This is the 8th year for the festival, which began with a 2019 launch. This year’s SABIFF 2026 theme, HISTORY upRISING, is an act of resistance to the political erasure mandates to dismantle African American history and studies in schools. HISTORY upRISING, centers the urgency of preserving, honoring, and protecting Black history, especially during a time when access to these stories is increasingly challenged. SABIFF affirms film as a powerful medium for truth, memory, resistance, and cultural expression. Everyone holds the power to be a change-maker in their community.
SABIFF 2026 Festival
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions:
What year is SABIFF 2026?
- This is the 8th year for the festival,which began with a 2019 launch.
What does the theme have to do with the festival?
- The theme HISTORY upRISING determines the direction of the festival's programming and guest workshop or presenters. This year's theme is an act of resistance to the political erasure mandates to dismantle African American history and studies in schools. This year’s theme, HISTORY upRISING, centers the urgency of preserving, honoring, and protecting Black history—especially during a time when access to these stories is increasingly challenged. SABIFF affirms film as a powerful medium for truth, memory, resistance, and cultural expression.
When is Open Call film submissions?
- Open Call begins with our Early Bird Special on Jan. 26, 2026 with discount rates. You can submit films, and find out more information by going to our submission platform HERE. Regular Deadline begins on March 1 - May 31 and late deadline runs June 1 - June 21. Selected Films In Competition will be announced on July 10th.
🎬 Who Can Submit Films?
Filmmakers from all ethnic groups and races may submit films through our Open Call. Please note the following requirements:
- Films must be by, for, and/or about people of African Descent, Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC)
- BIPOC filmmakers must hold key creative and production roles
- All genres, styles, and storytelling approaches are welcome
🌟 Who Are This Year’s Special Guests?
Awardees and guest participants will be announced by June 1, 2026.
🎟 Can Anyone Attend the Festival?
Yes! SABIFF proudly welcomes everyone. While we focus on celebrating African culture and humanity, the festival is open to ALL audiences — especially filmmakers, student, film lovers interested in powerful, diverse stories from around the world.
🎥 What Types of Films Are Screened?
SABIFF 2026 showcases a wide variety of films, including:
- Narrative and documentary features and shorts
- Animation (shorts or features)
- Music videos ( & spoken-word)
- Student films (middle school through college)
📅 Does the Festival Only show Movies?
No. SABIFF 2026 offers a full festival experience beyond screenings, including:
- A Student matinee open to Seniors and Creatives (speakers, interactive forms, curated themed-short films)
- Networking events (receptions, meet & greets, entertainment)
- Awards Gala with Dining and live music
- San Antonio Black History Tour
- * The heart of all film festivals is the Films-In-Competition showcases. Our Saturday consists of a full day of diverse films screening displayed simultaneously at 2 venues. Our Audience Choice Award allows you to vote for your favorite film (right here on the website when the festival begins each filmmaker page will have a vote button).
💳 Where Can I Buy Tickets?
Tickets will be available for purchase on our website and via Eventbrite.
Pricing and event details will be announced soon-stay tuned!
Pricing and event details will be announced soon-stay tuned!
🏨 Are there Hotel or Travel Accommodations?
Yes. Our host hotel is The Aiden, located in the historic St. Paul Square district of San Antonio.
Discounted room rates will be posted on our website under Accommodations.
*Airline travel discounts are not available for SAT (San Antonio International Airport) at this time
Discounted room rates will be posted on our website under Accommodations.
*Airline travel discounts are not available for SAT (San Antonio International Airport) at this time
🤝 Are Volunteer Opportunities Available?
Yes! We welcome Volunteers for both virtual pre-planning (Jan. - August), and on-site needs during the actual festival in early October where you can get a volunteer pass to festivities.
Volunteer areas include:
🗓 Volunteer team meetings are held virtually on the first Saturday of each month.
👉 To Volunteer:
Complete the Volunteer Form on our website
Or email [email protected] with “Volunteer” in the subject line
Volunteer areas include:
- Social media & marketing. We welcome influencers!
- Film judging and research
- Community outreach & flyer distribution
- Event planning & administrative tasks
- Graphic design, video editing, copy editing
🗓 Volunteer team meetings are held virtually on the first Saturday of each month.
👉 To Volunteer:
Complete the Volunteer Form on our website
Or email [email protected] with “Volunteer” in the subject line
