Kansas City PBS is now welcoming submissions to the third annual Reel Black Film Fest.
Filmmakers and artists are invited to submit now to the event, which is presented by Kansas City PBS and will take place Saturday, February 6, 2027, in Kansas City, Missouri, a regular on our list of the Best Places to Live and Work as a Moviemaker.
The non-fiction film festival “celebrates the vibrancy of Black Kansas City while showcasing stories of cultural icons, unsung heroes and need-to-know history,” the submission announcement notes. “Film festival attendees will enjoy an event full of engaging activities from screenings and post-film discussions with filmmakers to shopping with local vendors and networking with community partners.”
All submissions are due by Sunday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m.
Selected filmmakers will be notified by November 15, and must provide a high-quality screening copy by the next day. The festival’s guidelines and rules include:
- Non-fiction films with a Black community angle
- Produced or directed by a Black filmmaker with Midwest ties
- Short films 10 minutes or less and feature films 30-60 minutes in length
- Films not previously broadcast on-air in any region
Several non-cash awards will be presented at the 2027 Reel Black Film Festival, including the Grand Jury Award for Best Feature Film, the Grand Jury Award for Best Short Film, the Audience Choice Award for Best Feature Film, and the Audience Choice Award for Best Short Film.
All the rules and terms are listed on the festival’s Film Freeway page.
Additionally, for the first time, Kansas City PBS invites Black artists from across the United States to submit original artwork inspired by film, Black culture, community, creativity and cinematic storytelling. The selected design may be featured on official festival posters, apparel, promotional materials and more.
The guidelines and rules include:
- Original artwork created by Black artists that reside in the U.S.
- All artwork styles and mediums are welcome — please no A.I. generated designs
- Designs should be high resolution and scalable for print and digital use
- Multiple entries are allowed
Art submissions are also due by Sunday, November 1, at 11:59 p.m. Winners will be notified by Saturday, Nov. 15, and will receive a prize pack that includes a $250 honorarium.
Additional details and rules can be found on the Submissions Form.
Additional information for the 2027 Reel Black Film Fest will be announced soon at kansascitypbs.org/reelblack.
Main image: Moderator Tori Foushee, left, and Kansas City filmmaker Jacob Handy on stage at the Reel Black Film Festival. Photo by MyAun Boyd, courtesy of the festival.
