BIFF 2022- please note, we are taking a hiatus for a short time while we explore BIFF's future iterations. We hote to update this page with dates for our next festival following our successful 6th Edition this past March. Thank you.

Jennifer Smith
Director/Co-Founder, The Barbados Independent Film Festival

Our requirements are as follows:

BIFF is seeking gripping NARRATIVE, DOCUMENTARY and SHORT films that celebrate resilience and our capacity to overcome adversity. In addition, special submission categories include: thought-provoking and impactful ENVIRONMENTAL films and OCEAN-THEMED environmental and adventure “short-short films” (under 10 minutes) for our SHORTS ON THE BEACH competition.

In addition to screening story-driven films from around the world, BIFF showcases the work of emerging, independent filmmakers.

Filmmakers will compete for a series of Jury, Festival Honors and Audience Awards. Each night films are paired with locally inspired events linked to highlighting the rich cultural and physical attributes of Barbados. Whether swaying to Caribbean rhythms under the stars at the outdoor Walled Garden Theatre, local food and rum tastings linked to film themes, or integrating local experts into post film discussions, BIFF endeavors to infuse a uniquely Bajan flavor into every event.

The Walled Garden-Barbados Film Festival Trust (WGBFFT) was formed in tandem with the Walled Garden Theatre Trust –whose mission is to support the conservation and restoration of the Barbados Museum and Garrison District (UNESCO world heritage sites) and invigorate them through the arts. The WGBFFT’s mission is to manage the Festival and related initiatives that support the arts, historic conservation and greater awareness of the link between environmental degradation and human health. Both the Walled Garden Film Festival Trust and the Walled Garden Theatre Trust are tax-exempt, charitable trusts. BIFF founders Sir Trevor Carmichael and Jennifer Smith are also Co-Directors and Executive Trustees for the Festival.

Awards & Prizes

Filmmakers will compete for:

Best of Festival
Best Feature Film
Best Documentary Film
Best Local Filmmaker
McNeel Impact Award - Feature Length Film that inspires and motivates change for a better world
Best Short Film (Under 30 minutes)
Best Short on the Beach - Short (Under 10 minutes) that celebrate our oceans
Carmichael Award for Exceptional Storytelling
BIFF Founders Award

Rules & Terms

All submitted films must comply with the Submissions Guidelines including deadlines, exhibition format, entry material, etc. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Final deadline for 2021 Festival submissions is August 31, 2020.

Your film will be watched, in its entirety, by at least 4 people; we therefore suggest that you submit your film as early as possible. Films submitted must be available in English or in the original language with English subtitles.

Entrants are responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, royalties, release forms, clearances, permits which are necessary to present their work. Neither the Walled Garden Barbados Film Festival Trust nor any of BIFF's venues is responsible for any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, or royalty infringement related to the work.

Notification will be emailed on October 1, 2020. All correspondence will be conducted through EMAIL ONLY to the original submitter.

The Barbados Independent Film Festival accepts entries via FilmFreeway.com, an online submissions platform.

11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Damian Paul Daniel

    Gotta thank Jennifer and Sir Trevor and the rest of the BIFF team for putting on such a wonderful festival. We were so glad to be able to travel from London and be a part of the event. There were some really strong films in the programme and interesting seminars and then to watch our films on the beach on the closing night was really special. Thank you. Dx

    March 2022
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  • Anthony Sherwood

    The 2022 Barbados Independent Film Festival was one of the best film festivals I have ever attended. The organizers of the festival were so kind and generous and went out of their way to ensure the filmmakers enjoyed their stay in Barbados. Thank you for your amazing hospitality.

    March 2022
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  • Jon Navarro

    The Barbados International is by far one of THE BEST film festivals I have ever attended. They were organized with the schedule for the days. BIFF was able to secure the Abidah by Accra for the filmmakers. They set up excursions/activities for the top half of the day; which I felt was a great way for the filmmakers to get to know each other. Some of the activities included planting trees, visiting a rum distillery, visiting a historic sugar cane plantation which is now used as a rum distillery, a boat cruise and a tour of the flower gardens. That afternoon/evening was filled with screenings and networking with various people in the industry.

    The Opening Gala was absolutely amazing. As we entered, we heard the amazing voices of the boys choir. They sounded amazing. After the boys choir finished, the filmmakers and guests were able to start taking pictures on the red carpet with the live steel pan music playing in the background. The Opening Film included a short documentary about the Barbados Cricket league and the narrative feature Joseph (one of the main actresses was Barbados Soca Star, Alison Hinds).

    Throughout the week there were many film screenings and workshops for filmmakers and guest to attend. The Awards Night and Closing films were held on the beach of the Southern Palms Hotel.

    As a filmmaker, I truly appreciate the activities and excursions BIFF set up for the filmmakers. Theses activities allowed the filmmakers to do community service such as plant trees as well as create a positive networking environment. The Barbados International Film Festival went above and beyond to ensure an informative and productive week for all.

    February 2020
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    Response from festival:

    It was such a pleasure to have Ronissha at the Festival. The Republican was a superb film and we very much hope to see you back with your next project. Best,

  • Michael Lees

    The Barbados film festival is an amazing opportunity for film makers! When we weren't watching films we were taken on excursions, snorkelling with turtles, walking through flower forests, touring rum distilleries, or down on the beach right next to our hotel. And as it is a small festival, drawing talent from around the region and around the globe there were so many opportunities to get to know other film makers all at different stages of our careers. Films are screened around the island at beautiful venues and there are lots of events to attend too. I almost don't want to let the secret out, but I have to give a big hats off to the whole organisation for such a wonderful experience.

    January 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for submitting your film Michael. We look forward to seeing your next project!

    Best,
    The BIFF Team

  • Kleon McPherson

    It was truly indeed an excellent Film Festival

    January 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks again for coming Kleon and for sharing your excellent film!