Join us in Selma, Alabama, for the inaugural Selma Cinema film festival, a celebration of independent filmmaking that shines a light on powerful narratives from across the globe. This three-day event will feature a diverse array of short and feature films that explore themes of social justice, environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and more. Nestled in a city known for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, the Selma Cinema Festival offers filmmakers and audiences alike the chance to engage with stories that inspire change and foster community.

Selma Cinema Film festival was founded by Foot Soldiers Park, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving the history of the Civil Rights Movement, the festival seeks to bridge the past and present through storytelling that empowers communities and uplifts unheard voices.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Film: The top feature-length film will receive a $3,000 cash prize, recognizing its impact and creativity in storytelling.

Best Short Film: The winner will be awarded a trip to France to attend our sister festival, Fenêtres sur Courts, providing an extraordinary opportunity for international exposure and networking.

Best Social Justice Film: This award recognizes a film that tackles crucial social justice issues, with the winner receiving a special invitation to an event during the 2026 Jubilee in Selma.

Best Alabama Film, Best International Film, Best Comedy Film, Best Drama Film, Best Student Film: Winners in these categories will be honored with custom-designed trophies to commemorate their achievements and contributions to the art of film.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility:

Short Films: Must be under 20 minutes in length, including credits.
Feature Films: Must be at least 60 minutes in length, including credits.
We welcome all genres and styles, including documentary, animation, international, and experimental works.

Content:

We encourage films that shine a light on resilience, social justice, and diverse lived experiences. We seek stories that promote equity, freedom, and human dignity.

Categories:

Features:

All feature-length films will compete in a single, highly competitive category. All film genres and formats, including animation, documentary, and international films are welcome to apply.

Shorts:

We accept short films across the following categories:

Social Justice: Films highlighting issues of justice, equity, and activism.
Alabama: Stories showcasing the unique culture, history, and voices from Alabama.o
International: Short films from filmmakers around the world, offering global perspectives.
Drama: Compelling narratives that capture the complexities of the human experience.
Comedy: Light-hearted and humorous works that entertain and inspire.
Student: Films created by students that reflect fresh ideas and emerging talent.

(Note: Documentary and animation are welcome in any of the categories listed above.)

Submission Guidelines:

Filmmakers may submit their work in the appropriate category. A non-refundable entry fee is required.
By submitting, filmmakers grant the festival the right to use excerpts and stills for promotional purposes.
All films submitted that are not in English need to be subtitled in English

Judging Criteria:

Films will be judged based on:

Originality, creativity, and thematic alignment with the festival’s mission of promoting social justice and equity.
A panel of distinguished jurors will select winners across the above categories.

Rights & Permissions:

Filmmakers must obtain all necessary rights and permissions for any music, images, or content included in their films.
The festival will not be responsible for legal actions related to the unauthorized use of copyrighted materials.

We do not accept:
1. Amateur videos. 2. Extremist or propaganda content from religious or political organizations. 3. Pornography. 4. Films with a poor production standard (bad sound, lack of subtitles/captions for non-English films, video resolution lower than 720p HD). 5. We don't accept excerpts/scenes from films: you must submit the entire film.