Women of the Lens Film Festival
Open for submissions
Empowering through knowledge and celebration
Timelines
Festival event dates will be in March 2024.
Specific dates will be advised soon.
What we’re looking for
Submissions
Filmmakers, your creations are what makes this Festival the success that it is. Whether you’re making shorts or features, documentaries or online web series, whether you have a podcast or a radio show, we accept romantic comedies, sci-fi (or science fiction for the purists!), thrillers, dramas, noir, children’s films, animation, anime, all manner of genres.
We accept productions from any ethnicity as long as said productions meet the criteria in front of and/or behind the lens for Black women.
Please read about our Mission and Values.
We want to hear from you.
Be sure to read our submissions criteria prior to any submission.
Marketing & Promotion
Be prepared with your marketing.
One of the things that Women Of The Lens prides itself on is promoting filmmakers. We can’t do this effectively if productions don’t provide marketing and promotional materials.
Make sure that you have an effective EPK that includes high quality images, synopsis, social media handles, crew bios etc.
Take a good look at your online presence. Ensure that it’s up to date and that any social media channels are consistently fed.
Which ever email that you add as a contact, ensure that it’s one that you frequently use.
Sign up to our newsletter for updates!
Students
Students! We’ve not forgotten you. In our previous programmes, Women Of The Lens has screened burgeoning filmmakers who’re either still studying or are breaking out into the industry. If you think your production is finished, submit today. In the meantime, have a look at our Festival Archive to see what we’ve screened before.
International
Yes, we accept submissions from international filmmakers. We’ve already screened productions from the USA, China, Nigeria, Brazil, Barbados, Kenya, and India. Our Archive reveals more. We look forward to seeing yours.
Genres
Any and all genres are welcome. Science fiction, romance, action adventure, drama, thrillers, animation, podcasts, radio, web series, mixed media and more are included.
Lengths
We’re accepting productions of any length. Previous programmes have included productions from 3 minutes to 2 1/2 hours. We look forward to seeing yours.
Origins
We accept productions from any non-black background that represent black women in roles that push against standard expectations in front of and behind the camera. Read our ‘About‘ section for more explanation and our core ethos.
Terms
Submission is not a guarantee of selection. Entery fees are non-refundable. Only completed entries and paid submission fees will be considered for selection. Only completed films can be submitted for consideration.
Filmmakers must indicate on submission should their productoins require geoblocking.
We accept films via Filmfreeway only. We do not accept speculative submissions.
We cannot offer feedback for any submission due to the volume of entries.
All productions should be in English and where English is not the spoken language English subtitles must be provided.
Films must have been completed after 1st January 2017
stories to see
At the core of Women Of The Lens Film Festival is the showcasing of films that portray Black women in boundary pushing narratives both in front of and behind the camera.
For us, it’s not just about the roles we can see on camera, we’re also about championing women in decision-making roles in the industry. We ask productions about the Black women they have as say… producers, writers, line managers, casting or advertising marketing and PR. Then in those practial areas…grips, sound engineers, costuming hair, make-up…in your productions, to what extent have you considered Black women?
Our Festival strives to share and exchange skills, knowledge and expertise between industry professionals. Our aim is to contribute to a change in the industry which promotes the recruitment of underrepresented women both in front of and behind the camera.
Whilst we show off British productions firstly, this platform is equally keen to showcase women’s stories globally. We want to know how women across the world are navigating everyday life. So even if your production is created outside of the UK, we’d like to hear from you. Be sure to read our submissions criteria and ‘About Us‘ prior to your entry.
Why Choose Us
Women of the Len Film Festival truly is the premier festival for UK black women, showcasing excellence in filmmaking and fresh new storytelling by hosts with a passion for making these accessible by promoting and supporting new & emerging talent. Really an honour to be included in the official selection of the 2020 edition within a such high calibre of films! Highly recommended!
Janet Marrett, Director, ‘Clearing’
Great festival with a refreshing selection of films. Thank you for having our film!
Fan Sissoko, Directo, ‘We The People’
A warm and wonderful festival. The founder Jennifer, really values her filmmakers and really cares about their experience. You can feel the work that goes into every single piece of communication. I loved the festival poster and artwork.
Shona Charlton, Director, ‘The Sacrifice ‘
Women Of The Lens
Dedicated to Black Women in the Film Industries
about Us
Women Of The Lens was created to reveal the complexity, diversity and multiplicities of black women and women of colour. We'll work with productions to change perceptions and practice.
It is run by Women of the Lens Film Festival CIC, a registered Company, number 13409100.