Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF)
The largest Black film festival in the United States, held annually in February in Los Angeles during Black History Month, celebrating African American and Pan-African cinema and visual art.
Overview
The Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) is the largest Black film festival in the United States. Founded in 1992 and held annually in February in Los Angeles during Black History Month, PAFF screens approximately 150 films from Africa and the African diaspora -- including African American, Caribbean, and Latin American Black filmmakers -- over 11 days at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza in the heart of Black Los Angeles.
PAFF was founded with the explicit mission of using cinema and art to increase the positive image and exposure of African and African American people. The festival celebrates the breadth and richness of Black filmmaking globally, from independent American films to films from Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Brazil, Jamaica, and across the diaspora.
The festival's Los Angeles location and its Hollywood community connections make it a platform where Black filmmakers can access industry professionals, agents, managers, and distributors in the most direct way possible.
Key Sections
- Narrative Feature Competition -- Black films competing for jury prizes
- Documentary Competition -- nonfiction films by and about Black communities
- Short Film Competition -- competitive short film program
- International Program -- films from Africa and the global diaspora
- Children's and Family Program -- films for younger audiences
- Visual Arts Exhibition -- art exhibitions alongside the film program
What Filmmakers Should Know
PAFF accepts open submissions. The festival is specifically dedicated to films by and about people of African descent. For Black filmmakers seeking Los Angeles industry exposure during awards season, PAFF provides the most direct access to a Black professional community.
The festival's February timing during Black History Month generates significant media attention and public engagement with Black storytelling.
Major Awards
- Best Narrative Feature -- jury prize
- Best Documentary Feature
- Best Short Film
- Audience Award -- across categories
Festival History
PAFF was founded in 1992 by producer and actor Danny Glover, actor Ja'net DuBois, and others who recognized the need for a dedicated platform for Pan-African cinema in Los Angeles. The festival has operated continuously since then.
See Also
For Black filmmaking and representation, see Independent Filmmaking Strategies. For festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
