Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) is a unique and intimate Film Festival taking place in Nassau, the Bahamas showcasing films from around the globe.

Prospective submitters can be comfortable in submitting their films to the Festival, as it employs a fair and non-biased system of adjudication. Jurors are selected among the most professional in the international film industry as they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity for networking with some of the greatest minds in the industry.

BIFF presents world premieres and all films shown at BIFF are Bahamian premieres. There are four competition categories; Spirit of Freedom: Narrative & Documentary; New Visions; and Short Film. Special sections include World Cinema as well as Gala Screenings.

BIFF offers much to the filmmaker by way of networking in a relaxed, island atmosphere while simultaneously providing all the amenities of an excellent festival.

BIFF films are ones that Bahamians would otherwise not have the opportunity to see. Filmmakers are available for discussion and questions from the audience after select films allowing the audience the opportunity to enter another world.

Other events throughout the week include Opening Night Gala and Closing Night Films and Receptions, tribute ceremonies to a Shining Star and a Career Achievement Tribute Awards, Grand Jury awards, Panel discussions, Master Classes and an intense Screenwriters Residency Program to mentor scriptwriters. The educational programs discuss topics such as How to Find Representation, Film Financing and The Art of Collaboration. BIFF offers an exciting Youth Film Workshop, visiting schools throughout The Bahamas to teach the knowledge and provide the tools necessary to make a film.

REVIEWS:
Jeffrey Lyons, one of Hollywood’s best-known film critics and author of “The Stories My Father Told Me” has high praise for BIFF. He says, "The Bahamas International Film Festival is a shining light among a large field of film festivals; it has an astonishing intimacy about it. Young filmmakers, many of them talented Bahamians, get to rub shoulders with movie stars and established filmmakers; contacts they might otherwise not have. It is a celebration of international artistic achievement in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and a vital part of The Bahamas' standing as a creative Mecca for all."

__

Michael Graf: The BIFF Screenwriter's Residency Program is a game-changer. 5 aspiring writers, 5 A-List Producers & Writers on an island with the sole focus of taking the screenwriter's work to the next level. Rarely do writers get to experience such an in-depth program. A must for any serious and aspiring screenwriter.

__

The Bahamas International Film Festival is a non – profit organization dedicated to providing the local community and international visitors with a diverse presentation of films from around the world. In addition to offering films that might not otherwise be released theatrically in the Bahamas, BIFF will provide a unique cultural experience, educational programs, and forums for exploring the future of cinema.

Awards & Prizes

BIFF offers Competitive Categories such as Best Screenplay, Spirit of Freedom (Narrative & Documentary), New Visions for first and second time filmmakers and Short Films. You will meet filmmakers, industry professionals and the enthusiastic Bahamian audience. Access to films, events and programs throughout the film festival is very accessible and provides settings that are very intimate for networking.

Filmmakers are the celebrities at BIFF. Films in competition are treated to a grand time where lodging or transportation are provided. They are able to enjoy various places of interest, as the Festival showcases several locations around Hope Town and New Providence for its many activities. Opportunities to connect with various celebrities and industry professionals abound through arranged Filmmaker Retreats, panel discussions, a Filmmaker lounge, which offers a comfortable meeting area, happy hours throughout the week and special screenings. Gala events too are planned with the filmmaker in mind. At present, BIFF has several gala events that include:

1. Opening Night Gala and Film
2. Closing Night Gala and Film
3. BIFF Awards Ceremony

Additional Prizes:
Cash Prizes and more

Rules & Terms

ELIGIBILITY
Films must never have been screened anywhere in the Bahamas prior to the Festival
Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway's online.
Films must have been completed after January 2020 to be eligible
Non- English-language films must be subtitled in English
Only online screenings will be accepted for preview.
All Submissions will be added to the BIFF archives and made available to buyers and distributors upon request.
Films Submitted will not receive screening fees for showcasing films
Films selected will be placed in the appropriate category by BIFF
Participants who are selected will be notified via email of the selection results approximately six weeks before the Festival. Shipping instructions for films selected for the Festival will be included.
The festival accepts limited responsibility for technical damage to prints or tapes and for loss or theft for the period of time that the prints are in the Festival’s possession, up to a maximum of $100.

The delivery cost of the exhibition print will be borne by the applicant. BIFF will cover the return or forwarding cost of the exhibition print but not any additional charges, which may be incurred at the consignee’s end.
Programmed works may be excerpted (up to 2 minutes) for television and other promotional purposes
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Julia Verdin

    The Bahamas international film festival is truly wonderful. Leslie has great energy and makes all feel very welcome. The panels and films were all fantastic and even though the festival was virtual this year, Leslie found ways for the filmmakers to meet each other and share experiences and stories. Every effort was made to celebrate film and the filmmakers and connect all. I just can't wait to be able to go in person to a future festival. Highly recommend! Thanks Leslie and team for a great experience.

    January 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Julia, it is such a joy to have you as part of the BIFF family. I am a huge fan of you and your films. Your passion for your actors, the story, and your participation I am truly honored. Thank you thank you!!

  • Nick Brandestini

    I can highly recommend The Bahamas International Film Festival! Leslie and her team were truly amazing hosts! THANK YOU for including our film SAPELO! The festival was put together beautifully, and the online platform (due to the Corona situation) was really cool and innovative. Great films and special events too! I wish I could have attended in person. The location looks fantastic, and I can't wait to visit one day!

    January 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Hi Nick Thank you so much for an amazing review. To anyone reviewing Sapelo, this is one of my favorite films, and can not recommend it enough. I LOVED IT and the audience did too. Thank you thank you. I can not wait to see more of your films and continue to see your career blossom to great heights

  • L Zipoy

    What a FANTASTIC festival through and through. Warm hospitality from Leslie Vanderpool and everyone at the fest. The films were outstanding. The panels discussions were extremely relevant and offered great insights into producing, collaboration, music, distribution and so much more. The fun vibe of the festival shone through even virtually. I look forward to being in the Bahamas in person for the next edition of the festival.

    January 2021
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    What an amazing film THE SUBJECT and an amazing director !!! Lanie Zipoy !! You are ALWAYS welcomed back to BIFF and can wait to see more films from you and see your star continue to rise. All my best and thank you!!!

  • Susan Polk

    The Bahamas Int'l Film Festival is, hands down, the best film festival I've ever attended! Its first week is dedicated to the Filmmakers. Its second week (in which I participated in 2018) is dedicated to the Screenwriters with the BIFF Screenwriters Residency Program. Not only are the FINALISTS (not just the winner!) sponsored in their travel and lodging, you are paired with serious industry professionals. You have one on one meetings, you have workshops and panels. You have time with your fellow writers. You have time to sit on the beach with yours script mulling over notes and inspirations. You also get to see the Best of the Best from the Films week, and meet many of those filmmakers! The best value for your entry fees I've encountered. You've invested in your writing, BIFF invests in you.

    June 2019
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Susan it truly takes an amazing writer like you to understand the vision of the program. We will continue to support you and writers that are a part of BIFF. Once again thank you so much for your generosity, talent and being one of the best mouth piece for the Writers Residency Program.

  • Michael Graf

    The BIFF Screenwriter's Residency Program is a game changer. 5 aspiring writers, 5 A-List Producers & Writers on an island with the sole focus of taking the screenwriter's work to the next level. Rarely do writers get to experience such an in-depth program. A must for any serious and aspiring screenwriter.

    December 2018
    Helpful
    Logo
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kind words, we are thrilled that the program is benefiting your career. We are always here to support you and others. Once again thank you it was an honor to have you.