Introduction to the film festival
This is our second year, and we have so much to be proud of from the first! We’re leveraging our experiences to enhance UnShushed! Film Festival 2025.
We’re excited to open submissions, review your films, and continue the celebration.
We are accepting the following submissions:
Feature-length films in the following genres: fantasy, horror, Southern Gothic, or Afrofuturism
Short films in the following genres: fantasy, horror, Southern Gothic, or Afrofuturism
Micro short films in the following genres: fantasy, horror, Southern Gothic, or Afrofuturism
This celebration comprise Screenings, Awards, Q&A, and Workshops, offering opportunities to network and enjoy great films.
Feel free to blend genres! And show us what you have.
We look forward to having our minds blown!
See you at the UnShushed! Film Festival 2025!
Awards
Best Film Award
Audience Choice
UnShushed! Legacy Award
Rules
UnShushed! Film Festival is a celebration and showcase of films by Black women and emerging filmmakers who create fantasy, horror, Afrofuturism and Southern Gothic films.
We are accepting the following submissions:
Feature-length films in the following genres: fantasy, horror, Southern Gothic, or Afrofuturism, with a runtime between 41 and 90 minutes, including credits.
Short films in the following genres: fantasy, horror, Southern Gothic, or Afrofuturism with a runtime between 6 and 40 minutes, including credits.
Micro short films in the following genres: fantasy, horror, Southern Gothic, or Afrofuturism with a runtime up to 5 minutes, including credits.
Filmmakers and/or submitters must have all rights cleared and necessary licenses for their submissions to the UnShushed! Film Festival.
By submitting your film, you confirm that you are the sole owner and producer of the film and have permission to use any copyrighted materials, including music, still images, and moving images.
Rules:
All submissions must be received by the deadlines.
Submissions must be produced, directed by, or feature a Black woman in a leading role.
Submissions must be fantasy, horror, Afrofuturism or thriller.
Submissions must include a film poster.
Filmmakers whose films are selected will be notified by UnShushed! Media within one month after the final deadline.
Filmmakers are allowed to submit more than one film; however, each film will require a separate entry fee.
Non-English films must have subtitles.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining authorization from the owner(s) of any copyrighted or trademarked content or materials within the project. UnShushed! cannot be held responsible for the inclusion of such content or materials, and, alongside our representatives and affiliates, are free from liability, including fees or expenses, arising from any such copyright infringement. Third-party claim(s) of unauthorized copyrighted or trademarked content or material may result in disqualification without a refund.
The applicant is also responsible for clearing the Project's content of any actual or potential legal claims, for which the UnShuhsed! Film Festival, alongside its representatives and affiliates, is free from liability for any such claims, including fees and expenses that may arise from such claims. Third-party claim(s) may result in disqualification without a refund.
Submissions are accepted via FilmFreeway.
The Applicant is responsible for ensuring their project's submission status on FilmFreeway is listed as "In Consideration" by 11:59 pm of the deadline date.
Submissions past the deadline may be considered for another deadline window if applicable.
| Jury Name | Judge photos | Jury Profile |
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Authorization type
Duration (several sessions)
Film Festival Features
Dates & Deadlines
2025-03-01
Submission start time
2025-08-15
Late Deadline
2025-09-08
Extended Deadline
2025-09-08
Submission end time
2025-09-12
Finalist notification start time
2025-09-12
Finalist notification end time
2025-10-18
Award ceremony start time
2025-10-19
Award ceremony end time
Categories and fees
2025/08/15
Late Deadline
Standard: 20 Dollar
Student: 20 Dollar
2025/09/08
Extended Deadline
Standard: 30 Dollar
Student: 30 Dollar
2025/08/15
Late Deadline
Standard: 50 Dollar
Student: 50 Dollar
2025/09/08
Extended Deadline
Standard: 65 Dollar
Student: 65 Dollar
2025/08/15
Late Deadline
Standard: 50 Dollar
Student: 50 Dollar
2025/09/08
Extended Deadline
Standard: 65 Dollar
Student: 65 Dollar
Related film festivalMore
View in the applet