The 2026 Bainbridge Island Film Festival will take place November 12-15th, 2026, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, a short ferry-ride from Seattle. With over a dozen feature films and 30+ shorts, BIFF spotlights exciting new works from around the country and beyond, as well as championing works by regional artists and filmmakers of diverse backgrounds. A filmmaker-friendly festival, BIFF strives to give artists a welcoming and celebratory outlet for their work with screenings at the Historic Lynwood Theatre, Bainbridge Cinemas, and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art.

**50% off entry fees for Gold Members**

Rules & Terms

Dates and Programs
The Bainbridge Island Film Festival will take place November 6-9, 2025.

Films will be considered for inclusion in the following categories:

Feature Films (40min+)
Fiction Feature
Nonfiction Feature
Midnight Feature*
Island Spotlight (Regional)*
Opening Night Film*
Closing Night Film*

*Should be submitted in either FICTION or NONFICTION category

Short Films (under 40min)
Fiction Short
Nonfiction Short
Midnight Short
Kitsap Short (Regional)
Kitsap Youth Short (Regional, Under 18)

Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration, films must:
- not have premiered at festivals before January, 2025.
- not be commercially or publicly available prior to screening at BIFF.
- be in their original language with English subtitles when applicable.

Fees:
All entry fees must accompany your submission.

We accept payment made only through FilmFreeway's payment system.

Entry fees are nonrefundable.

The following films are exempt from entry fees:

- Films made by filmmakers from Kitsap County.
- Films shot predominantly (50% or more) in Kitsap County.

Gold Members receive 50% discount on fees. (Surely you've spent enough money already on your films).

If Selected
Films:
- must be available to screen on DCP.
- must have all rights cleared.

Filmmakers:
- will be notified by September 30, 2026.
- are responsible for print shipment to the festival (return shipping provided by BIFF).
- must provide promotional materials in advance.

Promotional Usage
Participants agree that all materials related to their films (including footage that shall not exceed 3 minutes) may be used by the festival for purposes of information, advertisement, promotion, and in all media.

Print Liability
The Bainbridge Island Film Festival holds no responsibility for prints damaged upon arrival and may reject or replace the film in the Festival if this requirement is not met. The Festival will insure the safety of film prints only from the time of delivery to the Festival through the time the print is delivered to a shipping agent for return. In case of loss or damage to a print, the Festival must receive notification and independent verification immediately. The Festival’s obligation is limited to compensating the producer only for the cost of replacing the damaged tape(s)/ drive(s).

Print Shipping
Selected film prints must be received no later than 14 days prior to first screening date unless pre-approved by the Bainbridge Island Film Festival.

Prints will be returned to the submission contact within 10 days after the close of the festival, unless pre-arranged with the festival prior.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jason Alan Rodriguez

    Highly Recommended:

    Attending the Bainbridge Island Film Festival (BIFF) was an absolute highlight of our festival run for Surface Obsidian. This is truly a festival that treats filmmakers with respect and warmth.

    Festival founder and organizer, Charles Poekel, and the entire volunteer team are incredibly kind and welcoming. Their enthusiasm made the experience feel personal and intimate, fostering a wonderful sense of community among all the attendees. We felt genuinely supported from the moment we arrived.

    The screening venue, the historic Lynwood Theater, is pure cinematic charm. It’s a beautifully vintage and cool theater that provided the perfect, atmospheric setting for our film's premiere. The entire experience of seeing Surface Obsidian screened there was unforgettable.

    If you are considering submitting your work, I cannot recommend BIFF enough. It’s a beautifully curated festival with a fantastic, welcoming atmosphere and organizers who truly love film. Thank you to Charles, the volunteers, and the whole BIFF team!

    November 2025
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  • Dan Rosenberg

    Great time with great people! Thank you for selecting us to participate in this year’s festival!

    November 2025
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  • Bob Kotyk

    We had a wonderful time at BIFF for the World Premiere of our short The Border at Tolstoi. Terrific programming, great hospitality, and a wonderful & warm community feel. We would absolutely submit again and hope to return. Huge thanks to the whole team!

    November 2025
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  • Alex Granstrom

    Was lucky enough to get our short film into this festival. Had a blast going around, checking out the different venues and films they had showing. For anyone living in Seattle, it's just a boat ride over, literal smooth sailing.

    They had an opening night screening/shindig, and all the other filmmakers were very open, and the staff were accommodating! Would definitely go again! Thank y'all

    January 2025
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  • Rishi Raj

    I was shocked (in a good way) to learn how young this festival was. It was incredibly well run and high quality despite only being in its second year..The venue was great and the quality of the other submissions was also very high. I felt honored to be included and it was well worth the trip.

    January 2025
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