WHERE CRAFT MEETS COMMUNITY
![BFS[822]--_4000P1076019 (1).jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f48162fe5a2917b916a2c9e/1fd57275-f4b7-4844-9fb1-1f8cc42d2718/BFS%5B822%5D--_4000P1076019+%281%29.jpg)
GET YOUR TICKETS
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Regular Priced Tickets End September 16th
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GET YOUR TICKETS 〰️ Regular Priced Tickets End September 16th 〰️
There are
film festivals.
There are networking events.
Then there’s
BFS WEEKEND.
BFS Weekend 2025 is our third annual large-scale conference dedicated to helping Black filmmakers grow their craft, expand their networks, and explore bold new approaches to storytelling. This is a hands-on, skill-building experience designed for Black filmmakers at all levels.
Over the course of one dynamic weekend, attendees will take part in immersive workshops, panels led by industry experts, and community-driven discussions focused on the art and craft of storytelling. While festivals and mixers offer exposure, opportunities for deep creative development outside of expensive academic programs are limited—and that’s where we come in.
We’re bringing together some of the most talented and generous voices in the industry to help filmmakers grow, connect, and create on their own terms.
This year’s theme celebrates the multi-hyphenate creative.
As the film industry constantly evolves in unprecedented ways, filmmakers are facing the reality that sustaining their careers often requires the art of pivoting.
The idea of a multi-hyphenate once carried a stigma for lack of focus, but as the media landscape shifts, multi-hyphenate creatives are emerging as powerhouses with marketable skills that help them generate multiple streams of income that can navigate any industry changes.
We’ll explore what it means to build a career in which you can be celebrated for your diverse skills and offer education that can help you stay marketable as an adaptable storyteller across all areas in the industry.
FRIDAY
7PM TO 11PM - OPENING NIGHT PARTY
Kick off BFS Weekend 2025 with a night of music, drinks, and community! Join us at Diamantes (8th Ave, between 30th & 31st in Manhattan) as we bring together filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives from across the country for an unforgettable evening. Music by DJ __________
This is your chance to connect, celebrate, and set the tone for an inspiring weekend of workshops, panels, and networking. Don’t miss it!
SATURDAY
Doors open at 9:30AM. Schedule to be announced soon. Learn more about our panelists below…
STAGE A (Give a creative name)
10:00 AM - Insert Name of Panel
11:00 AM -
ETC…
STAGE B (Give a creative name)
10:00 AM - Insert Name of Panel
11:00 AM - Insert Name of Panel
ROOM C (Give a creative name)
12:00PM - Networking
1:00PM - Networking
ROOM D (Give a creative name)
12:00PM - Insert Name of Panel
Room E (Give a creative name)
12:00PM - Insert Name of Panel
PanelISTS
Click the + symbol to learn more about our panelists
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Filmmakers Rashad Frett (Editor, Director, Cinematographer) and Lin Que Ayoung (Writer, Director, Producer) will discuss their arduous journey from proof of concept short to Sundance award-winning feature film. The session will also delve in their varied talents lending to their collaboration, followed by scene study via clips from their film “Ricky”.
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Television Executive, Writer and novelist Stacy Evans Morgan will discuss strategies for pitching TV show ideas as a creative with multiple talents in comedy.
The Black Film Space Logline & Pitch Competition is back—and this year, it’s bigger than ever.
In Partnership with cliveRd & The Gotham, we’re giving one storyteller the chance to pitch live in New York City during BFS Weekend, win a $2,500 cash prize, and gain exclusive access to industry opportunities designed to move their career forward.
If you’ve got a compelling story, this is your moment. Submit your logline for a shot to pitch in front of a panel of esteemed judges.
Five finalists will be selected to present their ideas live, and one winner will walk away with more than just funding.
The winning filmmaker will receive:
• $2,500
• A Gotham Pro Membership
• A one-on-one consultation with a Gotham team member to discuss their project’s future.
Meet the Judges
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Kia Brooks
Deputy Director, The Gotham
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Casey Baron
Programmer, Tribeca Festival (U.S. Narrative & Games)
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Sean Charles
Development & Production Manager, ALLBLK & WE tv
LAST YEARS WINNER
Jordaine Pearce won the 2024 competition with a sharp delivery and a powerful concept.
This year, it could be you.
How to Enter
To participate, you must be registered for BFS Weekend.
• Purchase your ticket
• You’ll automatically receive an e-mail with a form to enter the contest.
• Submit your logline by August 8th at 11:59 PM EST
• Finalists will be notified by September 1st.
FAQs
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No. It's open for all lengths, formats and genres of scripted/narrative films.
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Unfortunately, no. It's open for scripted projects.
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Your name, e-mail address, logline, basic details about the project and quality photo of yourself (for promotional purposes)
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We are open to all experience levels. We are choosing the finalists based on the most clear, concise, unique, well written loglines.
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You are required to use the prize money on the project you are pitching.
You will be provided specific instruction on how to report the use of the funds.
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Yes, only two team members from each project can pitch at a time.
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To get a feel for how a logline should read, start with a basic structure.
When [INCITING INCIDENT OCCURS]...
A [CHARACTER TYPE]...
Must [OBJECTIVE]...
Before [STAKES]
Keep your logline between 25 to 50 words or one to two sentences.
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Unfortunately, no. You can only submit one logline per filmmaker.
