Our first year will highlight talented new filmmakers and never before seen independent films. We are the Santa Monica Black Film Festival but we encourage filmmakers of all races and backgrounds to submit and let your voice be heard as we provide equal opportunity and we promote diversity in our screenings. We believe in watching our submissions. Our staff watch each submission and provide an ema
il review of your film as proof that your film has been watched. We have a guarantee policy that each filmmaker will have a written review within 60 days of submission. We are a new but smaller festival that's not controlled by the politics of bigger festivals. We screen films of all budgets. We don't look for films with huge names or fanfare we just love good stories. Quality is always a plus but we understand that most indie filmmakers may not have the budget or the skills to make the perfect film so take a chance on us and we might just take a chance on you! Awards & Prizes
Our winnings include:
LAURELS WINNER
Best Film
Best Short
Best Documentary
Best Screenplay
Best Webisode
Best Experimental Film
Rules & Terms
*We do not return material.
*Although we do not require U.S. Premieres for our sections, premiere status is taken into consideration.
*For short films, there is no premiere requirement (films can have already played in the Los Angeles area and can appear online before the festival and are still eligible for consideration).
* Films that are 45 minutes or longer in length are considered feature films. Anything under 45 minutes is considered a short film.
*We welcome submissions on DVD screeners and via the Filmfreeway secure online screener system.
* DVDs must be labeled clearly with the title, running time and contact information (including name, address and phone number).
* More than one entry may be submitted. Each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form and entry fee.
* If your film is selected, then you will be asked to provide stills from the film; press materials; headshot and filmography of director; b&w and/or color and video trailer (if available). Please do not send in press materials until asked to do so by the festival.
* The entry fee is non-refundable.
* DVDs and other submitted materials will not be returned. Please do not send film prints, master tapes or other originals.
* If you want confirmation that your entry has been received by SMBFF, please include a self-addressed stamped postcard otherwise confirmation will be sent via email.
* All film entries selected for the SMBFF 16, if accepted you agree to the rights to use footage, stills and/or titles and information from the film for promotional purposes.
* All films submitted must be free from any legal disputes and the filmmaker must have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.
* All filmmakers will be notified of acceptance by NOVEMBER 1ST, 2016.
