Coming the 17th Annual

Charlotte Black Film Festival

May 28 - June 7, 2027

Welcome to the Charlotte Black Film Festival

The Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF) is an annual celebration of Black cinema dedicated to empowering independent filmmakers, enriching the community, and expanding economic opportunities within the creative arts. Serving emerging creators, seasoned pros, and diverse audiences worldwide, CBFF showcases narrative feature films, shorts, documentaries, and youth projects. Beyond screenings, the festival provides year-round industry programming, including masterclasses, grants, film finance summits, and NextGen youth mentorship.

Submissions are officially open on FilmFreeway for the 17th Annual Charlotte Black Film Festival (CBFF)! Celebrating "The Cinematic Heart of Charlotte Black Film Week," CBFF returns May 28 – June 6, 2027, to highlight, empower, and amplify the voices of independent Black storytellers, directors, and content creators from across the globe.

Submit Your Film (2027)

16th Charlotte Black Film Festival Photos

News & Impact

CEO of CBFF on Cover of Pride Charlotte Magazine

The founder of the Charlotte Black Film Festival, Tommy Nichols, is not only passionate about the films, he’s also on a mission to advance job creation using digital technology education and film production.

The Charlotte Black Film Festival proudly announced the recipients of its annual Micro-Film Grant. This initiative supports emerging Black filmmakers with funding and resources to bring original short film projects to life.

The Charlotte Black Film Festival is hosting a dynamic P.A. Bootcamp to train the next wave of production assistants ready to step onto professional film and television sets.

Felix Crumbsy

"Awesome time at CBFF! My compliments to the staff as everyone was very helpful. These guys really know how to put on a show and make you feel welcomed.

- June 2024

Rob Underhill

"Fantastic fest. Great team. Fun and inspiring city. Attend this one, they do it right!"

- June 2024

Tiffani Bliss Brown

"My cast, crew, and I had an enjoyable time in Charlotte and were all so glad we got to experience the festival in-person. We had an amazing screening as well as a great exchange with the audience during our Q&A.

- August 2023

Shaun Mathis

"The festival was awesome. The best part was the staff. They were very hospitable, fun, helpful and made the entire festival experience spectacular. By far the best staff I've come across in all the festivals I've been to.

- July 2022