HBCU Week NOW and Black Public Media are excited to announce an open call for short student film projects. From the submissions, we’ll select a slate of 10 films to present at the inaugural HBCU Week NOWStudent Film Festival. The celebration of creativity and innovation will showcase storytelling by the next generation of filmmakers from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The festival will premiere online during Black History Month 2026.
About The Film Festival
The HBCU Week NOW Student Film Festival aims to:
Showcase the talent and artistry of HBCU students.
Provide a platform for their stories to reach broader audiences.
Inspire creativity and foster community.
Interested students, faculty and administrators can view our video recording of the info session below.
Submission Details
Eligibility: Open to currently enrolled HBCU students and recent graduates (3 years). Students do NOT have to be enrolled in a film program.
Film Length: Short films up to 30 minutes.
Themes: We welcome films across all genres, with a special focus on stories reflecting Black experiences, culture, and history.
Deadline: The submission window is open now through Saturday, April 12, 2025.
The virtual festival will feature 10 films with each receiving a $5,000 award.
Announcements of selected projects will be made late summer 2025.