The heart of the Black Creators Forum is a three-day symposium (online and in person) which includes speakers and workshops for Black artists led by notable Black filmmakers, scholars, industry professionals and critics. The goal is to share strategies, foster collaborations and build sustainable networks to ease the barrier to entry for Black visionaries in multiple disciplines who want to work in film. The Forum also supports year-round screenings, events, and grant opportunities for emerging Black filmmakers.

Learn more about this year’s symposium below!

2023 Black Creators Forum Symposium

We appreciate your enthusiasm for the 2023 Black Creators Forum Symposium! Applications have now concluded, and we are no longer accepting submissions for free passes. For those who have secured their spot, we look forward to welcoming you to the hybrid Black Creators Forum, which will be held virtually on October 21 and 22, and in person on October 27. Attendees can expect enriching panels, insightful industry workshops, and valuable networking opportunities with fellow Black creators in the film industry.

Past BCF sessions and panels have included the following:

Ask Anything: Barry Jenkins

Black Film Archives with Maya Cade and Terri Francis

Curation with Ashley Clark

The Writer’s Room: P-Valley with Staff Writer Jamey Hatley

Acting with Bertram Williams and Tonya Pinkins

Past Attendee Quotes

“The BCF has really been transformative to my artistic practice and my social life. I never thought as a southerner, I could interact with other artists, especially Black artists so intimately.”

“BCF has inspired me to grow, encouraged me to connect and empowered me to create.”

“I think every year, I leave very rejuvenated! My first year, I was a baby out of college, and I didn't know anything and the pandemic started, but that year I left feeling like all the hope in the world! And every year builds on it, it's nice to see where I am every year when I come back.”

FAQs - Need to Knows for the Forum

To be a participant in the Black Creators Forum, you must fill out the BCF application form in order to receive a pass and have access to all of the sessions part of the Forum.
Even if you’ve attended the Forum previously, you must register in advance.
The Forum will be hybrid! Panels and industry workshops will occur virtually on Zoom throughout the weekend of Oct. 21-22. We’re excited to return to the beautiful Hattiloo Theatre for a full day of in-person programming on October 27th, followed by a cocktail mixer.
BCF is completely FREE! We only require advanced registration through the application. Some sessions during the Forum may require additional advance sign-up through Zoom links. This year, the Black Creators Forum also includes a free pass (in person and/or virtual) to the film festival, which runs from October 24 to 29.
You are not required to be in Memphis for the virtual portion of the Forum – we welcome participants from around the country and the world! The in-person programming is only open to those based in Memphis or visiting filmmakers/festival attendees. Please note: All virtual events will be in Central Standard Time.