The BlackStar Film Festival is now accepting submissions for narrative feature, short and documentary films. The Philadelphia-based festival carries the nickname "Black Sundance" for its embrace and promotion of films from Black filmmakers and those that concern the African diaspora. Since its founding nearly five years ago, BlackStar has grown into one of the country’s biggest festivals for aspiring and established creators of color, with guests like Spike Lee and Ava DuVernay appearing on panels and at screenings.

The festival’s early bird deadline is February 29, ahead of the March 18 regular deadline. Eligible films must be directed by a Black-identifying person, feature characters of African descent or concern a Black experience. Narrative features and documentaries must not exceed 120 minutes, while shorts are limited to 30. The festival is scheduled for August 4 – 7. Click here to learn more and submit an entry.

*Note: Colorlines Editorial Director Akiba Solomon has served on BlackStar’s advisory board.