Tallgrass Film Festival Announces Partnership with Venera Films for Gordon Parks Award for Black Excellence in Filmmaking
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Wichita, Kan. (September 25, 2025) —Tallgrass Film Festival is partnering with Venera Films to award the winner of The Gordon Parks Award for Black Excellence in Filmmaking category a distribution mentorship. Award winners will receive one on one consultation and mentorship regarding navigating the intricacies of traditional distribution in today’s marketplace. In addition to general guidance about distribution, the filmmaker will also have the chance to receive feedback on their current film. The partnership with Venera Films will offer the winning filmmaker an opportunity to gain in depth insight into the world of distribution. The Gordon Parks category is for films meeting the following criteria: Submissions must be feature-length films with no traditional domestic(inside the USA) distribution at the time of the festival. Open to films of any production budget from any country or genre with a director who self-identifies as Black, African-American, or part of the African Diaspora.
“We’re honored to support the Tallgrass Film Festival, a space that champions bold, independent storytelling and diverse voices. At Venera Films, we believe in the power of cinema to connect, provoke, and inspire—and Tallgrass continues to be a vital force in that mission. We’re thrilled to be part of this vibrant community of filmmakers and changemakers.”
Garineh Nazarian, Venera Films
“Tallgrass is excited to work with Venera Films to provide this opportunity to the winner of the Gordon Parks Award for Black Excellence in Filmmaking. We believe that the mentorship opportunity will be a great benefit to the filmmaker with their journey with their film, especially when dealing with questions of distribution.”
Andre Seward, Programming Director – Tallgrass Film Festival
Media Contact: ANDRE SEWARD
Email: andre@tallgrassfilm.org
Phone: 316-202-8207
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ABOUT VENERA FILMS:
Venera Films is a boutique distribution and consulting company dedicated to amplifying bold, boundary-pushing cinema. With a strong focus on works by women, non-binary, and queer filmmakers—as well as storytellers from historically underrepresented communities—Venera champions films that challenge convention, expand perspectives, and ignite meaningful dialogue. We believe in the transformative power of independent film and are committed to building pathways that connect these vital voices with audiences around the world.
ABOUT TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL:
Stubbornly Independent since 2003, the Tallgrass Film Festival is the largest in Kansas. A program of the 501(c)3 Tallgrass Film Association, the Festival showcases more than 120 films from around the world, hosts dozens of visiting filmmakers, and includes galas, parties, and educational workshops and panels. In addition to bringing the best of independent cinema to heartland audiences, the Festival is designed to highlight the city’s cultural attractions, including world-class museums, landmarks, and unique local businesses, to visitors and residents alike. Throughout the year, TFA presents independent cinema at the year-round film center in the Lux.