BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL

BUSHWICK FILM FESTIVAL TERMS OF ENTRY (2026, 19th Annual)

By submitting to the Bushwick Film Festival (BFF), you acknowledge and agree to the following terms:

SUBMISSIONS

The Bushwick Film Festival accepts all forms and genres that align with the equivalent of G, PG, PG-13, R, or NC-17 ratings, as determined by BFF programmers. We do not accept submissions containing explicit sexual content.

Entry does not guarantee acceptance into the festival.

We accept films that have premiered elsewhere and films that may already have distribution. However, TV, theatrical, online, festival, or other public screenings that occur within the same month as the festival may affect eligibility.

Final Cuts Only (No Rough Cuts)

All films submitted to competition categories must be final, polished versions.
We do not accept rough cuts or incomplete versions for competition.

Works-in-Progress Category

Works-in-Progress may be submitted only to the dedicated Works-in-Progress Showcase category. Projects must clearly indicate what elements are incomplete (e.g., color, sound mix, VFX). Incomplete films submitted to any category other than Works-in-Progress will be disqualified.

Multiple entries are allowed; each requires its own entry form and fee. Submission fees are non-refundable.

Exhibition Format:

The Bushwick Film Festival screens DCP format only. Selected filmmakers are responsible for providing a compliant DCP and any associated delivery costs. If your film is selected, we provide recommendations on where to create a DCP.

EXHIBITION & SCREENING:

Screenings are scheduled at the discretion of the festival. While every effort is made to adhere to the published schedule, BFF reserves the right to make changes at any time. The festival is not liable for costs incurred because of schedule changes.

If an officially selected film is withdrawn after tickets have gone on sale, or within one month of the festival, the filmmaker may be responsible for associated costs.

To protect festival premieres and audience experience, selected films may not screen publicly in the Tri-State Area within four (4) weeks prior to their BFF screening, unless approved by the festival.

If selected, I grant BFF permission to exhibit the film at the 19th Annual Bushwick Film Festival (2026) and at any associated BFF events. All screening dates, times, and venues are determined solely by the festival.

BFF may upload the film to a secure, password-protected platform for jury review and internal programming purposes.

Filmmakers are responsible for all costs related to submission, exhibition copy delivery, postage, insurance, and personal travel.

LOSS OR DAMAGE:

While BFF takes reasonable precautions to protect submission materials, the festival is not responsible for loss or damage during shipping, transit, or while in the festival's possession.

ENTRY LIABILITY:

I hold the Bushwick Film Festival, its staff, sponsors, volunteers, representatives, and affiliates harmless from any claims of liability related to the submission, handling, or screening of the film.

I certify that all rights—including music, performances, images, and copyrighted materials—have been legally obtained for exhibition.

The producer agrees to indemnify the festival against all claims, demands, losses, damages, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from the submitted film or its screening at the festival.

OWNERSHIP & COPYRIGHT:

The submitting filmmaker must own all rights to the film or have secured all necessary permissions for exhibition.

Upon request, the filmmaker must provide documentation including (but not limited to):

- music licenses
- appearance releases
- location releases
- copyright clearance documentation

The filmmaker assumes full legal responsibility for the film’s content.

AGREEMENT:

By submitting, I affirm that all statements in my application are true and that I comply with all Bushwick Film Festival rules, guidelines, and Terms of Entry.

I understand that failure to adhere to these terms may result in disqualification without refund.