Welcome
The Black Travel Film Festival is a pioneering event dedicated to amplifying the voices and perspectives of Black travel creators and visionaries on the global Black travel movement.
The first of its kind, candidates are awarded through 3 categories and selected by a myriad of judges who represent the Black travel and film communities.
2025 APPLICATIONS CLOSED: August 31st, 2025
THE CATEGORIES
Scripted Film
The submission should be scripted, short-form videos created by a Black person(s)/person(s) of African descent. Preference will be given to stories that highlight human storytelling and experiences that are Black-centric. The video should creatively explore travel or a specific destination, and may be through any lens including but not limited to: adventure, culture, attractions, food, music, human interest, community, service, Black-owned business or hyperlocal storytelling. Animations will also be considered for this submission.
Submission limit = 15 minutes.
If submitting a series, the total amount submitted must be under 15 minutes or provide timestamps of the start and end of the 15 minutes that you would like the judges to review.Non-scripted Film
The submission should be non-scripted, short-form videos created by a Black person(s)/person(s) of African descent. Preference will be given to stories that highlight human storytelling and experiences that are Black-centric. The video should creatively explore travel or a specific destination, and may be through any lens including but not limited to: adventure, culture, attractions, food, music, human interest, community, service, Black-owned business or hyperlocal storytelling.
Submission limit = 15 minutes.
If submitting a series, the total amount submitted must be under 15 minutes or provide timestamps of the start and end of the 15 minutes that you would like the judges to review.Short-Form Social Media Video
The submission should be non-fiction social media videos created by a Black person(s)/person(s) of African descent. Preference will be given to stories that highlight human storytelling and experiences that are Black-centric. The video should creatively explore travel or a specific destination, and may be through any lens including but not limited to: adventure, culture, attractions, food, music, human interest, community, service, Black-owned business or hyperlocal storytelling.
Submission limit = 2 minutes.
Filmmakers may submit films of any length up to 30 minutes. However, our judging panel will only review up to a 15-minute segment of your submission.
- If submitting a series, provide timestamps for the start and end of the 15-minute window you would like the judges to review.
- This does not limit the total runtime of your submission, permitting it is no more than 30 minutes—only the portion that will be evaluated.
- Submissions without timestamps may be disqualified from consideration.
- If your submission is 15 minutes or less you do not need to provide timestamps.
- Submissions above 15 minutes without timestamps may be disqualified from consideration.
THINGS TO KNOW
- All films must be in the english language or contain english subtitles.
- We cannot accept any submissions that have previously, or are currently, exhibited/licensed via Broadcast Networks, Cable Channels, major streamers, or have/have had agreements for theatrical releases via major studios.
- Individuals may nominate themselves or other individuals/companies for any of the awards above.
- Individuals may nominate more than one person/company.
- Finalist's films will be screened during the Black Travel Film Festival.
- The finalists will be awarded during the Black Travel Film Festival.
- Category finalists benefit from free entry to the Black Travel Film Festival for themselves and a plus one.
- Category nominee finalists also benefit from discounted Practitioner/Traveler or Corporate passes to the Black Travel Summit (based on category affiliation).
- All content must be directed, written and/or produced by persons of African descent.
- Content must adhere to the total run times outlined in each category.
- Content must have started principal photography no earlier than January 1, 2024
2025 TIMELINE
Submissions open
July 15, 2025Submissions close
August 15, 2025Judging commences
September 1, 2025Nominees announced
September 15, 2025Submissions open
July 15, 2025Submissions close
August 15, 2025Judging commences
September 1, 2025Nominees announced
September 15, 2025The application takes about 5-10 minutes. Please respond thoughtfully.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
GENERAL INFORMATION
- This is a high-impact 8-week program supporting travel entrepreneurs at different stages. We offer resources, mentorship, and access to a global network to help you grow your business — whether you're just starting out or ready to start raising capital.
- We welcome applications from travel founders around the world. You can apply solo or with a small team, whether you're building your first idea or scaling your business.
- We have two tracks:
- Tier 1: Foundations – for those starting out
- Tier 2: Growth – for those preparing to fundraise or scale
- You’ll select your track when you apply.
- Yes, 100%! This program was created with you in mind. Many of our applicants are new to the founder world. We'll support you with resources, mentorship, and clear guidance each step of the way.
- Set aside about 20–30 minutes. You’ll answer questions about your personal profile, your business, your goals, and your growth plans.
- We recommend drafting longer responses in a separate doc first.
- No — the program is virtual and open to founders globally. However, we do require that you’re available for live online sessions and the in-person pitch competition if selected.
- That’s okay! Use the explanations below to guide you. We’re looking for clarity, ambition, and founders ready to commit and grow within the program.
- There is no fee to apply or participate in the accelerator. If selected for the final in-person competition, your travel and accommodations will be covered by our partners.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS (ALL APPLICANTS)
- You’ll share your business name, vision, traction (if any), and goals. There are no trick questions — just honest prompts to help us get to know you.
- It’s the reason customers choose your business over others. Think: What makes your brand or offer different, special, or memorable? Keep it to 1–2 sentences.
- KPIs = Key Performance Indicators. These are numbers that show how your business is doing (like revenue, user growth, retention, etc.).
- If you're early-stage, just share what you're tracking or want to track — we’re not expecting investor-ready data.
- This means you’ve tested your idea with real people — maybe through surveys, interviews, sample sales, or pre-orders. You don’t need 1,000 customers to prove you’re serious — we want to know if you’ve tested your assumptions.
- A media kit is a 1–2 page overview of your brand (your story, logo, photos, audience). A pitch deck is a presentation (PDF or link) explaining your business idea and how you’ll grow.
- If you don’t have either, don’t worry — it’s optional, and you’ll learn how to create them in the program.
- You’ll still be added to our ecosystem for future programs, events, and learning opportunities. We want to grow with you, even if it’s not quit time yet.
FOUNDATION PATHWAY
- Yes. Pathway 1 is built specifically for new entrepreneurs like you—whether you're still shaping your idea or just getting your first customers.
- Although these elements make for a stronger case, we’re mainly focused on your potential, not just your polish. Share your mission, your passion, and what you've done so far. Show us how you have already brought your vision to lift— that’s what we care about.
- Yes, 100%! This program was created with you in mind. Many of our applicants are new to the founder world. We'll support you with resources, mentorship, and clear guidance each step of the way.
- Share with us your how you got your first batch of clients or followers, how you successfully launched a small pop-up activation, how you surveyed 20 potential customers to refine your product development research, or how you built a functioning prototype.
- We will share foundational founder readiness including business basics, branding, marketing, customer discovery, and financial literacy.
- We care more about your potential than your polish for our Foundations Pathway. Be honest, share your vision, and tell us where you're stuck — that helps us support you better.
GROWTH PATHWAY
- No. You just need to be ready to learn about funding, build a strategy, and start positioning your business to grow.
- Yes. Tier 2 is designed for founders who are ready to scale, raise investment, or formalize their business structure and growth plans.
- Yes. We welcome applicants at various funding stages. You’ll be asked about your past and current fundraising activity in the application.
- It’s not required, but strongly encouraged for Tier 2. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry — you’ll get support to build one during the program.
- Showcase measurable success under each of these categories to highlight where your business is gaining momentum and how you're positioning for the next stage.
- (1) Customer & User Growth,
(2) Marketing & Reach,
(3) Partnerships & Sales,
(4) Operational & Product Monthly
- That’s okay! Use the explanations below to guide you. We’re looking for clarity, ambition, and founders ready to commit and grow within the program.
- There is no fee to apply or participate in the accelerator. If selected for the final in-person competition, your travel and accommodations will be covered by our partners.
FAM TRIP INFORMATION
- The FAM (Familiarization) Trip is a sponsored travel experience to Brazil for the top accelerator finalists. It includes visits to local startups, business immersion activities, and cultural experiences. Only selected finalists from each tier will be invited to participate.
- The trip is fully sponsored. This includes international travel, in-country transportation, lodging, meals during official programming, and all business-related activities.
- The FAM trip is designed to expose founders to Brazil’s innovation ecosystem, connect with global peers, and build partnerships with organizations like ACATE Brasil and the Government of Santa Catarina. It also prepares participants for the pitch competition at the main Black Travel Summit.
- Depending on your passport, you may need a tourist or short-stay business visa. We will support you in the visa process if selected and provide documentation or invitations as needed
- Expect a mix of immersive site visits, startup networking, mentor sessions, and cultural programming. This is a professional engagement — coming dressed to impress is recommended for most activities. Consider the program to be a launchpad for future partnerships, press, and investment opportunities.
- Yes. As part of your participation, we ask all selected finalists to share a minimum of one public post (reel or feed) highlighting your experience. We’ll provide guidance and any essential information. Additional content is welcome but not required unless otherwise outlined in your acceptance materials.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
For anything else, reach out directly to both:
2024 Black Travel Film Festival Winners:
- Series Award Winner
Eileen Ivette
Black Latin History
- Short Film Award Winner
Erick Cedeño
Truth and Dignity Project
- Documentary Award Winner
Christian Kalambay
Canada, The Immigrant Story
- Vlog Award Winner
Jessica Rooks
Our Family trip to Colombia
- Legacy Preserver
Emmanuel George