Bedford Documentary Film Festival. We are now in our second year and looking forward to showing your films. In our first year we had entries for 20 countries.

We are accepting entries world-wide but any non English language documentary films will require subtitles. The Festival is not only looking to find a winner in the Best Documentary Film category.

The BDFF was set up by documentary producer and director, Jason Gurr. He has been making documentaries for National TV, the British Film Institute as well as online for the past 13 years.

Awards & Prizes

There will be a winning trophy for best documentary in all categories.

Rules & Terms

1. We are only accepting documentaries but no short films
2. We have five categories
3. Short documentaries under 15 minutes
Documentaries up to an hour
Documentaries over an hour
Best Student documentary
Best documentary director
4. We accept non English Language film but the must have subtitles
5. All fees are non-refundable
6. In order to submit a documentary you must own the rights or have permission from the owner
7. Not all the submissions are selected for the official competition. Our Judges are free to make their own choices and no answers will be given about not selected films.
8. To qualify for student entry fee rates, entrant must include proof of student status at the time of production (copy of student ID)
9. Films must be submitted via online screener ONLY with private link. (VIMEO, YOUTUBE, FilmFreeway, SELF HOSTED)
4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Anda Anastasescu Gritten

    It was very gratifying to receive an Honorable Mention for my music documentary CONSTANTIN SILVESTRI AVANT-GARDIST, MASTER IMPROVISER, HOMME PASSIONNÉ from a festival dedicated to documentaries! And I am grateful to Jason Gurr for his friendly and helpful response during our correspondence. Thank you Bedford Documentary Festival!

    July 2023
    Helpful
  • Laurie York

    Excellent film festival in every way. I was honored that my film, Flora Of The Fields, was screened at the 2023 Bedford Documentary Film Festival - and won an award! Thank you to the jury and audience!

    July 2023
    Helpful
  • John Baikie

    Well done on a really good first festival, this will go onwards and upwards to better things. A great selection of films and a nice, friendly event to attend.

    November 2022
    Helpful
  • Anya Bryan

    It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of Bedford Doc Fest, and to be awarded best short! The team were lovely and I met some really great people at the event, looking forward to seeing how it grows next year!

    November 2022
    Helpful