Black Maria Film Festival Information

Black Maria is an international juried film competition. We have embraced our mission for 35 years by focusing on short films including those, which shine a light on issues and struggles within contemporary society. Our touring programs always include provocative works. We advance and exhibit the work of diverse filmmakers from across the US and around the world. These artists often represent an under-served constituency who might not otherwise have the opportunity for live public exhibition nationwide or abroad. We welcome all genres including narrative, experimental, animation, and documentary that push the boundaries of film. The festival's touring collection addresses topics such as the environment, public health, climate change, substance abuse, gun violence, sustainability, immigration, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ issues. Short films are celebrated as central to the festival - not as a sidebar to feature length films. Black Maria reaches out to audiences in settings including colleges and universities, museums, galleries, libraries, community-based art organizations, art house cinemas, and schools. We visit far-flung inner city, rural, and suburban locations as diverse as Jersey City, NJ; Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; San Francisco, CA and Rome, Italy. Custom curated film programs are showcased in these diverse venues throughout each year.