Dream Catchers Film Festival celebrates the power of storytelling through the lens of BIPOC filmmakers and screenwriters. Dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, the festival serves as a platform for diverse creators to showcase bold narratives, authentic perspectives, and groundbreaking artistry that often go unseen in mainstream media. From thought-provoking features to innovative shorts and compelling scripts, Dream Catchers is a space where culture, creativity, and community converge. More than just screenings, the festival fosters dialogue, builds connections, and uplifts a new generation of storytellers determined to change the face of film and television.

At Dream Catchers Film Festival, we honor excellence in storytelling by BIPOC filmmakers and screenwriters. Winners and selected honorees will receive recognition and opportunities designed to amplify their voices and expand their reach.
Festival Awards

Best Feature Film
Best Documentary
Best Reality
Best Animation
People's Choice Award

Prizes & Opportunities

1. Official Screening on BTV – Winning films will be showcased on BTV, an Amazon Fire platform dedicated to BIPOC stories.
2. Distribution Deal on BTV – Select winners will be offered exclusive streaming distribution opportunities through BTV.
3. Certified Festival Laurels & Certificates – All winners and official selections receive official laurels and a certified certificate for professional recognition.
4. Press & Media Coverage – Featured in festival press releases, industry newsletters, and social media spotlights.
5. Networking Access – Invitations to exclusive panels, Q&A sessions, and networking mixers.
6. Awards Showcase – Highlights across BTV platforms and festival partners to extend exposure beyond the event.
7. Development Spotlight – Winning screenwriters will receive script feedback and have their work considered for development with BTV’s production team.
8. Special Recognition Packages – Complimentary admission to the festival's next submission round (good for 1 year), and promotional spotlights.

Dream Catchers Film Festival is more than an award; it’s a gateway to visibility, distribution, and lasting impact for BIPOC creators.

1. Eligibility

ALL FILMS MUST BE IN ENGLISH OR HAVE SUBTITLES. ALL FILMS THAT ARE NOMINATED WILL STREAM ON BTV ON AMAZON FIRE.

Submissions are open to all filmmakers and screenwriters who identify as BIPOC or whose work primarily focuses on BIPOC stories and perspectives.

All films must have been completed within the last 3 years at the time of submission.

Feature - 50 mins OR LONGER
Animation, Documentary, and Reality no min. time frame.

MUST meet these requirements will be automatically disqualified.

Works-in-progress will not be accepted. Films must be in final cut form.

2. Submission Guidelines

All submissions must be made through the official submission portal designated by Dream Catchers Film Festival.

Filmmakers must be downloadable or provide a secure online screener (Vimeo, YouTube, FilmFreeway, etc.) with a working password (if required).

All films must be in English.

Multiple entries are allowed; a separate submission fee (if applicable) and form must accompany each entry.

3. Selection & Programming

Selection is at the sole discretion of the Dream Catchers Film Festival programming team.
Decisions of the selection committee and jury are final and not subject to appeal.
Once a film is accepted, the filmmaker cannot withdraw it from the festival lineup.

4. Screening & Distribution Rights

By submitting, the filmmaker grants Dream Catchers Film Festival and BTV the non-exclusive right to exhibit the film and in related promotional programming on the BTV streaming Amazon Fire Platform. Winners will be determined by the number of views the film has during the competition. All films will be on BTV, and the app can be downloaded on the Amazon Fire TV/Stick.

Select winning films may be offered ongoing non-exclusive streaming distribution on BTV. Any distribution agreement will be subject to a separate signed contract between the filmmaker and BTV.

Filmmakers retain all copyright and intellectual property ownership of their work.

5. Promotional Use

By submitting, entrants grant Dream Catchers Film Festival and BTV the right to use film stills, posters, clips (up to 2 minutes), and other submitted materials for festival promotion, press, and marketing purposes.

No compensation will be provided for such promotional use or screening.

6. Warranties & Representation

By submitting, the entrant represents and warrants that:

They are the sole and rightful owner of the film or have full authority to submit on behalf of the ownership team.

The film does not infringe upon the copyright, trademark, or intellectual property rights of any person or entity.

All necessary rights, licenses, and clearances (music, footage, images, etc.) have been secured.

The film does not contain any unlawful, defamatory, or obscene material.

The entrant will indemnify and hold harmless Dream Catchers Film Festival, BTV, and their affiliates, directors, employees, and partners from any claims, losses, or damages resulting from submission, exhibition, or distribution of the film.

7. Liability

Dream Catchers Film Festival and BTV are not responsible for any lost, damaged, or delayed submissions.

Dream Catchers Film Festival and BTV are not liable for any third-party claims related to copyright infringement, licensing issues, or unauthorized content use in submitted works.

8. Awards & Prizes

Awards and prizes are granted at the sole discretion of the festival jury.

Prizes such as distribution on BTV are offers subject to contract; participation does not guarantee commercial distribution.

No cash prizes will be awarded unless otherwise stated.

9. General Conditions

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Participation in the festival implies full acceptance of these rules.

Dream Catchers Film Festival reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without notice, for legal, operational, or festival-related reasons.