I attended the festival for the very first time this year, and was overwhelmed by the number of films screened; truly one of the largest black film festivals in the world, in terms of volume alone. It was also where films from the likes of comedies like Think Like A Man, to historical dramas like Toussaint L'Ouverture, and several other notable titles, made their USA (and in some cases world) premieres.

I'll be back next year; and maybe your film will be in the lineup; and if you haven't yet submitted, you better get to it because the early deadline (October 15) is just around the corner; Late submissions will be accepted until November 21.

Applications are available via the PAFF website at www.paff.org, by emailing [email protected] or calling (310) 337–4737.

Official selection announcements will be made beginning December 15.

The 21st annual PAFF will be held on February 7-18, 2013 in Los Angeles.

ELIGIBILITY:

The PAFF is currently accepting applications for films and videos made by and/or about people of African descent. (Please note: the filmmaker(s) need not be of African or African American descent.) Films should preferably depict positive and realistic images and can be of any genre — drama, comedy, horror, adventure, animation, romance, science fiction, experimental, etc. PAFF accepts features and shorts both narrative and documentary. The film festival will accept submissions of works in progress; however, the final version of the film must be completed no later than January 5, 2013.

COMPETITION:

The PAFF competition categories are: Best Narrative Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary, Best Director — First Feature, plus, Audience Favorite Awards for Narrative Feature and Favorite Documentary. Films in competition must be copyrighted no earlier than 2012. With the exception of Audience Favorite Awards, all films are judged by industry professionals, selected by PAFF. In addition to competition awards, other programming and festival special prizes will be awarded.

SUBMISSION:

For information about the festival, submission procedures, fees and registration, visit www.paff.org or call 310. 337-4737. Submissions will be accepted from July 2, 2012 through October 15, 2012. Late submissions will be accepted until November 21, 2012. Official selection announcements will be made beginning December 15, 2012.