A celebration for Black women and emerging filmmakers creating fantasy, horror, thrillers, speculative and Southern Gothic films with Black women protagonists.

What is the UnShushed Film Festival?

• UnShushed Film Festival is a celebration of bold, innovative, and diverse storytelling in film. We showcase films that challenge norms and amplify underrepresented voices, specifically Black women and emerging filmmakers making in short fantasy, horror, Afrofuturism, and Southern Gothic films.

When and where is the festival taking place?

• The festival begins November 13, 2025, and will take place online/in-person Washington, DC. For online screenings, the festival will be accessible globally.

How can I submit a film to the festival?

• Submission is closed. Waiver Codes will be considered if there is a trailer or teaser with the request.

What type of films can be submitted?

• We welcome feature films, short films, fantasy, horror, Afrofuturism, and Southern Gothic that align with our mission to challenge conventional narratives and amplify diverse voices. Click the link below to submit.

Is there an entry fee for submitting a film?

• Yes, there is an entry fee for submissions. You can find the details about submission fees on our website or the submission platform.

What is the deadline for film submissions?

• The deadline for submissions is listed on FilmFreeway. Be sure to submit your film before the cutoff to be considered for the festival.

Are there any age restrictions for filmmakers submitting films?

• We accept films from filmmakers of all ages. However, some categories may have age-specific requirements, which will be listed in the submission guidelines.

Can I attend the festival as an audience member?

• Absolutely! Tickets will be available for purchase on our website. Whether you’re attending in person or virtually, we encourage you to join us for an inspiring lineup of films and discussions.

Will there be any awards at the festival?

• Yes! We’ll be presenting several awards, including Best Feature, Best Short, Audience Choice, and others. Winners will be announced during our closing ceremony.

How can I watch the films during the festival?

• If the festival is online, films will be available for streaming through our platform. In-person attendees will have access to screenings at the festival venue. Detailed instructions will be provided after ticket purchase or registration.

Can I participate in festival events or discussions?

• Yes! In addition to film screenings, we will host panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking events. These are open to all attendees, so don’t miss the chance to interact with filmmakers and other festival-goers.

Is there a discount for students or groups?

• Yes, we offer student discounts and group rates. Please visit our ticketing page for more information on how to access these discounts.

How do I get involved with the festival if I’m not a filmmaker?

• There are many ways to get involved! You can attend the festival, volunteer, or even sponsor an event. Check our website for more details on how to become part of the UnShushed community.

Will the festival feature virtual screenings or workshops?

• Yes! We will offer virtual screenings and workshops on topics related to filmmaking, social issues, and the art of storytelling. Stay tuned for more details closer to the event.

How do I stay updated on the festival?

• You can sign up for our newsletter on our website or follow us on social media for the latest news, announcements, and updates.

Can I become a sponsor or partner for the festival?

• Absolutely! We are always looking for partners and sponsors who share our values. Please reach out to us at unshushedmedia@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.

What should I do if I have a question that’s not listed here?

• If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us directly at unshushedmedia@gmail.com or visit our website for more information.