Tier 2
Miami Beach, United States
Last verified 3 July 2026
One of the most respected festivals built around Black artists and storytellers, ABFF draws roughly 5,000 attendees to Miami Beach each June. Founded by Jeff Friday in 1997, it pairs a celebratory atmosphere with serious industry access and major studio backing.
BAFTA Short · British Short Film
Acceptance into at least two BAFTA-qualifying festivals makes a British short eligible for the EE BAFTA British Short Film award.
Oscar Live Action Short · Live Action Short Film
Must win the HBO Short Film Award at American Black Film Festival. Film must be directed by or written and produced by a person of African descent.
The main submission deadline for American Black Film Festival is around 10 February 2026. Confirmed for the current edition.
Submitting to American Black Film Festival costs from USD 30 as a rough guide. Entry fees usually rise closer to the deadline and vary by category.
World premiere required. Protect your premiere status before you submit, as it is a one-time resource.
Yes. American Black Film Festival can qualify a film for BAFTA and an Academy Award (Oscar), subject to the specific category and condition for each award. The exact route differs per award body.
American Black Film Festival takes place in Miami Beach, United States.
American Black Film Festival is a legitimate, established film festival: it is listed in Circkit's curated, human-vetted festival database, which deliberately excludes known scam festivals and certificate mills; it ranks among the upper tiers of the festival circuit. As with any festival, confirm the current deadline and fee on the official site before you pay. You can also run American Black Film Festival through Circkit's free Scam Radar for an independent safety check.
Circkit scores this festival against your film, protects your premiere, and tracks the deadline for you. Free to start.
Want an independent check? Run American Black Film Festival through the free Scam Radar.