The BFC Short Film Fest is in our 3rd year, with 2021 & 2022 being virtual festivals. This year, we will host the event at the magnificent Barrymore Film Center in Fort Lee New Jersey. We will have directors, producers, actors and screenwriters in attendance throughout the festival, including exclusive filmmaker events and activities.
Our prior two years were quite a big success! Filmmakers from all over the world submitted a stunning array of films encompassing every type of genre. During February 2021 & February 2022, our Official Selections were viewed by over 50,000 people in 78 countries via our website as a virtual / online fest. We invite all filmmakers to submit your short film for judging and consideration to appear in our short film festival in October 2023. Now it's time for the world to come to Fort Lee!
Please review the two (2) categories for film submissions to determine which best fits your film. You may enter your film(s) in more than one category but cannot enter the student category unless you meet the age requirements. Student filmmakers, however may enter submissions in any or all categories. Submission fees are required for each category and each submission(s). There is no limit to the number of films you may submit as long as they meet the criteria outlined in each category and in our rules and terms.
Here's a little history about our world-class facility newly built in Fort Lee, New Jersey. Did you know that Fort Lee, was the birthplace of the American film industry? Film studios such as Universal, FOX and Solax were established in Fort Lee and many movie stars, as well as directors such as DW Griffith and the Barrymores lived and worked here. The Barrymore Film Center was established by the Borough of Fort Lee and construction is completed on the 250 seat cinema and film museum, which opened in October 2022. The BFC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Thank you for your consideration and we wish you all the best of luck in your careers and in our competition.
BFC will select one (1) GRAND PRIZE FESTIVAL WINNER, which can come from any of our categories offered and will receive a $500 cash prize award and plaque.
BFC will select the TOP 3 Films awarding a 1st, 2nd & 3rd place in each of the following categories:
BFC Short Film Competition (category open to all)
BFC Student Shorts -18 & Under (ID required and category is age restricted)
Judges will select the top three films (3) in each category, each receiving plaques and/or certificates. All Official Selections will be screened at the Barrymore Film Center during the festival (schedules to be announced), October 11-15, 2023.
Once the judges have selected all finalists, they will be announced and be scheduled for screening during the festival to be held at the Barrymore Film Center, located in Fort Lee NJ.
The judges will award one (1) overall "JURY PRIZE", which will receive a plaque and certificate.
The BFC will give a COMPLEMENTARY one (1) year regular BARRYMORE FILM CENTER MEMBERSHIP per submission in the name of the individual that enters the competition on behalf of the film project. The BFC MEMBERSHIP is limited to one per person submitting, regardless of how many categories entered or films submitted.