TAFF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to give back to the African Independent film community. This is one of its kind to showcase films and arts that are influenced by African stories; or films and arts made by people of African descent. TAFF would showcase the artistry and the tireless efforts of some of the best independent filmmakers, while “Bridging cultures through film and arts” by inviting a diverse audience, to celebrate some of the best films about the African continent.
TAFF was created by an African Independent filmmaker for African Independent filmmakers, whose films have been catalogued in Ivy league universities such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford, amongst others. Our goal is to make more African films available at such schools and public libraries to further the studies of African history and culture. TAFF is listed with the Texas Film Commission, the Dallas Film Commission, and the City of Dallas Arts District. Grand finale takes place at the Dallas City Performance Hall in the Arts District of Downtown Dallas.
TAFF accepts film submissions from October 1st to January 15th. Submission deadlines are follows:
Earlybird Deadline: (October 1st - October 31st)
Regular Deadline: (November 1st - December 31st)
Late Deadline: (January 1st - January 15th)
Filmmakers may submit their film(s) via FilmFreeway.com/TAFF.
A minute trailer and film poster are required for submission.
Please read the Submission Rules and Regulations.
Selection criteria
Africa is blessed with rich culture and heritage worthy of celebration. She is also plagued by various social, economic, health, religious, immigration, and political issues that must be confronted. We therefore encourage the world to make films about Africa; and our selection criteria will be based on the following:Films that promote African culture
Films that address issues affecting Africa
Films about historic African leaders
Films about historic African landmarks
Films made by Independent African filmmakers
TAFF will be Looking at...
Narrative Feature: Feature length films not more than 80 minutes.Narrative Short: Films that are 30 minutes or less.
Documentary Feature: Non-fictional story telling not more than 80 minutes.
Documentary Short: Non-fictional story telling that is 30 minutes or less.
Student Films: Narrative or Documentary (feature or short) film by students.
Original Score: Original music used to score any of the categories above.
Cinematography: The ability to convey film’s overall message through motion pictures.
A panel of judges will grade each submitted film based on a score card. Each film will be scored based on different categories on a 1-10 scale. Averages will be measured to select the winners.
Each film will be graded based on the following categories:
• Screenplay
• Picture Quality
• Performance
• Sound Quality
• Visual Effects
• Original Score
• Continuity
Festival Categories
Best Narrative FeatureBest Documentary Feature
Best Narrative Short
Best Documentary Short
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Emerging Filmmaker
Best Cinematography
Best Original Soundtrack
Best Poster
Best Trailer
Best Screenplay
Best Indigenous Film
