Submission Dates

Sept 7 – Oct 7, 2026

The new competition recognizes filmmakers who are bringing greater visibility to cancer and its impact on Black communities. Through compelling narratives and documentaries, Black Health in Focus will spotlight stories exploring cancer awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, caregiving, survivorship, trust in healthcare systems, access to care, environmental factors connected to cancer, and the experiences of Black individuals, families, and communities.

“Our goal is to use the power of film to elevate authentic lived experiences, broaden awareness, and encourage meaningful conversations about Black health, wellness, and access,” said Marc Brogdon, Head of Marketing for PAFF. “These stories can help audiences better understand the many ways cancer affects individuals, families, caregivers, and entire communities.”

Approximately four to five finalists will be selected by PAFF’s programming team and presented during a special screening at PAFF 35, taking place February 15 through February 21, 2027, in Los Angeles and Culver City. Finalists will compete for the Black Health in Focus Best Short Film Award, which is sponsored by BeOne Medicines. A $5,000 prize will be awarded to the winner. 

The winning film will be selected by the competition judges and announced during the 2027 PAFF Awards Brunch.

Submission Guidelines

The competition is open to independent filmmakers worldwide. Narrative and documentary films in any genre are eligible.

To qualify, films must:

  • Be between 5 and 30 minutes in length
  • Center the Black community or feature a Black central character
  • Focus on cancer and its related impact on Black individuals, families, or communities
  • Address one or more eligible cancer-related topics, including access to care, clinical trials, awareness, prevention, diagnosis, treatment,  caregiving, survivorship, trust in healthcare systems, , or environmental factors connected to cancer
  • Be in English or include English subtitles
  • Have been completed between January 2020 and October 2026
  • Be a finished work at the time of submission
  • Be submitted by an entrant who owns or controls all necessary rights to the film, including music, performances, artwork, imagery, and archival footage
  • Not have screened at a previous edition of PAFF

Films with prior distribution are eligible. Works in progress will not be accepted.

Films submitted to Black Health in Focus will be considered only for this special competition and screening program. They will not be eligible for consideration in PAFF’s broader 2027 festival program unless they were separately submitted through PAFF’s general open-submission process by August 17, 2026.

Finalists must provide a DCP exhibition copy and required marketing materials, including a poster, logline, director headshot and biography, three to five high-resolution film stills, and a trailer, if available.

Deadline and Entry Fee

All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on October 7, 2026.

The entry fee is $25 per film. Submission-fee waiver requests will not be accepted.

Entries will be reviewed based on artistic strength, originality, emotional impact, and how effectively each film explores one or more of the competition’s designated topics. All selection, judging, and award decisions are final.

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