ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition

The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) invites content creators to write, produce, and direct a dynamic 30-second commercial that reflects the spirit of this historic occasion.

📖 About the Competition

The ABFF is turning 30 in 2026, marking a milestone that celebrates its legacy as a launchpad for groundbreaking filmmakers, bold storytellers, and rising stars. The 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition aims to honor this legacy while inspiring the next generation of creators.

Your commercial should capture the legacy, excitement, and cultural impact of ABFF, spotlighting its significance to the creative community. Whether emotional, humorous, or unexpected, your vision will serve as the official promotional campaign across television and digital platforms leading up to the celebration in June 2026 in Miami Beach.

Tagline

ABFF 30th Anniversary — "The Homecoming"

Creative Themes for Inspiration

• Community & Connection
• Unleashed Creativity
• Undiscovered Talent
• An Unparalleled Legacy

📅 Competition Format & Timeline

The competition unfolds in the following phases:

1. Entry Period

   • Submit your 30-second commercial between May 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM PST and July 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST.

2. Finalist Judging Period

   • From August 1 – August 31, 2025, submissions will be reviewed by ABFF's internal and industry panels. Three finalists will be selected.

3. Finalist Notification & Editing Period

   • Finalists will be notified by September 12, 2025, and must participate in up to two rounds of revisions through October 6, 2025, based on ABFF feedback.

4. Winner Announcement

   • The Grand Prize Winner and two runners-up will be announced by October 10, 2025.

🎁 Benefits

Prizes

1. Grand Prize Winner

   • $10,000 cash prize
   • An all-expense paid trip to attend the 2026 ABFF in Miami Beach
   • Two DECO Passes for the 2026 ABFF

2. Two Runners-Up

   • $2,500 cash prize
   • Two DECO Passes for the 2026 ABFF

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
• Participants must be 21 years of age or older at the time of participation.
• Ineligible participants include employees, contractors, and officers of Nice Crowd, its parent, affiliates, advertising and promotion agencies, as well as their immediate family members and those living in the same household (whether related or not).

🎨 Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following:

• Creativity & Originality (40%) – Unique storytelling and artistic vision.
• Alignment with Theme (30%) – Effectively captures ABFF's legacy and future.
• Production Quality (20%) – Excellence in video and audio execution.
• Cultural & Emotional Impact (10%) – Authentically reflects Black culture and storytelling.

📄 Application Process

To enter the ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition, complete the following steps:

1. Upload your 30-second commercial via the designated submission platform.
2. Include a brief creative statement (max 150 words) explaining your concept and creative approach.
3. Attach a signed Participants Release and Licensing Agreement.
4. Attach signed release forms for all talent, locations, and any music used in the commercial.
5. Ensure all content is original and fully owned by you or your team.

Submission Guidelines

• Length: Exactly 30 seconds.
• Required Elements:
  • Include the 2026 festival dates: June 3–7, 2026.
  • Include the official tagline: ABFF 30th Anniversary — "The Homecoming".
  • Align with ABFF's mission and themes.
• Format: 1920 x 1080 | High-resolution MP4 or MOV.
• Deadline: July 31, 2025.

📅 Application Deadline

July 31, 2025

🌐 Application Portal

For more details, visit the official ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition page.

Apply now via FilmFreeway.

This is your chance to showcase your creativity and celebrate the unparalleled legacy of ABFF. Good luck! 🎬

• One (1) Grand Prize Winner Receives:
  • $10,000 cash prize
  • An all-expense paid trip to attend the 2026 ABFF in Miami Beach
  • Two DECO Passes for the 2026 ABFF
• Two (2) Runners-Up will both Receive:
  • $2,500 cash prize
  • Two DECO Passes for the 2026 ABFF