**BFF Alumni, productions shot in Bushwick, and filmmakers who are residents of Bushwick are eligible for a discount. If eligible for this discount, please complete this form: https://bit.ly/DiscountForm

For more information or questions please email info@bushwickfilmfestival.com.

Over the past 16 years, BFF has become an industry staple for new talent and a premiere space for independent cinema in Brooklyn. We have showcased the works of over 800 local and international filmmakers from more than 60 countries, providing a platform for diverse stories. Located in Bushwick, one of Brooklyn’s most creative and culturally rich communities, the festival offers five days full of screenings, panels, events, and networking opportunities.

With a long history full of fantastic screenings, people, and moments, we are as driven as ever to continue our quest to share amazing stories with an ever-growing audience. We are so proud to be celebrating 16 years of showcasing independent films from the best-emerging filmmakers from Brooklyn and around the world and we hope you will join us!

Please watch this video we made last year for prospective filmmakers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBbUBcviviI&feature=youtu.be

Please watch this video we shout during the 2020 BFF for a brief history of BFF presented by the festival founder Kweighbaye Kotee: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PotHEje5aZ4

See what the media is saying about BFF!

“BFF gives, directors, cinematographers, and actors from around the world a platform to shine On" – PopSugar

“This year’s festival features more than 135 indie features from 27 countries. While it’s long presented such awards as Best Feature (Narrative & Documentary), Best Short (Narrative & Documentary), and Best Series, it will now also welcome screenplays into competition.” – Deadline

“The Bushwick Film Festival shines a light on indie filmmakers and diversity in the film industry.”– NBC

“This is the moment that Brooklyn film buffs have been waiting for.” – News 12

"The Bushwick Film Festival is [...] working to shine a light on indie filmmakers and diversity in the film industry." - NBC / Positively Black

“An opportunity to see amazing films that you won’t find in regular U.S. cinemas. They are true gems!” - Indiewire

“A cultural institution in the Bushwick Art Scene.” - Times-News Weekly

“Get to know NYC’s next filmmaking generation at the Bushwick Film Festival.” - Tribeca Film

“In one of the premier arts communities of Brooklyn, the Bushwick Film Festival provides a unique opportunity to explore diverse New York voices alongside those from abroad, to both celebrate the beauty, the absurdity, and even the difficulty of life while pushing to increase our awareness and inclusion of world-views outside our own.” -Bklyner

“No one does it better here in the borough of Brooklyn.” - Eric L. Adams, Mayor of New York City

The Bushwick Film Festival presents awards in the following categories:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best Short Film Narrative
Best Short Film Doc
Best Web Series
Best Screenplay
Best NFT
Best Actor / Outstanding Performance
Special Jury Prizes in all categories
Programmers Choice Award in all categories

Bushwick Film Festival Terms of Entry:

I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions:

SUBMISSIONS:
The Bushwick Film Festival accepts all forms and genres that would be deemed within a G, PG, PG-13, R, or NC-17 rating by BFF programmers. We do not accept pornographic entertainment. Entry does not guarantee acceptance into The Bushwick Film Festival.

We also accept submissions that have premiered elsewhere and that may have distribution agreements already in place. However, TV, theatrical, online video, other festival, or other distribution outlets that run concurrently or in the same month of the festival may not be eligible for screening. Rough cuts and incomplete projects are not accepted.

Multiple entries are allowed, however, a separate entry form must be submitted for each. Bushwick Film Festival has the capability to screen MOV files, BluRay, DVD, and DCP.

The Bushwick Film Festival will not return or refund a submission fee after a film has been submitted.

EXHIBITION & SCREENING:
Screenings are scheduled during the Festival at the discretion of The Bushwick Film Festival. Whilst every effort will be made to adhere to the published schedule, Bushwick Film Festival reserves the right to make changes at any time for any reason. Bushwick Film Festival will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in scheduling. No film may be withdrawn from the festival program after its selection, and no film may be screened outside the festival venue (in the Tri-State Area) during the Festival weekend, or 4 weeks prior to the film's official presentation, without our approval.

If chosen as an official selection, Bushwick Film Festival is granted permission to exhibit the film at the 2023 (15th Annual) Bushwick Film Festival and all associated Bushwick Film Festival screenings. The location and timing of any screenings of the film shall be the sole decision of the organizers of the Film Festival. Bushwick Film Festival has the right to upload the film to the Bushwick Film Festival secure screening panel website to make submission available to Bushwick Film Festival Jury Members and to media.

Filmmakers will be solely responsible for all costs resulting from the submission of the film to the Festival including but not limited to postage or insurance of the film, and expenses of your staff or any representatives of the film.

The producer will indemnify the organizers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings, and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

LOSS OR DAMAGE:
Although every precaution will be taken to prevent loss or damage to materials while in the possession of the festival, The Bushwick Film Festival is not responsible should any materials be damaged while in transit to or from, or while in the possession of the Bushwick Film Festival.

ENTRY LIABILITY:
I hold The Bushwick Film Festival, its management, juries, subsidiaries, agents, sponsors, affiliates, and etc. harmless from any and all claims of liability resulting from entry. I certify that I have full rights to the use of the music in the Production.

Producer will indemnify the organizers of the Festival against all claims, demands, costs, damages, expenses (including legal fees), proceedings, and losses resulting from the screening of the film at the Festival or from claims by any third parties.

OWNERSHIP & COPYRIGHT:
Producer/Filmmaker must own all copyrights; must be able to provide model/actor release verification if requested; must be able to provide music, product, and other copyright licensing verification if requested. Producer agrees to take on all copyright liability in regard to the submitted film.

AGREEMENT:
I have read, understand, and fully comply with all submission eligibility, submission guidelines, Terms and Conditions of Entry, and Entry Eligibility requirements

To the best of my knowledge, all of the statements in my submission application are true. I understand that any failure to follow and adhere to the Rules and Regulations of the 2021 Festival will result in the disqualification of the film.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Peter Ahern

    A wonderful experience, we were so happy to have our short Buzzkill included this year! This fest goes above and beyond to connect filmmakers and film fans with plenty of events, parties, Q&As and more. Was really impressed with the level of diverse, high quality programming and loved soaking up the good vibes amongst the brooklyn sights and venues.

    December 2022
  • Sadly, I wasn't able to attend this year - which became increasingly heartbreaking as I saw how AMAZING this fest was, how much eattention they give to every single short and feature, how much fun and celebration of the craft was planned for and available to the filmmakers and other attendees. Even though I couldn't be there in person, they made me feel like I was a part of the fest including sharing specific reminders to buy tickets for my shorts block that were specifically promoting my film (Mairzy Doats). Couldn't thank the good folks at Bushwick enough - and can't wait to complete the next project so I can submit again - and be there in person for this fabulous fest!

    December 2022
  • Karoline Xu

    Awesome festival experience and dedicated team! Super fun events, too!

    February 2022
  • Vincent Martell

    This festival set the standard for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better audience for this webseries. The programmers care deeply and you feel it. Love to Bushwick Film Fest and Kweighbaye forever.

    February 2022
  • Marie O'Connell

    Review by Aoife Willamson, Director: "I have nothing but rave reviews for this festival! The curation was thought provoking, inclusive, risk taking and refreshing. I feel like they really have a respect for the artists' vision, no matter what size the budget is. The organisers communicated well throughout, there were plenty of chances to connect with other filmmakers and they had a fantastic launch night at the start of the festival, and all this was done in a safe way, during a pandemic. The festival's founder, Kweighbaye Kotee, is very present, friendly, dazzling and is extremely on her s***. I definitely felt honoured to have my first film premiere here. I know this festival is going to get big."

    February 2022