2026 Film Fest Submissions :

To support the festival's sustainability and strength, we’ve introduced a small submission fee this year.
This fee will help sustain the festival and help us keep championing bold, brilliant storytelling from Africa and beyond.

  • Call for Entries: March 9, 2026

  • Early Deadline: March 31, 2026 - Feature Film : $10; Shorts: $5 

  • Regular Deadline: May 31, 2026 - Feature Film : $20; Shorts: $10

  • Late Deadline: July 15, 2026 - Feature Film : $25; Shorts: $10

  • Notification Date: September  1, 2026

Inquiries on email via: submissions@nbofilmfest.com

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

To ensure your film is eligible for consideration, please review the following criteria

Eligibility

  • Films must have been completed within 18 months of the festival dates.

  • Films must not have had commercial distribution in Kenya before the festival.

  • Priority consideration will be given to world, national, and regional premieres.

  • Films in languages other than English must include English subtitles.

Submission Requirements

To complete your submission, please provide:

  • A completed online submission form.

  • A secure online screener (password-protected Vimeo link or similar).

  • At least 3 high-resolution film stills.

  • Director’s biography and filmography.

  • A Director’s statement (maximum 500 words).

  • A complete cast and crew list.

  • A dialogue list with timecodes (for non-English language films).

  • Payment of the submission fee (see fee structure below).

Films must be submitted by July 15, 2026. If a film does not meet the eligibility requirements, the submission fee is non-refundable.


The final selection will be announced by October 2026.