The BlackStar Film Festival has been supporting Black, Brown, and Indigenous people in the creative space of filmmaking since 2012.
Philadelphia’s most anticipated and annual film festival centered around people of color will take place in person at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and online Thursday August 6th 2026 thru Sunday August 9th 2026.
If you’re a visual storyteller, the BlackStar Fest is currently accepting film submissions with a preferred deadline of March 1st, 2026; late deadline of April 1st, 2026; and notification date of May 8th, 2026.
Eligibility Requirements:
Films must (i) be directed by a person of African descent or who otherwise identifies as Black, Brown or Indigenous, and (ii) 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.
Awards & Prizes
- Best Feature Narrative
- Best Feature Documentary
- Best Short Narrative (Academy Awards® qualifying)
- Best Short Documentary (Academy Awards® qualifying)
- Best Experimental
- Audience Awards
*Noted film categories, rules, and fees apply. Place your submission through FilmFreeway today.
Not only can you purchase tickets to attend the festival in person or online, but also take advantage of advertising opportunities during the festival, become a member, and sponsor.
For more information about this year’s BlackStar Film Festival and numerous programs and events throughout the year, follow BlackStar Fest at: blackstarfest.org, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube.
See our past attendance at the BlackStar Film Fest (2023, 2022, 2019). Check back with us for this year’s support of excellent films and community engagement.
SOURCE: BlackStar Fest
