Programming Statement
The American Black Film Festival champions bold storytelling from across the global Black experience while welcoming select works that expand cultural dialogue through distinctive perspectives and compelling human stories.
Since its founding in 1997, ABFF has served as a premier platform for discovery, connecting emerging voices and established artists with audiences, industry leaders, and new opportunities. As the festival enters its fourth decade and launches its next chapter in Los Angeles, ABFF remains committed to showcasing work that is artistically ambitious, culturally resonant, and reflective of the evolving landscape of contemporary cinema.
ABFF is proud to be recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an Oscar® Qualifying Festival. The recipient of the HBO® Short Film Award at ABFF 2027 will be eligible for consideration in the Live Action Short Film category at the 100th Academy Awards®.
All selected films must maintain Los Angeles Premiere status.
Unless otherwise specified within an individual category, all submissions must:
- Be completed on or after January 1, 2026
- Be submitted by an individual or entity with legal authority to submit the work
- Be in English or presented with English subtitles
- Maintain Los Angeles Premiere status at the time of screening
- Not have been publicly exhibited, broadcast, licensed, or distributed online in the United States prior to May 23, 2027
- Be available in DCP and digital exhibition formats if selected
- Be submitted through FilmFreeway
- Entrants must be 18 years of age or older
Early deadline: October 1
Final deadline: January 24
A competitive section showcasing feature-length narrative films directed or written by filmmakers of African descent working within the United States. Representing the cornerstone of ABFF's commitment to discovery, the section highlights distinctive voices, original storytelling, and compelling artistic vision.
Selected films compete for the Grand Jury Prize, Directing Award, and Performance Award.
Eligibility
- Directed or written by a filmmaker of African descent
- Primarily produced, financed, or developed in the United States
- Minimum runtime: 72 minutes
Early deadline: October 1
Final deadline: January 24
A competitive section dedicated to feature-length narrative films from across the global Black diaspora. The section celebrates distinctive storytelling voices and cinematic perspectives from outside the United States.
Selected films compete for the Grand Jury Prize for International Narrative Feature.
Eligibility
- Directed by a filmmaker of African descent
- Primarily produced, financed, or developed outside the United States
- Minimum runtime: 72 minutes
Early deadline: October 1
Final deadline: January 24
A competitive section presenting feature-length documentaries directed by filmmakers of African descent. The section showcases nonfiction storytelling distinguished by cinematic craft, insight, and cultural relevance.
Selected films compete for the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary Feature.
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. and international entries
- Directed by a filmmaker of African descent
- Minimum runtime: 60 minutes
Early deadline: October 1
Final deadline: January 24
A non-competitive showcase of narrative and documentary features that explore identity, culture, community, resilience, and belonging through distinctive American experiences. Open to filmmakers of all backgrounds, Crossroads highlights work that aligns with ABFF's cultural spirit while offering fresh perspectives and meaningful opportunities for connection.
Eligibility
- Open to filmmakers of all backgrounds
- Primarily produced, financed, or developed in the United States
- Narrative and documentary features only
- Minimum runtime: 60 minutes
- Projects must demonstrate thematic alignment with the mission and values of ABFF
Early deadline: October 1
Final deadline: January 24
Now in its 30th year, the HBO® Short Film Award remains a cornerstone of ABFF's commitment to discovering and elevating emerging filmmakers. Each year, five finalists are selected to screen at the festival before a distinguished jury.
As an Academy Award®-qualifying award, the recipient of the HBO® Short Film Award becomes qualified for consideration in the Live Action Short Film category of the 100th Academy Awards®, subject to all Academy rules and requirements. Submissions for the HBO® Short Film Award will open at a later date, with additional details to be announced.
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. and international narrative short films
- Submissions should present authentic representations of themes, narratives, characters, experiences, settings, or perspectives, in any genre, which reflect, celebrate, or engage topics connected to, inspired by, or of genuine interest to individuals and communities within the African diaspora, and that resonate with those individuals and communities.
- Maximum runtime: 20 minutes, including credits
- Must not have been previously submitted to the HBO® Short Film Award
- Must not have received prior broadcast, cable, streaming, or commercial online exhibition
- Additional eligibility restrictions apply to employees and affiliates of NICE CROWD, HBO®, and Warner Bros. Discovery entities
- Previous HBO® Short Film Award finalists are not eligible
Early deadline: October 1
Final deadline: January 24
A competitive section showcasing episodic storytelling created by filmmakers of African descent. The section highlights compelling serialized narratives and innovative approaches to long-form storytelling.
Selected works compete for the Grand Jury Prize for Episodic Series.
Eligibility
- Open to U.S. and international entries
- Directed by, or written and produced by, individuals of African descent
- Submit a minimum of two episodes
- Total runtime may not exceed 60 minutes, including credits
- Individual episodes may not exceed 30 minutes
- Episodes must be submitted as a single continuous screener
- Series treatment and/or series bible required
By invitation only.
A non-competitive showcase of short-form work by filmmakers of African descent whose films expand and enrich contemporary conversations around culture, identity, and community.
Reflecting the breadth of the global Black experience, the section highlights distinctive voices across genres, forms, and storytelling traditions.
Eligibility
- Directed by a filmmaker of African descent
- Maximum runtime: 30 minutes
Early deadline: October 1
Final deadline: January 24
A non-competitive showcase of original vertical microdrama series created by storytellers of African descent. Dedicated to celebrating emerging creators and new forms of mobile-first storytelling, the section highlights original serialized short-form content from creators working at the forefront of the medium.
Selected projects demonstrate strong episodic momentum, emotional immediacy, and a clear command of serialized storytelling.
Eligibility
- Created by a creator or creative team of African descent
- Original vertical (9:16) series
- Six episodes
- Total runtime may not exceed 18 minutes, including credits
- Individual episodes may not exceed three minutes, including credits
- Episodes must be submitted as a single continuous screener
- Previous online or social media exhibition is permitted
- Projects may not have received formal distribution, licensing, or commercial exhibition
- All genres accepted
- Submitter must hold all necessary rights and clearances