The Wildcard Draw — Beyond Hollywood International Film Festival

A guaranteed screening block. No judges. Pure chance.

Every year, BHIFF receives incredible films that deserve an audience but don't fit our official lineup. The Wildcard Draw fixes that.

We're drawing 7 short films live on Instagram for a guaranteed screening slot at BHIFF 2026. No curators. No committees. Just luck and a room full of film lovers ready to discover something unexpected.

This is for the overlooked. The almost-made-it. The film that deserves a shot.

• 15-minute maximum runtime (including credits)
• 7 films selected + 2 alternates
• Live drawing: June 28, 2026 on @beyond_hollywood
• Screening: July 25, 2026 at BHIFF

Entry bundles:

• 1 entry — $20
• 3 entries — $45
• 5 entries — $65 (best value)

All selected films are eligible for the Wildcard Award, voted on by the live audience

Awards & Prizes

The Wildcard Award

• Voted by the live audience
• Prize: BHIFF trophy + social media feature + free submission to BHIFF 2027
• Recognition: Featured on bhiff.org and @beyond_hollywood

Rules & Terms

Eligibility

• Films must not exceed 15 minutes including credits
• Films must not have been selected for BHIFF 2026 official program
• All genres and formats accepted
• Filmmakers retain all rights

Selection Process

• Selection is purely random via live drawing on Instagram (@beyond_hollywood)
• 7 films selected + 2 alternates
• Drawing date: June 28, 2026
• Each entry increases odds proportionally

Entry & Fees

• Entry fees are non-refundable
• Multiple entries allowed per film (maximum 5)
• Submission window: June 1-21, 2026

Delivery Requirements

• Selected filmmakers must deliver DCP file by July 7, 2026
• Technical specifications provided upon selection
• Failure to deliver by deadline results in forfeiture and alternate activation

Screening

• Selected films screen in a single 2-hour block during BHIFF (July 25, 2026)
• Filmmakers receive 2 complimentary festival passes
• No additional screening fees paid to filmmakers

Dropout Policy

• If a selected filmmaker withdraws after July 7, the first alternate is activated
• No refunds issued for withdrawal after the live drawing

Award

• The Wildcard Award is determined by audience vote at the screening
• Prize details as listed above
• BHIFF reserves right to modify prize if circumstances require

Each film may purchase a maximum of 5 total entries across all bundles. If you initially purchase 1 entry and later upgrade to 3 or 5 entries, contact us at info@bhiff.org to adjust your entry count. Duplicate submissions of the same film will be consolidated into a single entry pool.

If a film is drawn more than once during the live lottery, duplicate draws are voided and additional names are drawn until 7 unique films are selected. Entry fees are not refunded for voided duplicate draws.
81 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Daniel Rojo

    Great communication. Looking forward to July for my son's film; Closure.

    May 2026
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  • Ken Stewart

    Great venue...thank you for including my film in your festival.

    April 2026
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  • Vincent Marano

    Excellent communication. Great recognition. The festival is well worth your time.

    April 2026
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  • Aaron Goffman

    Thank you for selecting "Darcine's Day" and for the award of "2025 Best Short Film." The organizers are all professional and the communication was perfect. We felt very welcome and appreciated. Also, the other filmmakers are all top-notch, so we felt proud to be in their company. Thank you !@. Aaron G.

    June 2025
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  • George Adams

    We had a great time at the festival. Everyone was welcoming, the theater staff was professional.

    May 2025
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