The primary objective of the Columbus Black International Film Festival is to showcase Black filmmakers locally, nationally and internationally, while highlighting a spectrum of stories told by people of the African diaspora.
This festival will also provide an advantage for filmmakers and the community to learn about the film industry through educational workshops and panel discussions, a safe space to showcase film and an opportunity to network with the filmmakers in the city.
Columbus is the heart of America and home to some of the most creative Black filmmakers in the country. This festival that will showcase new and emerging talent as well as talent that has represented our city for years.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Short films:
Directors, Screenwriters and/or producers MUST be of African Descent Short films: running time; 5-15 mins, NOT TO EXCEED 15 mins Filmmakers will need to send us a digital copy of the film in MOV. or MP4 format for screening purposes..
Feature films:
Directors, Screenwriter and/or producers MUST be of African Descent Feature films running time; 90 mins, NOT TO EXCEED 90 mins Filmmakers will need to send us a digital copy of the film in MOV. or MP4 format for screening purposes.
Music videos:
Directors, screenwriters, producers and artist MUST be of African Descent Running time NOT TO EXCEED 6 minutes Filmmakers will need to send us a digital copy of the film in MOV. or MP4 format for screening purposes.
Short Documentary film:
Directors, Screenwriters and/or producers MUST be of African Descent Short films: running time; 5-15 mins, NOT TO EXCEED 15 mins Filmmakers will need to send us a digital copy of the film in MOV. or MP4 format for screening purposes.
Homegrown, a film made by a Columbus native or a filmmaker exclusively residing in Columbus Ohio; running time guidelines will apply
Screenplays:
Short: Screenwriters MUST be of African Descent 5 pages minimum, NOT TO EXCEED 30 pages
Feature: Screenwriters MUST be of African Descent 90 pages, NOT TO EXCEED 90 pages
Filmmakers will need to send us a digital copy of the film in MOV. or MP4 format for screening purposes.
Filmmakers must be cleared for all copyrighted materials including movie posters and trailers. All films must be made after 2017. Any films that do not meet this basic criteria will be disqualified.
Films and script must be made after 2017.
CBIFF’s goal to present filmmakers with notoriety and accolades for being officially selected to be screened at our festival and to win awards based on exceptional talent bringing great stories using film as a medium. CBIFF will gather together a panel of judges that will choose winners in each category. Throughout the festival we will give attendees the opportunity to vote on the film they liked the most and award the filmmaker with the Buckeye Audience Choice Award. On the last day of the festival we will present awards for the following categories:
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Homegrown Film
Best Music Video
Best Documentary Film
Best International Film
Best Feature Screenplay
Beat Short Screenplay
Best Animated Film
Buckeye Choice Award