PAFF 2027 — 35th Pan African Film & Arts Festival Submissions
The Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) — the largest and most prestigious Black film festival in the United States — is accepting submissions for its 35th anniversary edition running 15–21 Feb 2027 in Los Angeles. Open to narrative features, documentaries, shorts, animation, and experimental work that explores the Pan African experience.
Deadline
16 Sep 2026
Verified 3 days ago
Cost
FilmFreeway submission fees apply (see FilmFreeway listing for tier pricing)
Format
Feature films, documentaries, short films, animation, experimental, web series
Eligibility
Open to filmmakers of African descent and films from any background that explore the Pan African experience. All genres welcome: narrative features, documentaries, shorts, animation, experimental, web series. Filmmakers of any race or ethnicity eligible if the film highlights global Black stories.
What You Get
Official selection and screening at PAFF 2027 in Los Angeles (Feb 15–21, 2027). Eligibility for juried awards including Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Director — First Feature, and audience prizes. Industry networking with distributors, producers, and festival programmers.
What to Submit
Film submission via FilmFreeway at filmfreeway.com/ThePanAfricanFilmFestival. Standard FilmFreeway submission requirements apply.
9 days left
Verify dates and eligibility on the official website before applying.
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