TOP 100 BEST REVIEWED FILM FESTIVAL

FOR SELECTED FILMMAKERS PLANNING ON ATTENDING
*FREE Breakfast & lunch on screening days PROVIDED FOR FILMMAKER (WITH 2026 BIFF CREDENTIALS) EXCLUDES ALCOHOL

MISSION & OBJECTIVE
The mission of the Beaufort International Film Festival is to enliven our community by fostering and developing a rich appreciation for art of filmmaking.

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
In 2026 The Beaufort Film Society will present the Twentieth Annual Beaufort International Film Festival. Six days of international and local short films, feature films, animation, filmmakers surprises, educational forums, guest speakers, parties, and the quiet charm of historic Beaufort will all be on display.

Many of the filmmakers will be here at the festival to talk about and answer your questions about their films, and this is possibly your only opportunity to get close to them and see their early works before they get "discovered". The purpose of the festival is to recognize aspiring filmmakers of almost every genre to include independent film, music, animation, short and long features,documentaries, and screenwriting.

It is also an opportunity to showcase the beautiful "film-friendly" region of Beaufort and the Carolina Sea Islands. For the past quarter of a century Beaufort has served as the backdrop for more than 20 major motion pictures, to include Forrest Gump, The Big Chill, The Prince of Tides,and many more. Through this festival we will reintroduce our sweeping marsh vistas, antebellum homes, and quiet charm of the old south to a new generation of filmmakers.

Notable perks for selected filmmakers are breakfast and boxed lunches are offered FREE to Filmmakers (2026 BIFF Official Selections) on screening days with festival credentials, EXCLUDES alcohol. FULL ACCESS VIP passes are provided to all credited filmmakers up to 4 in your film which provides access to EVERYTHING offered by the festival. As a bonus, if you are selected, you will then be a BIFF ALUMNI and future entry fees to the festival for future projects are waived FOREVER.

Awards are presented in the categories as follows:

Judged categories:

Feature Film
Documentaries (Feature and Short)
Short Film
Student Film
Animation
Screenplays (Feature Film)
Actress
Actor
Director
ScoreMusic
Ensemble Cast
Duty & Honor Film Collection (Military, Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue)

Audience Voted

Comedy
Audience Choice

Online screeners are preferred until notification of acceptance, at which time a high definition (1080p) (Maximum Video Resolution 1920 X 1080 and Audio up to 7.1 Surround Sound but for best performance we recommend 5.1) Exhibition version .mp4 digital file will be requested. The Vimeo Screener may be made available for download for convenience. Otherwise the Official Screener must be sent via digital transfer, i.e. Dropbox, High Tail, WeTransfer, etc. Entries are accepted in .mp4 format. For Disclaimer: We reserve the right to down sample any films submitted to match the projector resolution in order to provide the best showing possible to our audiences.

• All submissions must have been completed after January 1, 2022 unless a waiver is granted.
• All films must be in English or have English subtitles. Non-subtitled or dubbed foreign language films will not be considered.
• All clearances must be obtained for exhibition.
• Only the Producer, Director, Screenwriter or someone closely connected to the film may complete the application. Schools may submit films on behalf of student filmmakers in the Student Category.
• Only complete entries will be accepted. This includes the non-refundable entry fee paid to the order of BIFF, a signed and completed entry form and an online screener. Filmmakers may apply electronically via FilmFreeway.
• Films submitted in previous years will not be accepted for submission unless a waiver is granted.
• The programmers at BIFF actively pursue the best in American independent and world cinema for the annual Festival. Films that have been released on video or DVD, have been widely screened on television or cable, or have been released theatrically preclude the Festival from accepting those films for competition. Entries that appear in their entirety on YouTube or Vimeo or other video exhibition program will not be accepted. Exceptions are sometimes made for such films to be programmed at the Festival out of competition but are determined on a case by case basis.

Film Categories for Competition:

• Feature-length films (narrative or documentary) must be 40 minutes or longer.
• Film Shorts (narrative, documentary, experimental, animated) must be 39 minutes or less.
• Student films must have been completed after January 1, 2022 and proof of enrollment is required. Student films may not exceed 30 minutes.
* Animation Category submissions may not exceed 8 minutes.
* Screenplays must be feature length

Although BIFF is a competitive festival, some films may be included in the program in a non-competition section.

Unfortunately, BIFF is unable to provide comments about specific films due to time and resource constraints.

Selected filmmakers may expect the following:

• Filmmakers whose films are accepted for competition will be notified by email by approximately December 15th, 2025. All the privileges due filmmakers will be specified in this correspondence.
• All filmmakers with a film in competition will receive a VIP pass, giving free access to all events and screenings (subject to availability) at the Festival. These passes are non-transferable and must be worn at all times in clear view. Passes are not sent by mail, but must be picked up in person at the designated Festival site.
• BIFF promotes the schedule of screenings via media including newspapers, emails, television and radio. BIFF encourages filmmakers to help promote their films by promoting their screening(s) to industry professionals, distributors, the press and the general public.
• For entries selected to the 2026 Festival, an exhibition version of the film in proper format Digital File (MP4 ) and USB Flashdrive backup must be received by BIFF no later than October 31, 2025. Failure to comply with technical specifications may result in the removal of the film from Festival competition.
• Filmmakers may not install banners or posters at the theaters without the official authorization of BIFF.
• The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The individual or corporation submitting this film additionally grants the BEAUFORT International Film Festival the right to one or more public screenings of the entry during the dates of FEBRUARY 17-22, 2026. Entries that are not completed or available for screening must pull their entry prior to Jan.5, 2026 or the film will be screened as entered.

The management of the BEAUFORT International Film Festival reserves the right to decide all questions regarding rules and regulations. Submission of a film constitutes that the filmmaker accepts the rules and regulations set forth herein.

Questions: Please visit the website at www.beaufortfilmfestival.com or email: beaufortfilm@gmail.com.

A synopsis or description alone on one page, (one paragraph, appropriate for quick reading)

A cast and crew list on two pages maximum, (if possible). Include contact information.

There is no limit to the number of entries you may submit. A separate entry and entry fee must accompany each work.

The Beaufort International Film Festival reserves the right not to choose a winner from any of the competing categories listed in the description.

All films submitted that are 5 minutes or longer must include a trailer and a poster to enable the festival to properly market and promote the film prior to the festival.

Good Luck!
TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By your submission of a program to the Beaufort International Film Festival you authorize us to use your program in all promotions for the festival and for the Beaufort Film Society. This would include encore presentations after the festival to which accepted.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • This was a great fest with clear communication and an inspiring lineup of films. They put a lot of effort into highlighting their filmmakers with Q&As and social media interviews, and giving filmmakers a chance to network. Everybody was incredibly friendly and the town is genuinely charming and worth exploring on its own. This is a fest I plan to attend regularly in the future, whether I have film showing or not.

    June 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for this glowing review Rebecca. We'd love for you to come back to BIFF when you can or just visit us in Beaufort. Hope all is well with your move to NC.

  • Soooo incredibly grateful to have had another unforgettable experience at the BIFF!!! The festival is so warmly, authentically inviting to every person who attends; Ron and Rebecca and the entire BIFF team create an energy that is so authentic and welcoming.

    The attention given to each and every film and filmmaker that has been invited to the festival is incredible, and the literally hundreds of fantastic audience members are present, focused and celebrate each and every film!!! Ron sits with every filmmaker to lead a discussion after your film's screening; he truly takes his time and asks relevant, engaging questions. You have an opportunity to meet so many people, filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike, and have meaningful, grounded conversations. I enjoy watching as many films as I can, the curation is fantastic!

    This is my second opportunity to be at the BIFF, the first with a film that I co-produced and co-directed, (has it been almost 2 months since we all were there?!)...and I am so incredibly grateful for the experience, words cannot express! It is a unique and marvelous week of film, that is a true rare gem in the film festival world. Thank you Ron and Rebecca!!!

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for this wonderful review of BIFF. We're honored that you trust us with your work and we love it that our audiences respond to what you give us in a positive way. Tim, we love that you soak up all of the opportunities to engage with other filmmakers, your adoring audience members, and that you take the time to recognize staff and volunteers in the most sincere and gentlemanly manner. We love you at BIFF and Rebecca and I look forward to when you can return.

  • The Beaufort International Film Festival is, without a doubt, one of the most special and well-run festivals I’ve ever had the privilege of attending. From the moment you arrive, you feel the passion and dedication that Ron and Rebecca put into making BIFF an unforgettable experience—not just for filmmakers, but for the entire community.

    The energy at BIFF is something truly unique. The audiences are engaged, supportive, and enthusiastic, creating an incredible atmosphere for screenings. I was blown away by the turnout for my film, Tides of Change, and the way people connected with it. It’s clear that this festival attracts true lovers of film—people who are eager to celebrate and discuss storytelling in a meaningful way.

    Beyond the screenings, BIFF offers an experience that goes far beyond just showcasing films. The events, panels, and networking opportunities are incredibly well-curated, fostering genuine connections among filmmakers, industry professionals, and the warm, welcoming town of Beaufort itself. It’s the perfect blend of prestige and intimacy, where you feel both celebrated and at home.

    If you’re a filmmaker looking for a festival that truly values independent storytelling, supports artists, and provides an unparalleled experience, BIFF is the one. I cannot recommend it enough, and I absolutely can’t wait to return. A huge thank you to Ron and Rebecca for creating something so special—this festival is a must for any filmmaker.

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Justin for this glowing review. Your film Tides of Change was a perfect fit for BIFF as it is vitally important to protect our waterways and preserve the natural beauty of the Lowcountry. We're so glad you were here to experience the love and hospitality of Beaufort. Your energy and passion for what you do is evident and your future is bright. We look forward to your return to BIFF.

  • We've only every heard fantastic things about this festival, so we were thrilled when they accepted FOUR of our clients for their 2025 edition:

    🎬 Five Thousand Stars
    🎬 Living On The Edge
    🎬 Love Photosynthesis
    🎬 WHAT I AM

    It's true what filmmakers say, the hospitality is superb and you simply cannot have a bad time there!

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Festival Formula. It was a bonanza for you guys this year. Four great short films from you were among our official selections. All well received by audiences of over 300 for each film's screening. We looking forward to hearing from you for BIFF 2026.

  • Shannon Marie Sullivan

    What an amazing week! Ron and Rebecca are joined by the entire community of Beaufort, SC to make this festival the gem that it is. One viewing screen that seats 500, 12 hrs of films each day, Q&A's after each film, filmmaker gatherings and events with the greater community --all allowing me and my team to connect with the audience, other artists and filmmakers, and the art-loving members of the Beaufort community. I walked away with a wealth of knowledge, network and new friends. It is also important to note that BIFF offers housing for filmmakers -- this made it possible for filmmakers to be present for one another and create what is clearly a beautiful, unique and supportive family of BIFF Alumni.

    March 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Shannon for this great review. It was a pleasure meeting you and thank you for allowing us to present "Inhale" as your World Premiere. Wonderful film and it prompted lots of audience interaction. You are a talented filmmaker and I know your star is rising. So glad you got to meet so many of the talented artists while you were with us. We very much look forward to your return. You're family now.