West African Film Festival

West African Film Festival of Houston would like to recognize and applaud the talent and creativity of the people of West Africa. The festival strives to bring a more complete and accurate picture of West Africa to Houston, through visual media with the hope of developing a non-African audience for African films.

Our mission is to also expand the opportunities for the distribution of African films in the United States and abroad.  We use African cinema to promote knowledge and understanding of African arts, literature, politics, medical advancements, academia and culture. The aim of the festival is to promote a cultural understanding of West Africa to youth organizations, collegiate institutions, professional groups, and local communities.

The following youth groups have attended the WAFF in the past: Pearland Girl Scouts Troop # 21221, National Society of Black Engineers Jr. Pearland Chapter, and Harmony Public Schools high school students.  Our venue and event sponsors are Rice University, University of Houston – Clear Lake, Houston Community College, Gite Gallery, Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center, and Harmony Public Schools.

AWARDS & PRIZES

Grand Prize- Filmmaker will receive one hour consultation with Hollywood Insider, film is added to the Film’s On Demand List of an University Professor’s syllabus and will receive promotional marketing for six months through festival’s social media outlets.

Jury Prize- Filmmaker will receive written feedback on the film from a Hollywood Insider, film is added to the Film’s On Demand List of an University Professor’s syllabus and will receive promotional marketing for three months through festival’s social media outlets.

Honorable Mention- Film is added to the Film’s On Demand List of an University Professor’s syllabus and will receive promotional marketing for one month through festival’s social media outlets.Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY 
1. We accept films that cover issues affecting West Africa, teach West African history or politics, promote West African culture, or have been made by West African filmmakers. 
2. Films completed after January 1, 2015 are eligible. 
3. Films are not eligible if they (a) have screened publicly in the Houston area, (b) have had a theatrical run in the US prior to the Festival dates, (c) have aired on US television prior to the Festival dates, (d) are available for purchase on DVD in North America, or (e) are available for public online viewing in their entirety. 
4. All entries must be either in English or subtitled in English. 
5. Entrant confirms and warrants required legal authority to submit the entry into the Festival and to use all music, images, and content in the entry.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES 
Click the submission button below to visit Film Freeway for office Festival film submission rules, guidelines and entry.