Denton Black Film Festival

06/06/2026

Today’s the day!

Looking forward to DBFF Creative Connect – San Antonio this morning.

See you soon!

06/05/2026

Tomorrow!

DBFF Creative Connect – San Antonio

We’re excited to spend time with filmmakers, creatives, artists, and storytellers from the San Antonio area as we continue building connections across Texas.

Hope to see you there!

Saturday, June 6
10:30 AM
Scan QR code to RSVP

06/04/2026

DBFF was represented at Cannes 2026!

Filmmaker John Carstarphen and his wife, Susan recently attended Cannes 2026 sporting DBFF gear while sharing his filmmaking journey and observations from one of the world’s most recognized film festivals.

John has launched a new Substack blog where he will share reflections on filmmaking, the Black filmmaking presence at Cannes, and industry insights from his personal experiences.

We encourage you to follow and support his work.

Substack:
https://johncarstarphen.substack.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/johncarstarphen

Instagram:


Thank you, John, for continuing to represent and support the DBFF community at home and abroad.

06/02/2026

Happy Pride Month from the Denton Black Film Festival family. 🌈

At DBFF, we believe storytelling has the power to build connection, inspire understanding, and celebrate the richness of our communities.

This month and always, we honor LGBTQ+ filmmakers, artists, creatives, audiences, and changemakers whose voices and experiences continue to move culture forward.

06/01/2026

🎬 GENERAL SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW OPEN! 🎬

The Denton Black Film Festival is now accepting submissions for DBFF 2027!

We’re looking for bold, creative stories and filmmakers from around the world whose work reflects Black culture, experiences, and voices.

Categories Include:
• Narrative and Documentary Features and Short Films
• Original Music Videos
• College Shorts
• Texas High School Student Films
• Texas Short Screenplays

📍DBFF 2027
In-Person: Jan 27–31, 2027
Virtual: Feb 1–7, 2027

🎟 Submit now on FilmFreeway

05/30/2026

We're thrilled to bring 's Creative Connect to San Antonio!

Join us for a casual morning of sharing and connecting on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Schaefer Branch Library (6322 US Hwy 87 E, San Antonio, TX 78222). From 10:30 AM to noon, you'll have the chance to connect with fellow filmmakers, creatives, and hear from the Denton Black Film Festival Institute team, and meet our friends from the San Antonio Black International Film Festival.

Spaces are limited, so grab your free ticket on Eventbrite today!

05/15/2026

Attention: Film Industry Professionals
Especially Screenwriters & Producers
The Dallas Screenwriter's
Association in collaboration with WIFD is hosting a legal panel on May 19th focused on the education of screenwriters and producers with matters as contracts, intellectual property,tax law and dept, virtual legal work and more. Get your tickets in the link.

This legal panel is geared for film professionals who are Screenwriters and/or Producers. The lawyers will be speaking about registering and protecting your script, securing story rights, and the ins and outs of writer’s options.

02/26/2026

🎬 Grand Prairie Black Film Showcase
Powered by the Denton Black Film Festival Institute

📅 Saturday, February 28
📍 Uptown Theater | Grand Prairie

🕙 10AM–12PM – Storytelling Workshops
• Lights, Camera, Your Story! (Youth)
• Our Stories, Our Voices (General Audience)

🎥 12PM–10PM – Curated Film Screenings + Filmmaker Q&A

Join us for a full day celebrating Black storytelling, creativity, and community.

🎟 Free tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grand-prairie-black-film-showcase-powered-by-the-denton-black-film-festival-tickets-1975639906142

02/05/2026

3 more days left of the DBFF Virtual Fest!

Catch up on the films you missed on the days you couldn't make it out to the in-person festival. Watch films of all categories and genres. Including some of the 2026 DBFF Filmmaker Award winners! Use any of your Film Passes to unlock the virtual screening of choice OR purchase a Virtual only or 5 block film Experience Pass to view multiple films and film blocks. Individual unlock tickets available as well.

Place your Vote for the People's Choice Award

02/04/2026

These Texas filmmakers made waves with their award winning films!
• 2026 Best Texas Short Narrative "The Ohio, Texas Remix" Directed by Ya'Ke Smith
• 2026 Best Texas Short Documentary "Stories From a One-Room School" Directed by Jonathan Presson
• 2026 Best Texas Short Screenplay "Scallywag" Directed by Ashlee Smith
• 2026 Best Texas College Short "Soaring Mission: Peripheral Arterial Disease in the Black Community" Directed by Emmanuel Chiemela Ebrim
• 2026 Best Texas High School Student Short "A Game of Chess" Directed by Trentin Youngblood Harris and Mason Triche

Congratulations to the mentioned winners above, as well as the runner-ups and honorable mentions listed on our website at dentonbff.com