About the Festival
Celebrating BIPOC Excellence in Cinema
Our Mission
The Dream Catchers Film Festival is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) filmmakers and screenwriters. We provide a platform where authentic stories from underrepresented communities take center stage, fostering creativity, opportunity, and meaningful dialogue through the power of cinema.
What We Celebrate
From powerful documentaries that shed light on social issues to captivating narratives that explore the human experience, we showcase films that challenge perspectives, inspire change, and celebrate the rich diversity of BIPOC storytelling. Our festival honors both emerging and established filmmakers who dare to tell stories that matter.
Community Impact
Beyond screening films, we create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development. Our festival serves as a catalyst for career advancement, providing BIPOC filmmakers with the resources, connections, and recognition they need to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Awards & Prizes
Celebrating Excellence in BIPOC Storytelling
Festival Awards
Prizes & Opportunities
Accepting All Genres
We celebrate the full spectrum of storytelling. Every voice, every vision, every format has a place in our festival.
Feature Films
Full-length narratives that showcase complete storytelling arcs and cinematic vision.
Short Films
Powerful stories told in brief moments, proving that impact doesn't require length.
Documentaries
Real stories that illuminate truth, inspire change, and document our shared human experience.
Screenplays
The foundation of great cinema - original scripts waiting to be brought to life.
Animation
Where imagination meets artistry, bringing impossible worlds and characters to vivid life.
Reality & Impact Films
Stories that challenge, educate, and inspire social change through authentic perspectives.
No matter the format, if your story reflects authenticity and vision — it belongs here.
Rules & Terms
Festival Guidelines & Submission Requirements
1. Eligibility
- Submissions are open to all filmmakers and screenwriters who identify as BIPOC or whose work primarily focuses on BIPOC stories and perspectives.
- All films must have been completed within the last 3 years at the time of submission.
- Works-in-progress will not be accepted. Films must be in final cut form.
2. Submission Guidelines
- All submissions must be made through the official submission portal designated by Dream Catchers Film Festival.
- Filmmakers must provide a secure online screener (Vimeo, YouTube, FilmFreeway, etc.) with a working password (if required).
- All films must be in English.
- Multiple entries are allowed; a separate submission fee (if applicable) and form must accompany each entry.
3. Selection & Programming
- Selection is at the sole discretion of the Dream Catchers Film Festival programming team.
- Decisions of the selection committee and jury are final and not subject to appeal.
- Once a film is accepted, the filmmaker cannot withdraw it from the festival lineup.
4. Screening & Distribution Rights
- By submitting, the filmmaker grants Dream Catchers Film Festival and BTV the non-exclusive right to exhibit the film during the festival and in related promotional programming.
- Select winning films may be offered non-exclusive streaming distribution on BTV. Any distribution agreement will be subject to a separate signed contract between the filmmaker and BTV.
- Filmmakers retain all copyright and intellectual property ownership of their work.
5. Promotional Use
- By submitting, entrants grant Dream Catchers Film Festival and BTV the right to use film stills, posters, clips (up to 2 minutes), and other submitted materials for festival promotion, press, and marketing purposes.
- No compensation will be provided for such promotional use.
6. Warranties & Representation
By submitting, the entrant represents and warrants that:
- They are the sole and rightful owner of the film or have full authority to submit on behalf of the ownership team.
- The film does not infringe upon the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any person or entity.
- All necessary rights, licenses, and clearances (music, footage, images, etc.) have been secured.
- The film does not contain any unlawful, defamatory, or obscene material.
- The entrant will indemnify and hold harmless Dream Catchers Film Festival, BTV, and their affiliates, directors, employees, and partners from any claims, losses, or damages resulting from submission, exhibition, or distribution of the film.
7. Liability
- Dream Catchers Film Festival and BTV are not responsible for any lost, damaged, or delayed submissions.
- Dream Catchers Film Festival and BTV are not liable for any third-party claims related to copyright infringement, licensing issues, or unauthorized content use in submitted works.
8. Awards & Prizes
- Awards and prizes are granted at the sole discretion of the festival jury.
- Prizes such as distribution on BTV are offers subject to contract; participation does not guarantee commercial distribution.
9. General Conditions
- Submission fees are non-refundable.
- Participation in the festival implies full acceptance of these rules.
- Dream Catchers Film Festival reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without notice, for legal, operational, or festival-related reasons.
Submit Your Film or Screenplay Now
Ready to share your story with the world? Join the Dream Catchers Film Festival and be part of a celebration that amplifies BIPOC voices in cinema.
Submit on FilmFreeway