Keepin’ it reel: Brooklyn’s Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival

Devoted to showcasing, supporting, and inspiring the creation of films produced, directed, and written by women of color, the Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival and Lecture Series is an empowering independent film festival raising pivotal voices. Since 1997, the Brooklyn-based festival (which was the first of its kind) has been enriching the city with an annual program full of world-class diverse storytelling. Reel Sisters of the Diaspora continues to thrive at a time when a new generation of visionary women of color are speaking out against industry inequality and breaking new ground in mainstream cinema. According to founder Carolyn A. Butts, that may be because it’s more than just a film festival. “Reel Sisters has been in the forefront of the inclusion movement for 21 years and has presented over 3,000 films produced, directed, and written by women of color.” The festival started out as a two-day event and now offers a six-week festival season including screenings, workshops, and a gala honoring filmmakers and industry leaders. “We have also distributed more than $25,000 in scholarship money since our inception and have helped set the agenda for creating opportunities for women in the film industry through our advocacy and support of other organizations with similar missions. It is an exciting time for women of color in film and as the festival is growing, we’re happy to be a part of that.” As highlighted by the recent box office successes of films like Black Panther, Wonder Woman, Get Out, A Wrinkle in Time, and Hidden Figures, Hollywood is slowly inching forward with hit movies boasting diverse storytelling. Though Reel Sisters of the Diaspora has changed in the 21 years since its inception, the core values of the festival remains the same. “Our mission has not changed but the film industry is changing,” Butts told Film Daily, “It’s recognizing the value of having women of color produce, direct, and write films. Doors are opening thanks to a generation of visionary women speaking out about equality and inclusion in Hollywood. We hope the progress continues and more women and people of color are hired to direct big budget films.”

Festival History and Scale

Reel Sisters approaches its 29th anniversary in 2026 with a track record that now includes more than 10,000 films screened. What began as a compact two-day program has grown into a multi-week season that mixes in-person Brooklyn screenings with virtual options, allowing wider participation while preserving the intimate community feel that first drew filmmakers and audiences together.

Financial Support and Impact

The festival’s commitment to direct funding has also scaled. More than $80,000 in awards, fellowships, and scholarships has been distributed since the beginning, and the 2026 cycle includes category-specific cash prizes such as $1,000 for Best Narrative Short and $500 for Best Director. These resources sit alongside the MicroBudget Film Fellowship, which awards $5,000 grants for short films or web-series pilots, giving emerging directors tangible support at critical early stages.

Expanded Funding and Fellowship Programs

Beyond the festival’s long-standing scholarship track, the MicroBudget Film Fellowship provides $5,000 grants aimed at short films and web-series pilots. Total support across awards and scholarships now exceeds $80,000, with 2026 cash prizes broken into clear categories that include Best Narrative Short at $1,000. This structure reflects a deliberate effort to meet filmmakers where they are, whether they are finishing a first short or testing a series concept.

Partnerships and Venue Collaborations

Recent collaborations have extended the festival’s reach across borough lines. Screenings tied to Women’s History Month now take place at BAM, while in-person events rotate through venues in both Brooklyn and Manhattan. These partnerships bring Reel Sisters programming to larger audiences without diluting the focus on work by women and non-binary filmmakers of color.

Screenwriting Retreats and Professional Development

The lecture series component has evolved into structured retreats that pair craft instruction with festival access. A 2025 retreat took place in Harlem, and the next session is set for July 30 through August 2, 2026, in New Orleans. Participants work on script development and production skills while meeting mentors who have moved projects from festival circuits into wider distribution.

Recent Award-Winning Films and Oscar-Qualifying Successes

The festival’s Oscar-qualifying status for narrative shorts continues to open doors. The 2025 short Shallow End screened at BAM after qualifying, and 2024 winners spanned categories that included Best Screenplay and Best Director. These concrete results illustrate how the platform converts visibility into measurable career momentum for filmmakers who often remain underrepresented elsewhere.

Submission and Participation Opportunities

Submissions continue through FilmFreeway on annual cycles, with fellowship applications carrying deadlines such as September 30, 2025. The process remains straightforward for women and non-binary filmmakers of color who want their work considered for both the main program and the additional funding tracks.