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BLACKBIRD
FILMFEST2023

SUNY CORTLAND, BROWN AUDITORIUM THEATER

Cortland, New York | April 27th - 30th
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VIRTUAL FESTIVAL

Online | May 1st - 6th

992

Films Submitted

97

Official Selections

9.8%

Acceptance Rate

54

Female Filmmakers

25

BIPOC Filmmakers

Overview

Blackbird 2023 featured 97 films selected from a pool of 992 submissions for an acceptance rate of 9.8%! Additionally, the 2023 festival saw the return of the famed Internship program that had been put on hold since 2020! With a wonderful line up of film and a weekend full of non-stop activities, the 2023 season was a terrific success in which many talented filmmakers and artists were able to discover, connect and inspire!

Stephanie Ruiz, director of Hope You Feel Better, poses for pictures at the 2023 Blackbird Film Festival in Cortland, NY

Film + Art

Building off the success of the "Film + Arts" festival of 2021, Blackbird 2023 opened a call to local artists of any medium to create artwork themed around "black birds" and the results were fantastic! Moving forward, Blackbird plans to be more inclusive of all artists!

Imani Christopher answers questions about her film Take Care at the 2023 Blackbird Film Festival

AWARD
WINNERS & NOMINEES

Event Program

Blackbird 2023 featured 97 films organized into 11 unique screening blocks along with several community building events, workshops and panels!

Festival Team 23'

After three years of disruptions due to COVID19, the 2023 internship program returned!

Filmmakers pose in front of the step and repeat banner at the 2023 Blackbird Film Festival in Cortland, NY

Photos.

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