PAFF accepts only online applications and submissions. Filmmakers wanting to submit to PAFF can apply by going to the PAFF website www.paff.org and clicking on “Submit Film.” Filmmakers can also submit to The Pan African Film Festival directly through FilmFreeway.com or Festhome.com.
PAFF accepts applications for films and videos made by and/or about people of African descent. (Please note: the filmmaker need not be of African descent.) Preferably, films should depict positive and realistic images and can be of any genre — drama, comedy, horror, action/adventure, animation, romance, science fiction, experimental, historical/epic, etc. PAFF accepts features and shorts, both narrative and documentary.
The PAFF competition categories are: Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short, and Best First Feature – Director, plus a variety of Audience Favorite Awards. Submitted films must be copyrighted no earlier than 2021. With the exception of Audience Favorite Awards, films are judged by Industry professionals. In addition to competition awards, other programming and festival special prizes will be awarded.