The Begin Film Festival (BFF) is an annual event that creates the opportunity for dynamic writers, directors, and film enthusiasts to tell their stories -- to have their films be seen. BFF first began as a film contest in 2022, inviting filmmakers in Africa to submit their shorts for the chance to win a cash prize. As submissions flooded in, Founders Martins Samuel and Ryon Thomas decided to expand the contest into a full-fledged film festival.

On August 19, 2023, the Begin Film Festival Awards Ceremony kicked off at the Cinemark Theatre in West Los Angeles, California, giving $3,000 in cash prizes, 8 category award trophies, and screening the Top 3 Best films. They also screened the premiere of the feature film 'Victoria' directed by Martins Samuel to a packed house.

In 2024, BFF is expanding once again and has opened its submissions to the world with 11 main categories. With specialized groupings of domestic, international, and student projects, BFF looks forward to viewing, sharing, and recognizing amazing films from around the globe.

Awards & Prizes

Award winners in our main categories will receive a Cash Prize and Trophy Award at the annual BFF Film Festival event and screening.

• Feature
• International Feature
• Student Feature
• Shorts
• International Shorts
• Student Shorts
• Documentary
• Music Video
• Screenplay - Feature
• Screenplay - Shorts

There will also be Individual Awards, Trophies, and recognition for the following roles:

• Best Director
• Best Cinematography
• Best Actor
• Best Actress
• Best Supporting Actor
• Best Supporting Actress

Rules & Terms

1. All film submissions should be made digitally.
2. If selected to be showcased during the event, all screening copies must be received by July 20, 2024
3. Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English. All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
4. Film Producers are responsible for insurance and shipment costs of films to BFF.
The title of the work and name of entrant must be on all mailing containers.
5. Selected film entries will be notified by July 3, 2024. Jury Award and audience award winners will be announced at the Closing Night “It’s A Wrap” Party. Trophies will be awarded to the winners. Some Award categories may have co-sponsors providing prizes. One award or prize will be given to the individual designated on the official entry form.
6. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
7. Filmmakers or Screenwriters accepted into BFF will receive the following:
Two(2) festival passes per submitted film to see all the festival films FREE
Admittance for filmmakers to the “Opening Night Event” or the “It’s A Wrap Party”
8. Film prints and other film material will be handled with utmost care. However, neither the BFF staff nor supporting theatre organizations staff can assume responsibility for damage or loss of the print and other film materials, en route or otherwise, during the course of the festival’s possession of the print.
9. All stated information, eligibility and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by the Begin Film Festival, without notice.