1. Film Origin: The festival is open to films by filmmakers of Bengali origin or films that prominently feature Bengali culture and themes.
2. Language: Films must include English subtitles if not in English.
3. Categories: Submissions are accepted in the following categories:
-Feature Films (under 60 minutes)
-Short Films (under 40 minutes)
-Documentaries (under 60 minutes)
-Student Films (films created by currently enrolled students or recent graduates, under 30 minutes)
4. Submission Fee: A non-refundable submission fee is required for all entries. Students have a discount rate and must provide documentation of student status. Please email your student ID to contact@bengalisofnewyork.com from your student email.
5. Deadline: All submissions must be submitted by April 15, 2026.
6. Quality and Creativity: Films will be judged on their artistic merit, storytelling, and technical quality.
7. Relevance: Films should align with the festival’s mission to highlight Bengali culture and creativity. Though we are "Bengalis of New York,' films DO NOT have to be centered on New York.
8. Rights: By submitting a film, the filmmaker confirms that they have the legal right to enter the film into the festival and that all necessary permissions and rights have been obtained.
9. Promotion: BoNY reserves the right to use excerpts from submitted films for promotional purposes.
10. Withdrawal: Once a film is submitted, it cannot be withdrawn from the festival program after selection.
11. Liability: BoNY is not responsible for any loss or damage to submitted materials.
12. Agreement: Submission of a film constitutes acceptance of these rules and terms.
