Submit Your Work

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 to the HBO^® Short Film Award category are exempt from the Los Angeles premiere requirement.

Eligibility

• 20 minutes maximum runtime, inclusive of credits.
• Entrants must be 18 years old or older.
• 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.
• Showcase is open to U.S. and international narrative entries.
• Films must be in the English language or contain English-language subtitles.
• Films must have completed post-production on or after January 1, 2026.
• Films must be submitted by its director, or an individual or company authorized by the director and writer (if applicable) to submit the film.
• Films must not have been previously submitted to the HBO Short Film Award Showcase under its current or any former title, or in any form that is, substantially similar to or derivative of the current film.
• Films must not have any current or any previous broadcast, cable, or online exhibition.
• Films must not have been previously exhibited on, or licensed for broadcast, cable, or online exhibition prior to the scheduled American Black Film Festival (“ABFF”), May 20-23, 2027.
• Employees of NICE CROWD, Home Box Office, Inc., and any other affiliate (including permanent and temporary employees), their immediate family members, and/or those living in the same household are not eligible to participate.
• Filmmakers working on any upcoming or existing projects within Home Box Office, Inc., and/or any affiliate entity are not eligible.
• Filmmakers selected as a finalist in a previous ABFF HBO Short Film competition are not eligible.
• Each entry must include a signed competition release form with acknowledgment of the HBO Privacy Notice and Policy, no later than the deadline of January 24, 2027, at 11:59 PM PST.

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