Bedford Documentary Film Festival – Now in Its Fourth Year!

We’re excited to announce that the Bedford Documentary Film Festival (BDFF) is returning for its fourth year, and we can’t wait to showcase your work! In our inaugural year, we proudly received submissions from 20 countries, and we’re thrilled to continue expanding our global reach.

This year, we are accepting documentary film submissions from around the world. Please note that any non-English language films must include subtitles. While the festival will highlight the Best Documentary Film award, our mission goes beyond identifying a winner—we aim to celebrate the art of documentary filmmaking and bring diverse voices to the forefront.

The BDFF was founded by Jason Gurr, a documentary producer and director with 14 years of experience creating content for National TV, the British Film Institute, and online platforms. Jason’s passion for storytelling is at the heart of the festival, and he is committed to providing a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers.

We look forward to seeing your films and celebrating the power of documentary filmmaking!

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)
10. We do accept Documentary Dramas
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Two Side Studio

    Great festival! We managed to take home the 'Harrison & Simmonds' Award - what a pleasure!

    Thank you all for this recognition, hopefully we'll see you next year too

    October 2024
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  • Rose Mac

    A fantastic festival, we were delighted to win an award and received a trophy too.

    Great communication, festival notifications were sent when stated, a great example of a good quality film festival.

    October 2024
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  • Eddie Clay Thompkins III

    Thank you for selecting Mushroom's Quest into your wonderful Festival. Great communication from the start. It was a genuine pleasure and honour to win a award in such a reputable Festival hosting such keen talent. I highly recommend this Festival. Five Stars is not enough.

    October 2024
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  • Jack Dixon

    Absolutely superb festival. Thank you so much to Jason and the whole team for the best festival experience I’ve had. Hopefully see you next year!

    October 2024
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  • 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
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