To be GREAT, you first have to be unafraid that you might be BAD.
We're looking for WEIRD, WILD, RIDICULOUS and OUTRAGEOUS films.
We love #LowBudget and #NoBudget.

We are only accepting short films now. Follow this page to find out when we hold a separate event for feature films.

Why "bad"? Q&A with festival co-founder, Starr Kendall:
http://badtheaterfest.com/about/

"Not bad meaning bad but bad meaning good."

INVERTED SUBMISSION FEES
From past festivals, we noticed it was easier to get accepted the earlier you submitted (when it was cheaper), yet as the submission period progressed the fees would increase though your chance of getting accepted decreased. This feels very unfair.

Since we preview films as they come in, we've decided to reverse our submission fee policy.
• Submit early/higher fee - Greater chance you get accepted
• Submit late/cheap - Lesser chance you get accepted

This is an experiment, but we hope this helps put filmmakers' needs above our own.

Awards & Prizes

- Audience Award
- Founders Award

Rules & Terms

You own the rights.

18 and over.
18 and under with parental/guardian permission.

Submitters warrant that they have the legal right to enter film work to the Bad Film Fest.

If accepted, entrants will be solely responsible for delivering their exhibition video materials to and from the festival.

Entrants acknowledge that no fiduciary or confidential relationship now exists between the Festival and entrants, and entrants further acknowledge that no such relationship is established by these guidelines.

No hate speech.
32 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • lucas immenschuh

    I love this Idea of making (good) bad films! But I wish they lived streamed it with a computer or tricaster, rather than a phone.

    May 2019
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  • Jeremiah Magoncia

    I had nothing but positive experience with Bad Film Fest! The organizers were very creative and really put much effort to provide a meaningful and fun live screening. It was fun to hear the reactions of people watching my film through FB Live. Other film festivals should learn from Bad Film Fest!

    May 2019
    Helpful
  • Ian Boyd

    Bad Film Fest is a fantastic experience all around! Shawn and Starr are excellent hosts curators. I urge anyone considering to please join us at the next event.

    May 2019
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  • ANITRA Esther

    Overall I BELIEVE the Bad Film Fest is a great opportunity and I will be definitely be submitting again.

    May 2019
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  • Alastair Cummings

    A quirky little fest with some brilliant hosts. I couldn't be there but they provide a live stream of all screenings which was amazing! It was fantastic to see the audience reaction to my film, something more fests need to do!

    May 2019
    Helpful