the Soul Center Film Fest ()

Festival start: 07 November 2024      Festival end: 09 November 2024

The Soul Center of Art & History is a community led museum that centers the Black experience across the African Diaspora. It is a cultural hub for the social, political, educational, and creative scholarship that will allow us to apply what we have learned from our past in a way that moves us closer to a more just and equitable future.

The Soul Center does everything that a traditional museum does. We:

-conduct research and disseminate information

-curate exhibits

-host community led workshops/classes

-preserve and display history, art, and culture

We are unique because we:

- are a model for communities of color to steward their own history and culture

- are entirely community led and center lived experience and direct impact

- utilize film and storytelling as a way to continue our oral traditions

- intentionally implement what we learn from the past to advance our community

Our first annual film festival is dedicated to celebrating the creative voices of Black filmmakers. This festival aims to provide a platform for thought-provoking films that shed light on critical social issues (equity, justice, labor, housing, climate change, immigration, and interpersonal relationships).

The Soul Center Film Fest is dedicated to:

1. Showcasing a diverse range of films that tackle social justice issues, from racial equity to environmental justice and beyond.

2. Amplifying the voices and stories of Black and Brown filmmakers, both emerging and established.

3. Encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and action by connecting filmmakers, activists, and audiences.

4. Fostering a space for critical reflection and empathy through the art of storytelling.

Best Short Film

Best Feature Film

Best Documentary Short Film

Best Documentary Feature Film

FILM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:


- Films submitted must be written, directed, and/or produced by a person of African/African American descent and feature people of color in the cast/storyline.

-It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the submitted video link and password work throughout the selection process.


- Works in progress may be submitted, as long as the final version is shared prior to the festival .

FILM SUBMISSION PROCEDURE:


- All works must be submitted via ONLINE SCREENER via Festhome. No other formats will be accepted.


- All submissions should adhere to the requirements, outlined in each category criteria.


- There is no limit to the number of submissions per submitter, provided they are separate submissions.


- All films must be uploaded as an online screener. 


- Filmmakers will be notified via email of submission status before or by September 20, 2024.


-Filmmakers are encouraged to reach out via email if they feel they have not been notified.


- You must have your festival acceptance and release paperwork completed by September 25, 2024. Your electronic press kit materials and Filmmaker Checklist must be submitted ASAP, if accepted as an official selection.

FILM SUBMISSION CHECKLIST: 
The following must be included for each submission:


- Submission Form (Accepted online exclusively via Festhome, 1 per submission) 
- Preview Screener (online screener uploaded via Festhome) 


- Brief Synopsis; Filmmaker Bio; Press Kit; and Stills.