This is a live, in-person film festival BY filmmakers, FOR filmmakers!
Visit the beautiful historic spa town of Berkeley Springs West Virginia and enjoy the festival at the intimate 224 seat Historic Star Theater!
We expect half the films accepted will receive an award, and all accepted films will receive a free all-access pass for the festival. All-access and Saturday day-pass holders may attend our seminars on Saturday with industry insiders covering topics are still TBD. In past years we had: How to get a job on a major motion picture; How to go about using a mining location for an apocalyptic/exotic film location; SAG presentation on requirements for micro-budget films; Set Safety; Special Effects Makeup, Introduction to Cinematography and how to get accepted at film festivals.
Attend the on-stage Awards Ceremony and after-party Saturday night. Stay in a posh local hotel or B&B and walk to the festival, or save a buck by staying in Hancock MD just 6 miles away, or drive in for the day to see your film on the big screen at the historic Star Theater. You are welcome to sell your merchandise at the festival (contact us after your film has been accepted). We will also provide judges feedback on your film via email, if you request it, regardless whether your film is accepted or not.
We are looking for quality, entertaining films of ALL genres. Special emphasis on ENTERTAINING. See Rules & Terms below for details.
To purchase tickets for family, friends or associates, please go to our website:
www.BSfilmfestival.com
We expect at least half the films accepted will receive an award. There is no need to choose a category for your film, other than Documentary or Narrative, and based on runtime (short, feature, etc.). We will evaluate all films for every award, so no need to pay to submit for different award categories. You do not need to be present to win an award, however, it is strongly encouraged and you must be present to receive an award certificate or prize. The audience wants to meet filmmakers.
We are currently soliciting prizes including equipment and cash to be given to as many top winners as possible. We are still working on prizes but last year gave away 5 licenses for WriterDuet screenwriting software. More info later. YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN A PRIZE. If you are not present, your prize will be given to the runner-up that is present at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday night.
Provided we get films that fit in these categories, awards will be given for a minimum of:
Best Short Documentary
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Narrative Film
Best Feature Narrative Film
Second Best Short Documentary
Second Best Feature Documentary
Second Best Short Narrative Film
Second Best Feature Narrative Film
Best Sound Design
Best Sound Track
Best Audio
Best Short Script
Best Feature Script
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Special Effects
Best Editing (Short)
Best Editing (Feature)
Best Directing (Short)
Best Directing (Feature)
Best Cinematography (Short)
Best Cinematography (Feature)