Deadline: July 31, 2025
The ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition 2026 is now open to aspiring and professional filmmakers, offering an exciting opportunity to win up to $10,000 and gain national visibility. Hosted by the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), this competition calls on creative minds to submit a dynamic 30-second commercial celebrating “The Homecoming”—a powerful theme for ABFF’s 30th milestone.
If you’re passionate about visual storytelling, culturally rich content, and showcasing your voice on a grand stage, this is the competition for you.
About the ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition 2026
The ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition 2026 is part of the American Black Film Festival’s ongoing commitment to spotlighting and celebrating Black creatives in film and media. In commemoration of its 30th edition, the competition invites creators to submit an original 30-second commercial capturing the heart, history, and cultural significance of ABFF.
Your commercial can be humorous, emotional, nostalgic, or inspiring—as long as it embodies the theme of “The Homecoming” and showcases the transformative power of ABFF over the years.
Prizes and Recognition
Three finalists will receive both cash awards and exclusive access to ABFF’s signature 2026 event in Miami Beach.
- 🥇 Grand Prize Winner:
- $10,000 USD
- Two DECO Festival Passes
- All-expenses-paid trip to ABFF 2026
- 🥈 Two Runner-Ups:
- $2,500 USD each
- Two DECO Festival Passes each
Winners will be featured in ABFF’s digital and television campaigns—providing unmatched visibility in the industry.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for the competition includes:
- Must be 21 years or older
- Must be a legal resident of the 50 U.S. states, DC, or Puerto Rico
- Employees of Nice Crowd and associated agencies are ineligible
Submission Requirements
To ensure your entry is valid, your commercial must:
- Be exactly 30 seconds long
- Include:
- ABFF 2026 Dates: June 3–7, 2026
- The official tagline: “ABFF 30th Anniversary — ‘The Homecoming’”
- Be formatted as 1920×1080 MP4 or MOV
Supporting Documents:
- A creative statement (max 150 words)
- Signed Participant Release and Licensing Agreement
- All talent, location, and music release forms
- Proof of original ownership
Key Dates to Remember
- Submission Period: May 22, 2025 – July 31, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)
- Finalist Selection: August 1 – August 31, 2025
- Notification: By September 12, 2025
- Final Revisions Due: October 6, 2025
- Winners Announced: October 10, 2025
How to Apply
Ready to bring your vision to life?
👉 Click here to apply
📖 Read more about the programme here
Expert Advice from GrantsDatabase.org
At GrantsDatabase.org, we’ve worked closely with hundreds of creators to help prepare competition-ready materials. Here’s what our experts recommend:
💡 “Make sure your commercial delivers a clear emotional impact in just 30 seconds. Use the official tagline strategically, and keep visual and audio quality at professional levels. Your creative statement should connect the dots between your concept and the ABFF legacy.”
— GrantsDatabase Creative Proposal Team
Need help getting your submission pitch-perfect?
📩 Contact GrantsDatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining, and review
Final Thoughts
The ABFF 30th Anniversary Commercial Competition 2026 is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to showcase your creative voice and be part of a historic celebration. With cash prizes, festival recognition, and national exposure on the line, this is the perfect stage for filmmakers ready to inspire, entertain, and honor the Black film legacy.
Don’t miss the chance to bring your story home—submit your commercial today.
