UnShushed! Film Festival 2025 and Reception
Fearless Films. Electric Conversations. Unforgettable Connections. Stories by Black women and emerging filmmakers!
Date and time
Location
AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center
8633 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910Good to know
Highlights
- 3 hours
- In person
Refund Policy
About this event
Wow! UnShushed! Fim Festival 2025 and Reception is shaping up beautifully.
We’ve received an incredible selection of short films, some guaranteed to scare the silence out of you, while others will take you on unexpected journeys packed with bold questions, sharp social commentary, laugh-out-loud moments, and quiet scenes that speak louder than words.
You’ll be on the edge of your seat, even during the simplest day-in-the-life stories. And we’re thrilled to include an animated piece from a creator you might already know and love.
The full lineup will be announced in just a few weeks, and trust us you won't want to miss it.
So come out and make some noise with us! In the meantime, check out this playlist curated by Ami, the festival’s director, for a taste of what’s to come at Wow! The UnShushed! Fim Festival 2025.
Playlist
Here’s a bonus, a feature film Master (2022) by Mariama Diallo starring Regina Hall.
Enjoy. I look forward to seeing you there!
Ami
Frequently asked questions
UnShushed Film Festival is a celebration of bold, innovative, and diverse storytelling in film. We showcase films that challenge norms and amplify underrepresented voices, specifically Black women and emerging filmmakers making in short fantasy, horror, Afrofuturism, and Southern Gothic films.
The festival begins November 13, 2025 in the Washington DC area. For online screenings, the festival will be accessible globally.
You can submit your film through FilmFreeway. Check the submission guidelines on our website for specific requirements and deadlines.
We welcome feature length and short fantasy, horror, Afrofuturism, and Southern Gothic films directed by Black women and emerging filmmakers, making these types of films with Black women in major roles that align with our mission to challenge conventional narratives and amplify diverse voices.
Yes, there is an entry fee for submissions. You can find the details about submission fees on our website or the submission platform.
The deadline for submissions is listed on FilmFreeway. Be sure to submit your film before the cutoff to be considered for the festival.
We accept films from filmmakers of all ages.
All submitted films will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will evaluate the films based on creativity, storytelling, impact, and relevance to our festival’s theme. Selected films will be announced on August 31, 2025.
Absolutely! Tickets will be available for purchase on our website. Whether you’re attending in person or virtually, we encourage you to join us for an inspiring lineup of films and discussions.
Yes! We’ll be presenting Best Feature, Best Short, Audience Choice, and Legacy Awards. Winners will be announced during our closing ceremony.
If the festival is online, films will be available for streaming through our platform. In-person attendees will have access to screenings at the festival venue. Detailed instructions will be provided after ticket purchase or registration.
Yes! In addition to film screenings, we will host panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking events. These are open to all attendees, so don’t miss the chance to interact with filmmakers and other festival-goers.
Yes, we offer student discounts and group rates. Please visit our ticketing page for more information on how to access these discounts.
There are many ways to get involved! You can attend the festival, volunteer, or even sponsor an event. Check our website for more details on how to become part of the UnShushed! community.
Yes! We will offer virtual screenings and workshops on topics related to filmmaking, social issues, and the art of storytelling. Stay tuned for more details closer to the event.
You can sign up for our newsletter on our website or follow us on social media for the latest news, announcements, and updates. https://www.beautifulwildfilms.org
Absolutely! We are always looking for partners and sponsors who share our values. Please reach out to us at unshushedmedia@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us directly at unshushedmedia@gmail or visit our website for more information.
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