HBFF Film Competition Categories 

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Narrative Feature Film

Narrative feature films must be at least 60 minutes in length but no more than 120 minutes in length and completed after January 1, 2024. The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to notify the festival of your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission.

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Short Film

Short films must be no longer than 30 minutes in length and completed after January 1, 2024. The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to notify the festival of your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission.

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Documentary

Documentary films must be no longer than 75 minutes and completed after January 1, 2024. Films exceeding 75 minutes should be submitted as a feature and must meet the corresponding eligibility requirements. The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to notify the festival of your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission.

 

Student Film

Student films must have been completed while the filmmaker was enrolled as a full- or part-time student. At least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. A valid copy of your current student identification must be included with your submission.  We do not have an invitational program for this category.

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Web/Digital Series

Web and digital series submissions must be created for the intent to distribute on a digital or mobile media platform and completed within the 2024-2025 calendar year. Up to three (3) webisodes from the same series will be accepted, with each individual episode not exceeding 20 minutes in length.  The Hollywood Black Film Festival invites film submissions from all filmmakers. However, to be eligible for our competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to notify the festival of your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission.

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Film Diaspora

The Film Diaspora Collective will showcase independent films and filmmakers from outside of the U.S. or Canada.  Filmmakers from the Diaspora, anywhere outside the continental United States and Canada are invited to submit in this category.  However, to be eligible for the competitive program, at least one of the film’s key creatives—such as the writer, director, or producer—MUST BE BLACK OR OF AFRICAN HERITAGE. Films that do not meet this requirement will be considered for our invitational program. If your submission does not meet the criteria for the competitive program and you wish to be considered for the invitational program, please indicate this in your application. Failure to notify the festival of your eligibility status may result in the disqualification of your submission. Narrative feature films must be at least 60 minutes in length and completed after January 1, 2024. Short films may be no longer than 30 minutes and must also be completed after January 1, 2024.

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**Animated content may be submitted for consideration in each film category.

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HBFF Storyteller Competition ​

Submissions for the 2025 Storyteller Competition are now open, accepting entries from Black writers.

Submissions may be written in any genre. They must be properly formatted and adhere to industry norms and standards. For guidance, refer to

 

The Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats by Hillis Cole and Judith Haag or any other reputable industry reference.

•  A feature-length screenplay should not exceed 120 pages.

•  A half-hour pilot or episodic script should not exceed 25 pages.

•  A half-hour short film should not exceed 45 pages

•  A one-hour teleplay or script should not exceed 45 pages.

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The cover page of your submission must not include any identifying information about the writer(s). DO NOT INCLUDE the writer’s name, contact information, Writers Guild of America registration number, or copyright number. This information should not appear anywhere within the body of your submission. Submissions containing prohibited information will be disqualified.

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Monologue Slam:
Applicants must submit: A headshot, A résumé, A video recording (2-3 min) of their selected monologue.

Selected participants will perform live at the event during the festival. Bring your A-game! This is a real audition experience. Be prepared, polished, and professional.

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Pitchathon:
Submission Requirements: a Logline (1-2 sentence summary), Genre (e.g., drama, comedy, sci-fi, horror), Potential distribution strategy (optional but encouraged),

Short pitch video (2-3 minutes) OR a 1-page written pitch How It Works: Pitch your project live at HBFF 2025, Receive constructive feedback from industry professionals, No sales or funding; strictly educational feedback.

 
Confidentiality & Protection: All submitted information remains confidential and is reviewed only by festival staff, The festival is not responsible for public disclosure of ideas, pitches, or creative content. Participants should take their own precautions to protect their intellectual property.

 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By submitting any project to the Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF), I, the submitter, whether the writer, director, or producer, affirm I have the legal right to submit the content, including any music, images, and likenesses within the film. I hereby authorize and indemnify the Hollywood Black Film Festival (HBFF) to use images, production stills, and trailers from my film for promotional purposes, including marketing and advertising on their website, social media platforms, and other promotional materials.

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NOTE: All fees and deadlines must be met to be accepted and considered for participation in the festival competitions.

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