The Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor invites filmmakers to submit their work for consideration in our Film Screening Showcase during the 4th Annual Festival Weekend. This highly anticipated event will take place at the historic Sag Harbor Cinemas on Friday, July 31, 2026, and will spotlight films that highlight the depth, diversity, and power of Black storytelling.
This year’s theme is “The Right to Write” – celebrating voices, stories, and perspectives that inspire, challenge, and uplift.
Submissions Open: Now
Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025
Notification of Selection: March 1, 2026
Festival Screening Date: TBD
Films must explore themes related to Black culture, identity, resilience, creativity, or history.
All genres welcome: narrative features, documentaries, shorts, experimental, and student films.
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
Works-in-progress may be submitted if the final cut will be ready no later than May 1, 2026.
Submissions are open to filmmakers worldwide, though priority consideration is given to films by Black filmmakers or that amplify Black voices.
Runtime:
Shorts: under 40 minutes
Features: 40–120 minutes
Screening Format: Digital file (.MP4 or .MOV preferred, 1080p or higher).
Submission Preview: Secure online screener via Vimeo, YouTube (private link), FilmFreeway, or downloadable link.
Language: Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
Screening of your film during the Black Authors Festival weekend.
Opportunity to participate in a live Q&A session with attendees.
Inclusion in festival marketing, social media, and press releases.
Complimentary festival passes for the filmmaker plus one guest.
Networking opportunities with authors, thought leaders, and cultural influencers.
Nonrefundable - Schedules, dates, and information are all subject to change
The Black Authors Festival @SagHarbor invites filmmakers to submit their work for consideration in our Film Screening Showcase during the 4th Annual Festival Weekend. This highly anticipated event will take place at the historic Sag Harbor Cinemas on Friday, July 31, 2026, and will spotlight films that highlight the depth, diversity, and power of Black storytelling.
This year’s theme is “The Right to Write” – celebrating voices, stories, and perspectives that inspire, challenge, and uplift.
Submissions Open: Now
Submission Deadline: November 30, 2025
Notification of Selection: March 1, 2026
Festival Screening Date: TBD
Films must explore themes related to Black culture, identity, resilience, creativity, or history.
All genres welcome: narrative features, documentaries, shorts, experimental, and student films.
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.
Works-in-progress may be submitted if the final cut will be ready no later than May 1, 2026.
Submissions are open to filmmakers worldwide, though priority consideration is given to films by Black filmmakers or that amplify Black voices.
Runtime:
Shorts: under 40 minutes
Features: 40–120 minutes
Screening Format: Digital file (.MP4 or .MOV preferred, 1080p or higher).
Submission Preview: Secure online screener via Vimeo, YouTube (private link), FilmFreeway, or downloadable link.
Language: Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.
Screening of your film during the Black Authors Festival weekend.
Opportunity to participate in a live Q&A session with attendees.
Inclusion in festival marketing, social media, and press releases.
Complimentary festival passes for the filmmaker plus one guest.
Networking opportunities with authors, thought leaders, and cultural influencers.
Nonrefundable - Schedules, dates, and information are all subject to change
