Organization
paff.orgPan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF)
Creative community2 open opportunities listed
About the organization
Founded in 1992 by actors Danny Glover, Ja'Net DuBois, and executive director Ayuko Babu, the Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) emerged from a desire to counter the limited representations of Black life in mainstream cinema. Initially a modest showcase in Los Angeles, it has grown into the largest Black film festival in the United States, dedicated to showcasing films and visual art by and about people of African descent from around the world. Its core mission is to promote cultural understanding and racial tolerance through the exhibition of Black film and art, providing a platform for stories that might otherwise remain unseen.
Opportunities
2 listedApplication guidance
PAFF accepts films and visual art submissions through its website, typically with deadlines in the fall. The festival prioritizes work that reflects the diversity of the African Diaspora, including narrative features, documentaries, shorts, and web series. Artists should ensure their submissions align with the festival's mission of showcasing Black stories and perspectives. Given the high volume of entries, early submission is advised, and a strong, authentic voice is valued over production budget. For visual artists, the festival's art show offers a unique opportunity to exhibit alongside filmmakers, though space is limited.
Organization media
1 images01Representative overview image of Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF)