BlackStar Film Festival Submissions
Submissions are now open. The early deadline is February 1.
Eligibility Requirements:
Films must 1) be directed by a person of African descent or who otherwise identifies as Black, Brown or Indigenous, and 2) feature persons of African descent, or tell a story of Black, Brown or Indigenous experiences.
It is preferred that narrative feature films and documentary films not exceed a runtime of 120 minutes. Short films must not exceed a runtime of 40 minutes.
Non-English language works must have English subtitles at the time submitted. Dialogue lists will not be accepted.
Though not required for eligibility, preference is given to premiere status films: Philadelphia, East Coast, US, North America, and World premieres.
Entrants must fully comply with these entry rules and regulations, including all deadlines, film length, entry material and other requirements.
Additional Notes
Submissions may be in work-in-progress form; however, works that are not final cuts must be clearly marked “Work in Progress (WIP)” or “Rough Cut” with an indication of what will change or what is missing (e.g., temp sound, missing animation, etc.). If accepted, final prints/media files must be received by June 5, 2026. No exceptions.
Please be advised that all accepted films (both English and non-English language films) are REQUIRED to have open captions burned into the final print.
Duration & Fees
Duration
Short films must be 40 minutes or less.
Features films must be greater than 40 minutes and it is preferred that they do not exceed a runtime of 120 minutes.
Entry Fees
Entry fees are in U.S. dollars, are per film, and are non-refundable. BlackStar reserves the right to disqualify a submission, without refund of any kind, if eligibility requirements are not met, including if eligibility status changes post-submission.
Students: Entry fees for student submissions will be waived upon receipt of a photocopy of a current and valid student ID card or a letter from an accredited school that verifies enrollment. For questions, contact [email protected].
Competition
Films will be automatically entered into audience competition unless the entrant(s) request to be withdrawn. Entrants must make this request at the time of confirmation.
Recipients of the juried Short Narrative and Short Documentary Awards are eligible for consideration in the Live Action Short and Documentary Short categories of the Academy Awards® without the standard theatrical run, provided the film otherwise complies with the Academy’s rules.
Awards & Prizes
Best Feature Narrative
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Narrative (Academy Awards® qualifying)
Best Short Documentary (Academy Awards® qualifying)
Best Experimental
Audience Awards
Key Dates
Jan 7 – Submissions Open
Feb 1 – Early Deadline
Mar 1 – Regular Deadline
Apr 1 – Late Deadline
May 8 – Notification Date
Aug 6-9 – Festival Dates
Submissions may be in work-in-progress form; however, works that are not final cuts must be clearly marked “Work in Progress (WIP)” or “Rough Cut” with an indication of what will change or what is missing (e.g., temp sound, missing animation, etc.). If accepted, final prints/media files must be received by June 5, 2026. No exceptions.
All accepted directors will receive one (1) all-access badge to the festival.
Priority is given to recently completed films (in 2025 and 2026).
Though not required for eligibility, preference is given to premiere status films: Philadelphia, East Coast, US, North America, and World premieres.
The 2026 festival will be a hybrid event with films screening in-person in Philadelphia and online around the world. Stay tuned for more updates as we near closer to August.