FESTIVAL
FILM SHOWCASES & SPECIALTY SERIES
The LightReel Film Festival offers the best in independent and major studio BIPOC films from around the world. From feature-length films to shorts and everything in between, the festival celebrates cinematic excellence from award-winning and emerging filmmakers. More than 50 competition films are selected, along with panels, workshops, and special guest interviews.
Competitions are held in four categories, including narrative feature, documentary feature, and animated short, as well as several specialty competition series. The Shorts Spotlight competition includes films that transcend traditional filmmaking modes. The festival's Signature and Gala screenings feature major films.
Competition Series
(Winners receive the “Black Butterfly Award”)
Narrative Features
From side-splitting comedies to heart-wrenching dramas, the narrative feature films selected represent diversity in storytelling, excellence in acting and directing, and exemplary cinematography and editing.
Documentary Features
Beyond simple subject matter, documentaries present compelling stories that illuminate and educate audiences in a thought-provoking and timely manner.
Shorts Spotlight
These short films transcend the traditional modes of filmmaking with stories that make us laugh, consider the challenges many people face, and change the way we think about the world around us.
Screenwriting Competition
The mission is to embrace new voices, creativity, and a passion for innovative storytelling. Featuring several categories including, drama, comedy, and horror, in addition to the short competition, 30-minute, and 60-minute pilots.
Audience Award
Presented to the filmmaker of the Festival audience’s choice of best feature, documentary, or short film of the entire Official Selection. This excludes Gala Screenings.
Gala Screenings
Get an early look at buzzworthy films premiering at the festival or not yet in wide release. In previous years, many have gone on to win Black Reel Awards, Academy Awards, Independent Spirit Awards, and other prestigious accolades.
Non-competition Series
Spotlight Screenings
View screenings of select feature-length films with aspirations for top awards, followed by discussions with the creative talent behind them.
VR Screenings
View screenings of select VR films as a part of the “VR Experience, followed by discussions with the creative talent behind them.
Specialty series
Panels and Workshops
Panels and workshops are an essential part of the LightReel Film Festival programming. From VR and special effects demonstrations to discussions and panels with industry stars and insiders, knowledge sharing occurs every day of the festival.
Conversations
Talk Series
One-on-one intimate Conversations with industry creatives and filmmakers in an intimate festival setting.