The Peoples Film Festival (15)

Festival start: 28 May 2026      Festival end: 30 May 2026

The People's Film Festival, a dynamic three-day event that celebrates the “Voice of the People” through the power of film, art, music and technology. This year our festival takes place from May 28, 2026 to May 30, 2026 in Harlem, NY, a thriving and vibrant community, rich in cultural history with an ultimate synergy of great music, literature, arts, and entertainment also collectively known as The Harlem Renaissance.

Now entering its 15th year, TPFF stands as a powerful cultural and economic engine in Harlem, New York—committed to preserving Harlem’s rich artistic legacy while boldly shaping its future. Contrary to the notion that the Harlem Renaissance is a closed chapter in history, TPFF asserts that Harlem is still a vibrant epicenter of creativity, innovation, and cultural expression. The festival’s mission is rooted in the belief that the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance lives on—not only in the legacy of the past but in the voices, visions, and talents of today’s emerging artists, filmmakers, musicians, and technologists.

TPFF was founded in 2012 serving as a vital platform to support and showcase a new generation of independent filmmakers, producers and creatives by providing venues, access to opportunities, exposure, and resources that allow them to thrive. Our mission is to not only inspire future creatives and innovators but to also expose audiences of all ages to new tools and technologies for storytelling. Through a suite of programs and community partnerships which includes: The Tech People Expo |The People’s Marketplace | MENTAL Talkback Series, TPFF brings together filmmakers, artists, technologists, educators, and entrepreneurs who are shaping the next phase of Harlem’s renaissance—one that is inclusive, future-facing, and rooted in the belief of freedom of speech and media access for all. TPFF challenges the outdated narrative that Harlem’s cultural glory is a thing of the past. Instead, it reclaims and redefines Harlem’s legacy as living history in motion.

The People’s Film Festival is an initiative of The People’s Media, Music & Arts Foundation (TPMMAF) - a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. We use our platform to promote awareness of independent film, technology, media, music, and art across the globe while encouraging those, particularly in the Harlem New York area, to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity in media.

This event is open to everyone.

AWARDS
The People's Film Festival recognizes filmmakers for their work and present a “People’s Awards” to winners selected in each category.

Category Winners—A unique custom-designed Award will be presented to the winners of the best films in each category in competition.
Best Feature
Best Short
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best International
Best Micro Drama
Best Music Video
Best Animation and Experimental.

Special Festival Awards
THE "CHANCE AWARD" - Filmmakers who are multi-talented & accomplished in many fields including filmmaking.
"HARLEM FILMMAKER" AWARD - Films directed by Harlem Filmmaker.
"SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE" AWARD - Recognizes dynamic people whose activism and courage impacts the lives of many
"POWER OF SHE" AWARD - Films directed by or for women

PUBLIC MEDIA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE:
1. MEDIA ACTIVIST
2. LIFETIME COMMITMENT TO PUBLIC MEDIA
3. COMMUNITY ACTIVIST AWARD
4. RADICAL HISTORY MAKERS AWARD - Films that challenge the status quo, not afraid to take risk, bravery & courage

Rules & Terms

The People’s Film Festival accepts no responsibility for loss or damage of entries. If accepted, we will notify filmmakers by email. Programming decisions are made by the festival programmers and our selection committee.

Films selected for screening in all categories will be notified on or about April 15, 2026. After acceptance, the final presentational format including electronic press kit materials if available, must be received upon acceptance. Any films not submitted by that date can be disqualified. All films must be in English or with English subtitles.


ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, films MUST NOT HAVE EXHIBITED PUBLICLY IN HARLEM, NY (3 months) prior to The People’s Film Festival.

• Priority is given to World Premieres for features & shorts.

• All films must be in English or with English subtitles. Foreign language films must be dubbed in English or presented in their original language with English subtitles.

• Promotional, instructional or industrial films, and raw documentation of performances are not eligible.

• Films must not have been broadcast on US television or online before the festival or commercially released on DVD/Blu-ray, VOD, or for download to the public.

• These rules will be strictly monitored.


ENTRY FEE

• We will accept online payment by credit card, (American Express, Discover, Master Card, and Visa).

Please do not send checks, money orders. The nonrefundable Entry fees are in U.S. Dollars, are per film and must be payable in US dollars to The People’s Media Music & Arts Foundation Inc. When submitting to the festival you are agreeing that, if selected and the invitation accepted, to screen the submitted film during the dates of the festival.

• The Festival reserves the right to disqualify a submission, without refund of any kind, if eligibility requirements are not met including if eligibility status changes post-submission. Incomplete entries without proper fees will be rejected.

• TPFF does not pay any screening fees for presentation of the film during the festival.


SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:

• ALL SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO US AS SECURE ONLINE SCREENERS. TPFF no longer accepts DVD/BluRay screeners as standard submissions.

• You can submit via Festhome.

• Filmmakers may submit more than one film however, each film must have its own Entry Form and Entry Fee.

• Premiere Status - We accept all films, however, priority will be given to World Premiere and Harlem related stories.

• Completion Date - There is no mandatory completion date for your film submission.

• Prior Screenings - Entries must not have been broadcast (televised) on US television or online before the festival.

• Prior Submission - Films previously submitted to TPFF will only be considered if they reapply as a new submission with 60% changes to your film, including all applicable entry fees.

• Completed & Signed Entry Form POSTMARKED by the deadline.


AGREEMENTS

Submission of your work confirms that The People’s Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize any film including promotional stills and information submitted and accepted during the Festival and/or at any other Festival event for promotional purposes in The People’s Film Festival . The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations for participation in The People’s Film Festival. The individual or corporation also warrants there are no disputes regarding the ownership of the submission and this film is not subject to any litigation nor is any litigation threatened. The individual or corporation also warrant the submitted material does not defame or invade the rights of any person living or dead and will indemnify and hold harmless The People’s Film Festival, The People’s Public Media Awards of Excellence, The People’s Media, Music & Arts Foundation, Record Drop, its directors, management, staff, and sponsors, and defend them against all claims, demands, losses damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including attorney's fees) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos screened or entered arising out of TPFF’s exhibition and promotion of said film- should such film be programmed as part of the 2026 People’s Film Festival.


THE PEOPLE’S FILM FESTIVAL ARCHIVE

Your film will be retained as part of TPFF permanent archives. Selected films may be added to The People’s Channel, which is an extension of the festival in which filmmakers have the option to screen on other networks.

If selected, filmmakers will be notified and have the option to opt out. The filmmaker will receive no compensation or fee for providing the film to TPFF.

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF SUBMISSION RULES & ENTRY INFO go to www.thepeoplesfilmfestival.com