Contest Overview:

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) is turning 30 in 2026—and this milestone is more than a celebration, it's a Homecoming. A return to our roots. A tribute to the groundbreaking filmmakers, bold storytellers, and rising stars who've passed through our doors over the years—and a call to the next generation ready to carry the torch. The 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition invites content creators to write, produce and direct and a dynamic 30-second commercial that reflects the spirit of this historic occasion.

Your spot should capture the legacy, excitement, and cultural impact of ABFF—while honoring its role as a launchpad for some of the brightest Black talent in film and television. Whether emotional, humorous, or completely unexpected, your vision should spotlight what ABFF has meant to our creative community—and what this Homecoming means now. The winning commercial(s) will serve as the official promotional campaign across television and digital platforms in the lead-up to our 30th anniversary celebration in June 2026 in Miami Beach.

Tagline

ABFF 30th Anniversary — "The Homecoming"

Creative Themes for Inspiration:

• Community & Connection
• Unleashed Creativity
• Undiscovered Talent
• An Unparalleled Legacy

Prizes:

• One (1) Grand Prize Winner Receives:
  • $10,000 cash prize
  • An all-expense paid trip to attend the 2026 ABFF in Miami Beach
  • Two DECO Passes for the 2026 ABFF
• Two (2) Runners-Up will both Receive:
  • $2,500 cash prize
  • Two DECO Passes for the 2026 ABFF

Eligibility:

The contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico who are 21 years of age or older at the time of participation. Ineligible participants include employees, contractors, and officers of Nice Crowd, its parent, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, as well as their immediate family members and those living in the same household (whether related or not).

Submission Guidelines:

• Length: Exactly 30 seconds
• Required Elements:
  • Include the 2026 festival dates: June 3–7, 2026
  • Include the official tagline: ABFF 30th Anniversary — "The Homecoming"
  • Align with ABFF's mission and themes
• Format: 1920 x 1080 | High-resolution MP4 or MOV
• Deadline: July 31, 2025

How to Submit:

To enter the ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition, please complete the following:

1. Upload your 30-second commercial via the designated submission platform.
2. Include a brief creative statement (max 150 words) explaining your concept and creative approach.
3. Attached signed Participants Release and Licensing Agreement (download)
4. Attach signed release forms for all talent, locations, and any music used in the commercial.
5. Ensure all content is original and fully owned by you or your team.

Judging Criteria:

• Creativity & Originality (40%) – Unique storytelling and artistic vision
• Alignment with Theme (30%) – Effectively captures ABFF's legacy and future
• Production Quality (20%) – Excellence in video and audio execution
• Cultural & Emotional Impact (10%) – Authentically reflects Black culture and storytelling

Competition Format & Timeline:

The competition will unfold in the following phases:

1. Entry Period - Submit your 30-second commercial between May 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM PST and July 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST
2. Finalist Judging Period - From August 1 – August 31, 2025, submissions will be reviewed by ABFF's internal and industry panels. Three finalists will be selected.
3. Finalist Notification & Editing Period - Five finalists will be notified by September 12, 2025, and must participate in up to two rounds of revisions through October 6, 2025 based on ABFF feedback.
4. Winner Announcement - The Grand Prize Winner and two runners-up will be announced by October 10. 2025.