SHOWCASE YOUR MASTERPIECE
About BTV
Bridging Talent & Vision for the Future of Film
Who We Are
BTV is a creative hub dedicated to empowering storytellers and amplifying diverse voices. We bring together filmmakers, creators, and innovators who are passionate about using film, media, and art to inspire change and connect with global audiences.
What We Do
From curating impactful film festivals to supporting independent creators, we provide opportunities for growth, recognition, and collaboration. Our mission is to champion authentic stories and build bridges across cultures through the power of cinema.
Our Origin
Founded by passionate creators with a vision for inclusion and representation, BTV began as a platform to spotlight unheard voices in film. Today, it continues to grow into a movement — a space where bold ideas meet opportunity, and where every story finds its stage.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
BTV exists to elevate, celebrate, and empower the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) through genre-diverse storytelling. We provide a culturally focused streaming platform that delivers authentic, inclusive, and accessible content from underrepresented creators, amplifying stories that reflect the richness, resilience, and complexity of our communities.
Vision Statement
To become the world’s leading destination for BIPOC-centered media where creators thrive, audiences feel seen, and stories spark healing, joy, and justice across the globe.
Meet the Founder
BTV was founded by Raquel M R Thomas, a visionary African American woman whose entrepreneurial and creative journey is deeply rooted in resilience and identity. A graduate of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), Raquel is an accomplished author, professor, screenwriter, playwright, director, and independent filmmaker, directly informing BTV's diverse content strategy and deep industry connections. Her first love was basketball, a place where she once found refuge as a child navigating abandonment and the emotional toll of foster care. An only child who silently battled suicidal thoughts, she ultimately discovered a second love that mirrored the joy basketball once gave her: filmmaking.
Through the transformative power of storytelling, Raquel has made it her life's mission to create BTV, a digital platform precisely engineered to celebrate the richness and complexity of BIPOC stories with unparalleled authenticity. As a lesbian filmmaker, she intentionally centers the experiences of Black women and the LGBTQ+ community, weaving themes of social justice, identity, and radical joy into every narrative she creates. Her work uplifts voices often silenced and creates space for healing through drama-driven film and television. BTV is not just a platform; it is her offering to the world: a mirror, a megaphone, and a movement for those longing to be seen.
When the world grows quiet and the sun sets, BTV invites its audience to find solace in the stories that reflect their truth. It is a platform born from pain, passion, and purpose, dedicated to transforming the media landscape and broadening the scope of representation.
About the Festival
Celebrating BIPOC Excellence in Cinema
Our Mission
The Dream Catchers Film Festival is dedicated to amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) filmmakers and screenwriters. We provide a platform where authentic stories from underrepresented communities take center stage, fostering creativity, opportunity, and meaningful dialogue through the power of cinema.
What We Celebrate
From powerful documentaries that shed light on social issues to captivating narratives that explore the human experience, we showcase films that challenge perspectives, inspire change, and celebrate the rich diversity of BIPOC storytelling. Our festival honors both emerging and established filmmakers who dare to tell stories that matter.
Community Impact
Beyond screening films, we create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development. Our festival serves as a catalyst for career advancement, providing BIPOC filmmakers with the resources, connections, and recognition they need to thrive in the entertainment industry.
Every story deserves to be told, every voice deserves to be heard, and every dream deserves the chance to inspire others.
Accepting All Genres
We celebrate the full spectrum of storytelling. Every voice, every vision, every format has a place in our festival.
Feature Films
Full-length narratives that showcase complete storytelling arcs and cinematic vision.
Short Films
Powerful stories told in brief moments, proving that impact doesn't require length.
Documentaries
Real stories that illuminate truth, inspire change, and document our shared human experience.
Screenplays
The foundation of great cinema - original scripts waiting to be brought to life.
Animation
Where imagination meets artistry, bringing impossible worlds and characters to vivid life.
Reality & Impact Films
Stories that challenge, educate, and inspire social change through authentic perspectives.
“No matter the format, if your story reflects authenticity and vision — it belongs here.”
Awards & Prizes
Celebrating Excellence in BIPOC Storytelling
Festival Awards
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Documentary
Best Reality
Best Animation
Best Screenplay (Feature)
Best Screenplay (Short)
Emerging Filmmaker Award
Best Director
Best Actor / Actress
Impact Storytelling Award
Prizes & Opportunities
Official Screening on BTV
Winning films will be showcased on BTV, an Amazon Fire platform dedicated to BIPOC stories.
Distribution Deal on BTV
Select winners will be offered exclusive streaming distribution opportunities through BTV.
Certified Festival Laurels & Certificates
All winners and official selections receive official laurels and a certified certificate for professional recognition.
Press & Media Coverage
Featured in festival press releases, industry newsletters, and social media spotlights.
Networking Access
Invitations to exclusive panels, Q&A sessions, and networking mixers.
Awards Showcase
Highlights across BTV platforms and festival partners to extend exposure beyond the event.
Development Spotlight
Winning screenwriters will receive script feedback and have their work considered for development with BTV's production team.
Special Recognition Packages
Complimentary admission to the festival's next submission round (good for 1 year), and promotional spotlights.
Prizes & Opportunities
Dream Catchers Film Festival recognizes fearless creators with awards and unique pathways for growth, visibility, and impact.
Best Feature Film
Awarded to the most powerful storytelling feature, judged by an esteemed panel of filmmakers and critics.
Best Short Film
Celebrating bold voices in short-format storytelling with unique vision and execution.
Emerging Filmmaker
Spotlighting new talent and innovative perspectives in global cinema.
Audience Choice Award
Voted by festival attendees, giving viewers the power to amplify stories that resonate.
Global Distribution Opportunity
Selected winners gain access to international distribution and media platforms.
What Winners Receive
Digital Laurels
Official recognition and promotional materials
Industry Exposure
Featured placement and industry connections
Global Platform
Worldwide distribution opportunities
Rules & TermsRules & Terms
Festival Guidelines & Submission Requirements
Be Part of the BTV Movement
Whether you’re a filmmaker, partner, or supporter of diverse storytelling — now’s the time to join us. Let’s create unapologetic narratives that inspire and transform.