Now celebrating its 5th year, the Bedford International Film Festival aims to be one of Virginia's leading film festivals for international film-makers. It is a unique platform for new talent and a celebration of cinematic creativity and innovation.

The Festival attracts a selection of shorts, features, documentaries and scripts by film-makers working in every genre, and offers film fans an extraordinary day of watching films.

The 2023 Bedford International Film Festival will show many films including some well known classics, in both indoor and outdoor Bedford Virginia venues.
Screenings and autograph events provide ample opportunities for selected film-makers to showcase their achievements, learn from their fellows and build contacts for future collaborations.

The festival is open to any film in any genre between 1 minute and 120 minutes and including a script competition. We work with local merchants and vendors in order to provide your film-viewing experience as the most authentic and friendly festival in the state.

Awards & Prizes

$250 Amazon Gift Card for Feature Film and Feature length Documentary Winner

$100 Amazon Gift Card Short Film and Short Documentary Winner

Certificate of Win

Distribution consideration - (Currently with AMG & Murphy Media Distribution)

Meet and greet with actors, filmmakers, and industry associates that are in attendance.

100$ Amazon Gift Card for Halloween Short Fest Win

Rules & Terms

FILMS:
1. This festival is a competition in which artists submit their films to be judged by their peers and professionals.
2. Prizes consist of a cash prize and certificate of win and, if sponsors donate, winners are entitled to a portion of the donation. Any donations will be announced at the festival.
3. A certificate of winning is awarded to all winners in every category.
4. All selected films will screen free of charge.
5. The judge's selections are final.
6. Judges and volunteers may submit their own shorts or films.
7. There are no refunds of entry fees should you not win.
8. Selected films and winners may attend the festival for the showing of their films and receipt of their certificate of a win, however, travel and accommodations are at the sole expense of the winner.
9. Students must include a copy of their student ID to have the entry fee waived.
10. A single short film or feature film may enter only one category.
11. You may submit more than one short or film into separate categories. (I.E. you may submit two different shorts by two different names into the short category)
12. Entries must be submitted by the deadline.
13. Films may be in Black and White or Color, and Silent or with sound.
14. Films must have been completed within 12 months proceeding the festival ceremony date. I.E. Films to be in competition for the July 2023 season must have been completed between January 2022 and May 2023.
15. There are no refunds should you submit a film that we are unable to access.
16. There are no refunds should you submit under false pretense, i.e. submit into a student category if not a student.
17. Films may be submitted through FilmFreeway.
18. We are not responsible for your sound or picture quality during any screenings.
19. You are obligated to give a SPECIAL THANKS to the BEDFORD INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL should we connect you to a distributor that contracts you and provides any type of distribution, including but not limited to TV, theatrical, streaming, VOD, airlines, and etc.
20. Submission to the festival is your consent to these terms and conditions, including the public showing of your film to a public and private audience.
21. Unless you provide written notification, submission to this festival includes your consent for winning films to be shown on the following channels in connection to our festival: ROKU, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, iPhone, and Android
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Danny Alex

    I am honored to have LEGENDS win at the Bedford International Film Festival. LEGENDS is a work of passion for me and to have it recognized at Bedford is a fantastic feeling. Thank you to all of the dedicated organizers and judges who put their time in to make the Bedford Film Festival such a positive experience for so many.

    July 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Danny. Your script was wonderful and we thank you for your submission and your support. Keep writing!

  • Samuel W. Reed

    Thanks Bedford Film fest for showcasing my short film "Postbellum" and awarding it as an Honorable Mention!

    October 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Sam, thank you for entering. You are very talented and we hope to see more of your work.

  • Pat Battistini

    A BIG thank you to Robert and the entire crew at BIFF. Thanks for the great communication and opportunity to screen. We hope to be back next year!

    August 2021
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the review! We hope to see you again next year too.

  • avigail graetz

    Thank you for having my film in this nice festival, online version.

    July 2021
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  • Jenni Gold

    Thank you Bedford International Film Festival!

    July 2021
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