Filmmakers
Share original work, meet audiences, and connect with a community built around independent storytelling.
A DSS Productions initiative
Film. Culture.
Ownership.
A three-day celebration of independent voices, creative entrepreneurship, and stories with the power to move culture forward.
2026
November 6–8
Independent stories deserve a stage—and a path forward.
3days of film,
connection & impact
connection & impact
Why Black Wall Street
Where independent vision meets economic possibility.
The Black Wall Street International Film Festival creates space for filmmakers to be seen, audiences to discover what’s next, and partners to stand behind new voices.
Presented by DSS Productions, the festival connects storytelling with social impact, youth opportunity, cultural ownership, and responsible pathways to distribution.
The festival experience
Three ways to enter the story.
Partners
Support programming, visibility, and opportunity through mission-aligned sponsorship and collaboration.
Audiences
Experience screenings, filmmaker connections, and an awards celebration centered on independent voices.
For filmmakers
Bring the story only you can tell.
Submissions welcome across feature films, shorts, documentaries, web series, vertical productions, and animation. All genres are welcome.
Submit through FilmFreeway ↗Official categories
Many formats. One powerful screen.
Explore the formats currently included in the festival’s call for entries.
Feature Film
Short Film
Documentary
Web Series
Vertical Production
Animation
2026 call for entries
Your story belongs in the conversation.
Submissions are open for independent filmmakers working across genres and formats. Applications, project uploads, entry fees, and submission records are handled securely through FilmFreeway.
Submit on FilmFreeway
Festival dates
November
6–8 2026
6–8 2026
Distribution & mission-aligned partner
Stories should travel beyond the screening room.
Uplift TV supports the festival as its 2026 sponsor. The Black Wall Street International Film Festival awards ceremony will be presented live on Uplift TV Premium.
2026 Festival Sponsor
TV
TV
Presented by DSS Productions
Stories with purpose. Opportunity with a pathway.
DSS Productions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization using film to raise awareness of domestic violence, human trafficking, bullying, and other critical social issues while creating hands-on opportunities for young people.
Connect with the festival