Join us in Selma, Alabama, for the second annual Selma Cinema Festival, March 26–29, 2026. This four-day event will celebrate independent filmmaking from around the world, highlighting stories that connect communities, spark dialogue, and honor Selma’s legacy as a catalyst for change. Set in a city known globally for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement, the festival bridges past and present through storytelling that inspires, educates, and uplifts.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Film – $2,500 cash prize

Best Alabama Short Film – $500 award + custom trophy

Best U.S. Short Film – $500 award + custom trophy

Best Foreign Short Film – custom trophy + invitation to attend the Fenêtres sur Courts festival in France

Best Social Justice Short Film – custom trophy + invitation to the 2027 Bridge Crossing Jubilee in Selma

All winners will receive custom-designed trophies to mark their achievements.

Rules & Terms

Eligibility

- Short Films: under 20 minutes (including credits)
- Feature Films: 60 minutes or longer (including credits)
- All genres and formats (fiction, documentary, animation, drama, comedy) are welcome for all categories

Content Guidelines

We seek films that shine a light on resilience, justice, diverse lived experiences, and the human spirit. Submissions should reflect creativity, originality, and alignment with our mission of fostering equity, freedom, and human dignity.

Categories

Features – All feature-length films compete in one category.
Shorts – Accepted across:
- Alabama Shorts – Highlighting stories from Alabama voices
- U.S. Shorts – Stories from across the United States
- Foreign Shorts – Global perspectives from outside the U.S.
- Social Justice Shorts – Films highlighting issues of justice, equity, and activism.

Special Recognition

- Social Justice Award – Chosen from any feature or short film category

Submission Guidelines

- Submissions open September 24, 2025.
- Free submission window until October 1, 2025.
- Tiered pricing follows: October, November, December; final deadline January 15, 2026.
- All non-English films must include English subtitles.
- Filmmakers grant the festival permission to use excerpts/stills for promotional purposes.

Judging Criteria

- Originality & Creativity
- Thematic relevance to community, justice, and storytelling
- Technical excellence
- Audience impact

Restrictions

- We do not accept:
- Amateur videos
- Propaganda or extremist content
- Pornography
- Films with poor technical quality (bad sound, no subtitles, low resolution below 720p HD)
- Excerpts or incomplete films – submissions must be final versions
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Cody Bende

    The Selma Cinema Festival made for an unforgettable weekend! Between truly moving films, the hospitality of both the hosts and the town itself, and experiencing one of the most important places in the United States, we cannot recommend this festival enough!

    April 2026
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  • Abby Martin

    So much thanks to the team at Selma Cinema Festival! It was an awesome experience and we have a lot of appreciation for the people who are running this heartful and important festival.

    April 2026
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  • jean-marie villeneuve

    Selma Cinema Festival is beautiful. The communication is very Good. There's really a strong spirit.

    April 2026
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  • Hannah Rosenzweig

    The Selma team was great and their mission for the festival is so important. We were honored to be part of it!

    April 2025
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  • Pamela Davis-Noland

    What a phenomenal experience!

    Selma’s inaugural film festival was nothing short of extraordinary. It’s exciting to imagine how much it will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.

    The hospitality extended to us— including accommodations at the historic St. James Hotel (est. 1837)—was truly exceptional. Every detail reflected a deep commitment to making filmmakers feel welcomed and celebrated. From thoughtfully curated, catered events to a delightful hayride through downtown Selma, it was clear that this festival was crafted with heart.

    The owners of the historic Walton Theater, where our films were screened, went above and beyond to ensure the festival’s success. Their dedication was evident in every moment.

    For a first-year festival, this was an undeniable triumph. We’re already looking forward to returning next year—film or no film!

    Heartfelt thanks to Manuel, Bernard, Jo Ann Bland, and the remarkable Foot Soldiers Park team for this incredible and humbling experience. We hope to reunite with you all again very soon.

    April 2025
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