The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) has announced its call for film submissions for the 2025 edition, with a deadline of February 28. The festival announced the deadline in an Instagram post, urging filmmakers to submit their work in time before the deadline.
The festival, which celebrates its 29th anniversary, is open to US and international filmmakers, including those from Africa.
Competitive Sections
The festival features four competitive sections, including Narrative Features, Documentary Features, Series, and Short Films. Each section has its own eligibility criteria and award prizes.
Narrative Features
Narrative Features must have a 72-minute minimum runtime, be directed and/or written and produced by persons of African descent, and have completed post-production on or after January 1, 2024. The entrants must be 18 years above. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize, which will be awarded in the form of the Jury Award – Best Narrative Feature. An additional $2,500 cash prize will be awarded for the Jury Award – Best Actor.
Documentary Features
Documentary Features must have a 60-minute minimum runtime, be directed by or about persons of African descent, and have completed post-production on or after January 1, 2024. The entrants must be 18 years above too. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize, which will be awarded in the form of the Jury Award – Best Documentary.
Series
The Series section is open to short-form episodic series directed by and/or written and produced by persons of African descent. Episodes must have a 30-minute maximum runtime inclusive of credits, and submissions must include one episode and the series treatment and/or bible for consideration. Episodes must have completed principal photography on or after January 1, 2024. The winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize, which will be awarded in the form of the Jury Award – Best Series (Television or Web).
HBO Short Film Award
For the HBO Short Film Award, five filmmakers will be selected as finalists, with one Grand Prize winner receiving a $10,000 cash prize and each of the four runner-up finalists receiving a $5,000 cash prize. To be eligible, short films must have a 20-minute maximum runtime inclusive of credits, be directed and/or written by a person of African descent, and have completed post-production on or after January 1, 2024.
Submission Guidelines
Filmmakers can submit their work via submission page, and each submission must include a film synopsis, photo still from the film, director and writer bio, and director and writer headshot.
Submission of films must be made by the Director or by an individual or company officially authorized by the Director and writer (if applicable) to represent the film. Films that have secured prior distribution or have a distribution commitment in place are ineligible to participate.
The ABFF said: “As the most prestigious festival of its kind, ABFF attracts a global community of Black film and television enthusiasts. Featuring a dynamic mix of film screenings, panel discussions, master classes, and networking opportunities, the festival provides a vital platform for both emerging and established talent to connect, showcase their work, and engage in meaningful industry dialogue.”
About the Festival
The American Black Film Festival will take place in Miami Beach from June 11-15, 2025. Founded in 1997 by Jeff Friday, the festival is a yearly event that empowers Black filmmakers and showcases movies and TV shows made by and about Africans and Black people.
