The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival was created with the artistic vision to present and expose the work of emerging talents and established artists who are contributing to the cinematic legacy as well as celebrating urban culture. GCUFF showcases minority films, which reinforces positive images and dispel negative stereotypes. The film festival provides a forum for the work of diverse filmmakers to be viewed and discussed. In addition to its cinematic showcases, GCUFF nurtures its attendees in a variety of disciplines, offering panel discussions, workshops and symposiums.

A portion of the film festival is dedicated to Greater Cleveland area youth by showcasing films and panel discussions that allow them to learn the craft and respond to the film subject manner in a healthy, confident and empowered manner.