brief Synopsis; Filmmaker Bio; Press Kit; Stills

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • billy Jackson

    The MVAAFFestival was outstanding! It was organized in a way that complimented being in the mix on the Vineyard. The film selections were great - inclusive, balanced and informative. The festival provided an "experience" that included the best of all worlds - good films; opportunities for engagement; informative seminars and guest speakers; etc. Directors and filmmakers felt honored and "seen"!

    November 2023
  • Harriet Marin Jones

    MVAAFF was amazing in every way possible!!! From meeting the festival directors & team on the fabulous Opening night party to the packed audiences in the beautiful Performing Art Center auditorium, I couldn't have asked for a better experience! So grateful for these three magical days ! At the end, King of Kings won Best Documentary Feature, what an incredible honor ! I can't wait to come back !

    August 2023
  • I enjoyed this festival a great deal. It was a true honor to have been accepted. I met some of the nicest people on earth and all the volunteers I spoke with were helpful, friendly, and just plain fun. I would loved to have seen more emphasis on the filmmakers who were not well known. It takes so much work and resources to make films by African Americans because of the well-known challenges in the industry so when we get accepted into a festival of this prestige I wanted to get a feel for more audience interaction i.e. a sit down Q & A with our block of short films and not just for celebrities or well known film artists. We cannot do what other non inclusive festivals do and that's forget about all the artists who make the festival possible. I also would love either a second screening for the block of shorts since the festival was over 7 days in length or not have shorts play early in the mornings. Having an audience is essential in my opinion. This is just my initial feedback and observations. But the environment was overall wonderful and again, I met some of the nicest people on earth. I would love to submit again. I briefly met the festival founder, Mr. Rance on two occasions and he was very nice and easy to talk to. I didn't get a chance to meet Mrs. Rance. I thank you for including my short film Pretty Boy into the 2023 official selection. This experience was one of the greatest moments I have ever had and it's an honor to share that space with all those amazing artists. Thank you!!!!!

    August 2023
  • Dorothy Davis

    This is a great Film Festival. I was able to meet seasoned as well as new filmmakers. My film was very well received. In fact, it was subsequently selected to be screened at the Oak Park Black Film Festival in Sacramento.

    February 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Congratulations Dorthy! Thank You for your kind and heartfelt words. Kudos and Continued Success!

  • A truly spectacular experience! Clearly, so much time and effort went into curating this event. It was an honor to have my film screened at this festival! I had an amazing time

    September 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank You Maya! We appreciate you.