This is the 8th year for SA's premiere Black international film 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.
"History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day.
It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography" -Dr. John Henrik Clarke
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.
"History is a clock that people use to tell their political and cultural time of day.
It is a compass they use to find themselves on the map of human geography" -Dr. John Henrik Clarke
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?
#SABIFF2926 OPEN CALL has concluded. Submissions ran from January 26 - June 14 on www.filmfreeway.com. Official Films In Competition will be announced and programmed in to the festival by July 12, 2026
🎬 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?
SABIFF welcomes London based, Nigerian owned, Plotweaver.ai to San Antonio. Founder,
🎟 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 can be purchased here: SABIFF 2026 Ticket Page.
You can choose from an All Access Pass, 1-Day Pass, or 1-Block Pass. Individual events are also available for purchase à la carte.
For free, open-to-the-public events, we ask that you RSVP in advance.
You can choose from an All Access Pass, 1-Day Pass, or 1-Block Pass. Individual events are also available for purchase à la carte.
For free, open-to-the-public events, we ask that you RSVP in advance.
🏨 Are there Hotel or Travel Accommodations?
Yes. SABIFF 2026's new host hotel is The Staybridge Suites located in the historic St. Paul Square district of San Antonio, Texas. Special Discounts for SABIFF participants, guests are available at $109 a night. For details click our Accommodations page HERE. Be sure to make your reservation before September 18th at 12:00 pm (noon) central standard 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
