Bare Bones was created to champion the small budget filmmaker who wears many hats to bring their project to completion By Any Means Necessary. BAMN! 'No Frills-No Waste' is our common battle cry.

If you are a fiercely independent filmmaker producing small budget films this festival is for you.

We are a festival run by Filmmakers, Professors of Film and Film Fans for Filmmakers, Film Students and Film Fans at all levels of expertise. This is a festival where recognition is generous and you are the Star no matter what role you played or how many roles you assumed, everyone is treated like a Rock Star. We roll out the red carpet for your premiere, allow time for Q & A following the screening, or the block of films if you are in the shorts category.

If you have special skills, you may be invited to moderate a panel or participate as a panelist.
Festival Alumni are invited to serve as Awards Presenters during the Bonehead Awards Gala/Ceremony, along with Actors, and Community Leaders.

Awards & Prizes

Indie Auteur Ambassador-Top award given to the Best of the Best, qualifying with a minimum of 4 key credited production positions: i.e. Writer, Producer, Director, Lead Actor (Male-Female), Cinematographer, Editor, PR/Marketer, Original Music Composer.
Winner get a gold medallion and encouraged to participate in the Ambassador Panel. Other special assignments may be offered. i.e. Awards Presenter, Workshop Presenter, etc. Festival reserves the right to make changes when necessary.

* In the following categories Bonehead top winner receives a Mounted Bonehead or Trophy or Certificate, Laurel, or other type of award at the discretion of the Judging team. Title subject to change.
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Best of Fest Feature Narrative Film*
Best Producer-Best Feature Picture Awards*
Best of Fest Short Subject Narrative Film*
Best of Fest Maximum Short Film*
Best Director: Short-Feature*

In all of the following categories top Winner receives a Bare Bones Festival Gold Medallion, Certificate, Laurel or other type award at festival discretion.

Best Animation Film
Best Foreign Language Feature Film
Best Foreign Origin Feature Film
Best Cinematography in a Feature Film
Best Editing in a Feature Film
Best Soundtrack/Score/Song in a Feature Film
Best Production Design in a Feature Film
Best Ensemble Cast (Up to 8 named Lead/Support Actors/cast members)
Best Male/Female: Lead Actor, Character/Support Actor, Youth Actor in a Feature
Best Script-2-Screen Movie (Script entered in Bare Bones Screenwriting Competition now a movie)
Best Oklahoma Setting/Soil Film (shot on Ok Soil)
Best Domestic Violence/Trafficking Awareness Film
Best Genre Awards: Horror, Faith, Comedy, Drama, Western, Sci-Fi, Docu-Drama, Thriller, Medieval, Action, Bio-pic, Music Documentary, Social Issue Documentary, etc.

Awards may be added or deleted at the discretion of Judging team

Named Awards (People living or dead) are presented at the discretion of the Judging team/Festival Director.

Festival reserves the right to NOT select award for any listed category.

Rules & Terms

GENERAL RULES
It is encouraged but not required that all screenplays/movies should be copyrighted/registered with the Writers Guild of America or the Library of Congress.

A budget summary should be included for feature length movies to verify that the project meets the "Bare Bones" requirement of less than $1 million budget category I Features of more than a million but less than $5 million for budget category 2 INDIEWOOD Features. Most will be Festival Alumni who started as a Bare Bones Filmmaker. Hollywood/Studio Funded Films are not in festival competition but may be showcased at discretion of Festival Director.

The festival is under no obligation to provide airfare, accommodations or other expenses incurred to attend the festival. We will list the Lodging options that may offer a discount to Bare Bones Filmmakers & attendees to the festival.

Filmmakers/Screenwriters attending the festival will be granted 2 VIP Gold Bare Bones Festival Passes as outlined in each category. Additional passes/Tickets may be purchased at a discount for crew, cast or special guests.

Films produced or initiated by a major movie studio are not eligible for competition, but may be considered for a showcase; but will not compete.

All entries must come with the non-refundable entry fee and online screener. Download options from Youtube, Vimeo are to be password-free.
Optional: Send a Flash Drive, Blu-ray for consideration or for EXHIBITION.

The live screening selections require a downloadable link if under 1gb otherwise, a flash drive that is PC compatible (not apple) or a Blu-Ray for exhibition.

Live screening slots time/date/venue are at the sole discretion of the festival judges, directors, programmers, all decisions are final.

NOTE: Festival Website (www.barebonesfilmfestival.org) will be main source for updates on selections and scheduling.

The online screening platform (Entertainment Oxygen) will be setup and activated prior to selection of live screenings. More up-to-date info will be on the website.

The festival does NOT grant ENTRY FEE waivers. Please do not tell us that you have run out of money submitting your project to other festivals.

The festival does not return screeners, exhibition Flash Drives or Blu-Rays unless a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped ( or UPS/FEDEX) Envelope is provided or prior arrangements are made for in-person pickup post-festival.

Non-English projects must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.

All films that are selected as official selections:
A Festival movie poster graphic (theatrical style) will be posted on the festival website (Logline, short synopsis) prior to the festival and may remain on the website for up to 60 days after the festival.

Be sure to list the GENRE or special consideration (i.e. OK Soil/Setting, Domestic Violence Awareness, Indie Auteur, etc) that you feel your film belongs in. (limit of 2).

All accepted films are requested to submit a promotional press kit, either electronic or paper. Postcards, fliers may be sent in hard copy to the festival headquarters. Poster graphics must be emailed in time (as specified) for a web listing and for program schedules.
Hard Copy Posters for Competition or for Promotion of your film must arrive at least 30 days prior to festival. Sizes are optional. 11x17 to 41x27. For a physical display, send framed or funds to purchase a frame.

All participants are encouraged to engage in "Shameless Do-It-Your-Self-Promotions" by any means necessary to help build an audience for their screening. YOU are responsible for soliciting an audience for your film beyond what the festival does.

Do not expect the festival to individually promote your film screening. Use your postcard fliers to personally share with prospective in-person attendees. Invite your database to join the festival's fan club via the EOapp for virtual (online screening & award consideration)

All films are encouraged to send their weblinks for downloadable trailers (vimeo, youtube, and facebook) for promotional purposes. TRAILERS ARE KEY FOR FESTIVAL PROMOTIONS.

Award Mail-outs for non-attendees range from $15-USA-to $30 Canada & 55+ for International (depends on country) for proper packaging, shipping and handling,

Those who want duplicate awards or Awards Certificates for their filmmaking partners, producers, cast or crew may order and pre-pay for duplicate awards plus packaging, shipping and handling. Award winners may also order an upgraded Award plaque or Trophy at the posted pricing. (listed on main festival website)
133 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Sterling Gates

    An incredible festival nestled in the heart of a small Oklahoma town. Supportive, communicative, and full of talent. Highly recommended.

    April 2025
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  • Devin Montgomery

    I would highly suggest any filmmaker to submit to Bare Bones. This is an amazing festival where they really strive to put the filmmakers first. Everyone is so welcoming and supportive. This was my 3rd time and it was one of our best festival experiences and screenings for our feature film “Monsters Within.” The Roxy Theater is such an amazing venue as well. If you’re an Oklahoma filmmaker, this is a great place to screen in your home state. But even if you’re not from Oklahoma, this festival will make you feel at home. Thank you to Bare Bones for a great festival weekend! We had a blast! 🎥🎬🏆

    March 2025
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  • john marshall

    great folks
    I can't wait to go back

    April 2025
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  • Sam Pittman

    Bare Bones International Film Festival is hands down my all-time favorite festival to attend! Sharon, Oscar, and every incredible volunteer put in so much effort each year to make this festival truly special.

    The films are fantastic, but the people? Even better! Huge thanks to everyone who makes Bare Bones such a welcoming and unforgettable experience every year.

    April 2025
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  • Larry Foley

    One of my favorite film festivals. Sharon and her team do a wonderful job. They are so welcoming and friendly. The Roxy Theatre is lovely venue.

    April 2025
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