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Inland Empire Black Film Festival

Stories That Move Us

Bold films, vital stories, and shared perspectives from the Inland Empire to the world.

Celebrating Black Cinema

Be Part of the Experience

Get Your Festival Tickets

Join us for powerful stories, independent cinema, and community conversation at the Inland Empire Black Film Festival.

Student / Youth

Student & Youth Pass

An affordable way for students and young film lovers to experience the festival.

  • Festival admission
  • Access to eligible screenings
  • Student ID or eligibility may be required
Get Student Pass ↗
Premium

VIP Pass

A premium pass for guests who want to support independent film and festival programming.

  • VIP admission tier
  • General festival access, if confirmed
  • Additional VIP benefits to be confirmed
Get VIP Pass ↗
Ready to join us?
Click a ticket button above to view current ticket prices, select your ticket quantity, and complete your purchase securely on Eventbrite.

View Ticket Prices on Eventbrite ↗

Calling All Filmmakers

Your Story Deserves the Big Screen.

The Inland Empire Black Film Festival connects filmmakers and creative storytellers with live audiences and industry professionals. We celebrate powerful independent cinema while creating opportunities to share your work, build meaningful connections, and grow professionally.

Submission Categories

  • Short Films
  • Documentary Features
  • Shorts & Web Series
  • Animation
  • Narrative Feature
  • Documentry short & Narrative Short(Under 40 mins)
More Than a Screening

Selected filmmakers can connect with live audiences and industry professionals, be considered for festival trophy awards, and take part in professional development opportunities designed to support creative growth and career advancement.

Submit Your Film on FilmFreeway ↗
✦ Festival Trophy Award

John Singleton Award

Recognizes an outstanding first feature and bold new directorial vision.

✦ Festival Trophy Award

Gordon Parks Award

Celebrates film work with meaningful cultural impact and artistic excellence.

Important Dates

Submission Deadlines

Earlybird Deadline September 7, 2026
Regular Deadline September 28, 2026
Late Deadline November 23, 2026
Extended Deadline January 1, 2027
Notification Date January 9, 2027
Festival Date February 20, 2027

Submission deadlines are listed in chronological order. Please review the official FilmFreeway listing for current submission availability, eligibility, and any updates.

Inland Empire Black Film Festival logo

Independent Film • Powerful Stories

Submit Your Film.
Share Your Story.

The Inland Empire Black Film Festival celebrates powerful filmmaking, fresh perspectives, and stories that connect communities. We invite filmmakers to submit their work for consideration.

Inland Empire Black Film Festival image slide

Stories That Move Us

Celebrating filmmakers, culture, and independent cinema.

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Now Explore Film Submission

Bring Your Vision to the Big Screen.

Ready to share your film? Visit our official FilmFreeway listing to review the current submission requirements, eligible categories, fees, and deadlines before submitting.

Submit Your Film on FilmFreeway ↗
Original Stories Share the vision and voice behind your film.
Film Categories Check the official listing for eligible categories.
Submission Details Review the current rules, fees, and deadlines on FilmFreeway.
INLAND EMPIRE BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
HONORING EXCELLENCE IN FILM

Festival Awards

Celebrating bold vision, powerful storytelling, and the filmmakers whose work leaves a lasting impact.

John Singleton Award - Gold Rising Star Trophy 01 FESTIVAL AWARD
✦

DIRECTORIAL VISION

John Singleton Award

Recognizes an outstanding first feature and bold new directorial vision.

Gordon Parks Award - Crystal Trophy 02 FESTIVAL AWARD
✦

CULTURAL IMPACT

Gordon Parks Award

Celebrates film work with meaningful cultural impact and artistic excellence.

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