Black Creators International Film Festival
Centering Black creators, welcoming films from around the world.
Watch Trailer
Watch the Official Trailer
Dive into the vibrant world of the Black Creators International Film Festival! Our official trailer offers a powerful glimpse into the compelling stories, groundbreaking talent, and unforgettable moments awaiting you. Prepare to be inspired by the vision and artistry of black filmmakers from across the globe.

02:30

Dynasty The Movie: Official Sci-Fi Trailer ft. Lil Flip | Mind-Blowing Visuals

COMMUNITY CHOICE AWARDS
Celebrate the local voices of our audience! The Community Choice Awards is community-voted and honors the films and influential creators that resonate most deeply with viewers and our local communities. We showcase compelling stories and exceptional talent as voted by you. These awards highlight the heart of the festival: connecting creators with their fans and supporters. (Voters must be local to Dallas, TX)
BCIFF in Collaboration with
Soul of Sycamore
Juneteenth 2026
BCIFF and Soul of Sycamore join forces to merge cinema with culture—bringing BCIFF’s curated film programming, filmmaker showcases, and industry-forward conversations into the heart of the Soul of Sycamore Juneteenth Festival. This partnership marks the first-ever inaugural film festival experience within the Juneteenth festival, creating a new platform where Black storytellers can be seen, celebrated, and connected directly to the community through screenings, live moments, and shared space.
Featured Films
Dive into a curated slate of bold, visionary work from Black creators across the diaspora. Our festival showcases powerful narratives, breathtaking visuals, and distinct perspectives that center Black stories, champion creative ownership, and connect groundbreaking cinema with real opportunities in the industry.
About BCIFF
Black Creators International Film Festival (BCIFF) is a Black-led global film festival based in Dallas, TX. It centers black creators and celebrates bold, original work from around the world. We welcome filmmakers of all backgrounds to showcase shorts, features, and documentaries that push culture forward and expand how we see ourselves—and each other.
As the film pillar of the Soul of Sycamore Juneteenth Festival, BCIFF is positioned as the premier creative addition to the 2026 Juneteenth Community Festival.
This high-impact showcase will feature award-winning short films, powerful documentaries, and innovative creative works by local and national Black filmmakers, student artists, the community, and international storytellers.
Held across the weekend celebration, the festival will serve as a dynamic cultural and educational hub, fostering dialogue, education, and empowerment through the universal power of visual storytelling.
Our Mission
Amplify Black Voices
Elevating diverse narratives and creative perspectives from the global Black diaspora through world-class programming and industry access.
Global Reach
Connecting filmmakers with local and international audiences, distributors, and collaborators across continents to expand cultural impact.
Industry Access
Providing direct pathways to production companies, streaming platforms, agents, and festival programmers who champion bold storytelling.
Creative Ownership
Empowering filmmakers with resources, knowledge, and networks to maintain artistic control and build sustainable creative careers.
Why This Initiative Matters:
The Black Creators International Film Festival is more than just an event; it's a vital platform for cultural preservation, education, and economic empowerment.
Securing Our Legacy
Film creates a permanent archive. We document and share essential stories, preserving Black history and heritage for future generations.
Activating Education & Dialogue
Cinema is a powerful tool for enlightenment. We educate audiences about our culture, current challenges, and the path to equitable progress.
Investing in Local Talent
By spotlighting emerging and student filmmakers, we provide a visible, high-level outlet for our community's brightest creative ideas.
Fostering Collective Unity
Powerful narratives break down walls. Films connect people emotionally, bringing together diverse audiences in shared understanding and mutual respect.
Driving Creative Economy
This platform supports creative entrepreneurship, industry networking, and local business collaborations, fueling artistic and economic growth.
The BCIFF Experience
Whether you're a filmmaker, attendee, or sponsor, BCIFF offers an unparalleled festival experience that combines artistic excellence with meaningful industry impact.
For Filmmakers
Premiere your work on a prestigious platform with guaranteed screenings, moderated Q&A sessions, networking events with industry leaders, and access to distribution opportunities. Connect with fellow creators and gain visibility that extends far beyond the festival.
For Attendees
Experience groundbreaking cinema from emerging and established Black creators worldwide. Attend exclusive panels, workshops, and after-parties. Engage directly with filmmakers and become part of a vibrant community celebrating Black excellence in storytelling.
For Sponsors
Align your brand with cultural innovation and reach a passionate, global audience. Gain visibility through prominent brand placement, exclusive activations, VIP access, and meaningful association with one of the most dynamic film festivals celebrating Black creativity.
Film Categories
BCIFF accepts submissions across diverse formats and genres, celebrating the full spectrum of Black creative expression in cinema.
Narrative Feature
Scripted, live-action fiction films 60 minutes or longer. Drama, comedy, thriller, sci-fi, romance—if it’s story-driven and cinematic, it belongs here.
Narrative Short
Scripted, live-action fiction films up to 30 minutes, including credits. Perfect for emerging filmmakers making their mark with powerful, concise narratives.
Documentary Feature
Non-fiction films 60 minutes or longer. From intimate portraits to investigative work, we welcome documentaries that inform, challenge, and inspire.
Documentary Short
Non-fiction films up to 30 minutes that explore real people, issues, cultures, or histories. Hybrid and creative docs are welcome.
Episodic/Web Series
A pilot or single episode under 60 minutes. Formats must include serialized content: television, mini-series, or web series.
Experimental & Art Film
Form-breaking work of any length up to 30 minutes: experimental narrative, hybrid doc, video art, visual poems, AR/VR pieces presented as video documentation, etc. If it doesn’t fit neatly anywhere else, it likely belongs here.
Animation
Animated films of any style and technique (2D, 3D, stop-motion, mixed media), up to 30 minutes, narrative or experimental. Animated features can be submitted under Narrative Feature.
Student Film
Any genre (narrative, documentary, experimental, animation) up to 30 minutes, directed by a filmmaker who was enrolled in a high school, college, or university program at the time of production. Proof of enrollment may be requested.
Texas / Dallas Spotlight
Films of any genre up to 40 minutes that are directed by a filmmaker based in Texas, or primarily set/shot in Texas, or centered on Texas and/or Dallas communities.
Music Video
Official music videos up to 10 minutes that combine strong visual storytelling with original music.
Youth Film Block
Short films and visual projects created by youth filmmakers ages 10–13, spotlighting fresh perspectives and cultivating the next generation of visual storytellers.
Submissions & Eligibility
Submission Guidelines
BCIFF welcomes submissions from Black creators worldwide working in all film categories. Films must have been completed within the last two years and feature significant creative leadership from Black filmmakers in key roles such as director, writer, or producer.
All submissions are processed through FilmFreeway, our official submission platform. Early bird, regular, and late deadlines are available with corresponding fee structures. Selected films will be notified via email and featured in our official program with screening dates, venue information, and promotional support.
Eligibility Requirements
  • Film completed within the past 24 months
  • Black creator in significant creative role
  • All genres and formats accepted
  • International submissions welcome
  • English subtitles required for non-English films
Black Creators Conference – Virtual Film Summit Tour
Beyond screenings, BCIFF hosts the Black Creators Conference – Virtual Film Summit Tour, a virtual series of industry panels, masterclasses, and networking events designed to empower Black filmmakers with knowledge, connections, and opportunities.
01
Expert Panels
Industry leaders discuss distribution strategies, financing, creative rights, and navigating the global film marketplace with actionable insights.
02
Hands-On Workshops
Practical sessions covering cinematography, screenwriting, directing actors, post-production, and pitching your project to investors and distributors.
03
Networking Events
Intimate gatherings connecting filmmakers with producers, agents, distributors, and fellow creators. Build relationships that extend beyond the festival.
04
Touring Cities (virtually)
The Summit Tour travels to major film markets worldwide, bringing BCIFF's mission directly to creative communities in multiple countries and continents.
Sponsors & Partners
Partner with BCIFF to align your brand with cultural innovation and reach a passionate global audience of filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts.
Sponsorship Benefits
  • Prominent brand visibility across festival materials and venues
  • VIP access to screenings, panels, and exclusive networking events
  • Custom brand activations and experiential marketing opportunities
  • Association with premium cultural programming and Black excellence
  • Direct engagement with filmmakers and creative industry leaders
  • Social media promotion and digital marketing exposure
Our sponsorship packages range from presenting partnerships to category sponsors, with customizable options to meet your brand's objectives and values.

Join Leading Brands supporting Black creativity and connecting with diverse audiences through meaningful cultural partnerships.
Email us today to partner with BCIFF—please include your preferred sponsorship tier in the message.
BLACKCREATORSFILM@GMAIL.COM
For Filmmakers
World-Class Screenings
Premiere your film in professional venues with superior sound and projection, giving your work the cinematic presentation it deserves.
Moderated Q&As
Engage directly with audiences through facilitated discussions about your creative process, themes, and artistic vision.
Industry Networking
Connect with distributors, sales agents, producers, and fellow filmmakers at exclusive mixers and professional events.
Festival Awards
Compete for prestigious jury and audience awards that provide recognition, credibility, and momentum for your career.
Resources & Support
Selected filmmakers gain access to BCIFF's filmmaker lounge, promotional support through our marketing channels, and introductions to key industry contacts. We're invested in your success beyond the festival screening.
Selected filmmakers gain access to BCIFF’s dedicated Filmmaker Lounge, promotional support through our marketing channels, and curated introductions to key industry contacts. We’re invested in your success well beyond the festival screening.
Inside the Filmmaker Lounge, creators have a space to breathe, work, and build. It’s a relaxed environment designed for real connection—where directors, producers, writers, and talent can meet one another, sit down with press, or have quiet conversations with potential collaborators and industry guests. Throughout the festival, our team is on hand to facilitate meaningful introductions to distributors, sales agents, producers, programmers, brands, and organizations whose visions align with your work.
BCIFF also treats every selection like the beginning of a campaign. Films are highlighted across our website, socials, and email features, and amplified in festival reels, spotlights, and on-site coverage to help you grow your audience and digital footprint. We provide guidance on how to maximize your poster, trailer, stills, and EPK, and connect you to conversations and sessions focused on distribution, funding, festivals, branding, and long-term strategy.
Our goal is that when you leave BCIFF, you don’t just leave with a laurel—you leave with momentum, relationships, and a clearer path for where your film and your career go next.
Stay Connected
Join the BCIFF Community
Be the first to receive festival updates, submission deadlines, program announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the Black Creators International Film Festival.
Follow us on social media for daily inspiration, filmmaker spotlights, and conversations about Black cinema's global impact.
Contact Us
Follow: @BCIFFestival on Instagram and Facebook.
Black Creators International Film Festival · HER 7 Colors
Instagram: @BCIFFestival
Facebook: @BCIFFestival
Join our vibrant community online – we love connecting with you!
Submission Guidelines
Understanding our submission process is key to showcasing your work at BCIFF. Please review the following guidelines carefully to ensure your film is considered.
  • Submission Platform: All submissions must be made exclusively via FilmFreeway. We do not accept physical media or links submitted outside of this platform.
  • Online Screener: A secure online screener (FilmFreeway screener, Vimeo, or similar) is required. Ensure passwords remain active until notification of selection.
  • Category Selection: Submit each film to the single category that best fits its content. You may submit to multiple sub-categories. Programmers may reassign films if a different category is deemed more appropriate.
  • Multiple Entries: Filmmakers are welcome to submit more than one project, but each film requires a separate submission and fee.
  • Works in Progress: Rough cuts and works in progress are accepted. Please clearly indicate this in your submission and ensure the final, exhibition-ready film is available by the materials deadline if selected.
  • Screening Format: If selected, you must provide a high-quality digital screening file (e.g., ProRes, high-bitrate MP4, or DCP if requested). Detailed specifications will be provided upon selection.
  • Subtitles: All non-English language films must include English subtitles. English films with heavy accents or mixed languages are also encouraged to include subtitles.
  • Submission Fees: Fees are non-refundable, regardless of selection status. Limited fee waivers are granted at the festival’s sole discretion.
  • Communication: All official notifications will be sent to the email address associated with your FilmFreeway account. It is the submitter’s responsibility to keep this information current.
  • Festival Decisions: Programming decisions are final. Due to the high volume of submissions, individual feedback on projects is not guaranteed.
Presented by: HER 7 Colors
Her 7 Colors is a nonprofit arts and media organization dedicated to empowering youth, women, and people of color in film and television. By providing creative education, funding, and intentional community. We support the next generation of storytellers in owning their narratives in their full color and power.