**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, the Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF) has become a vital institution for independent cinema and emerging talent. We've provided a dynamic platform for nearly 1000 filmmakers from over 60 countries, creating a diverse and inclusive space for their unique stories.
Located in the vibrant community of Bushwick, BFF has grown into a five-day event that offers an exciting range of screenings, panels, events, and networking opportunities. We take great pride in fostering a supportive and inclusive community that values creativity, individuality, and the exchange of ideas.
Our contributions to Brooklyn's cultural, artistic, and economic growth have been widely recognized, including by elected officials. Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, such as Spectrum/Charter Communications, Delta Airlines, Popsugar, Johnny Walker, Caress, B&H Photo, Canon, Master Card, Hello Allice, IFundWomen, and many local organizations, we've been able to expand our public programming and establish powerful international and youth filmmaking programs for underrepresented storytellers in Brooklyn and West Africa. Our founder, Kweighbaye Kotee, is a movie enthusiast whose passion for storytelling and commitment to collaboration and inclusivity has been instrumental in driving the festival forward.
As we celebrate our 16th festival, we remain steadfast in our mission to share compelling stories with an ever-growing audience. We're thrilled to showcase the best independent films from emerging filmmakers in Brooklyn and around the world, and we look forward to continuing to provide a platform for diverse voices in the industry.
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 the 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