The Benin City Film Festival, inaugurated in November 2018, stands as a dynamic platform dedicated to fostering and championing the works of emerging filmmakers, locally and internationally. Notably cost-friendly, it serves as an avenue for presenting these works amidst seasoned industry professionals.

BCFF distinguishes itself by screening premieres of both national and international feature films, documentaries addressing social issues, and short films. With a commitment to diversity, at least 30% of the festival schedule is reserved for foreign films, enriching the cinematic experience for attendees in Benin City.

This cinematic endeavor is driven by a passionate team, striving to provide emerging filmmakers access to influential figures in the industry, both on a national and global scale.

Objectives for 2024 Edition:

1. Elevating Nigerian Films in the Face of Climate Change:

BCFF aspires to serve as a pivotal platform where the business and artistry of Nigerian films are not only showcased but also heightened in response to the global challenge of climate change. By attracting renowned film experts, buyers, and critics, BCFF aims to project Nigerian cinema onto the world stage.
2. Environmental Dialogue Through Cinema:

Beyond entertainment, the 2024 edition seeks to be a catalyst for conversations around climate change, offering a space for dialogues, discussions, and training in the film business. By making BCFF attractive to international film directors engaged in environmental storytelling, the festival aims to enrich participants with insights into the art of filmmaking and its impact on climate awareness.
3. Showcasing Benin City's Environmental Heritage:

BCFF evolves into a conduit for exposing the rich cultural and environmental heritage of Benin City and Edo State. By intertwining sustainable tourism realities with the global creative business and craft audiences, the festival endeavors to establish a long-term patronage that transcends the cinematic realm.
4. Fostering Eco-Friendly Film Collaborations:

In line with encouraging co-production relationships, BCFF aims to extend its influence to eco-conscious collaborations in films, TV shows, documentaries, and other motion picture content. This initiative aligns with the festival's commitment to being a driving force behind positive change in the industry.
Modalities for 2024 Edition:

The festival will continue its multifaceted approach, engaging visitors in the creative filmmaking process through symposia, seminars, training sessions, screenings, content critiques, and workshops. Additionally, BCFF will integrate events focused on environmental awareness and sustainability, demonstrating the intersection of cinema and climate change concerns.

- Film of the Festival
- Best Director
- Best Screenplay
- Best Cinematography
- Best Performance
- Best Feature
- Best Documentary Feature
- Discovery Award
- Best Short of the Festival
- Best Asia Films
- Best Asia American Film
- Best European Film
- Best Documentary Short
- Best Animation Short
- Best Music Video

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
1. Films in languages other than English must have English Subtitles, otherwise they shall not be considered for selection.
2. The Festival accepts only films without watermarks. Only Trailers or promos cannot be submitted for the selection process.
3. Films that have no online presence can be submitted by sending two full HD DVDs by courier to the Festival office along with a hard copy of this form duly filled. Kindly label the DVDs with title, director name, duration, phone number, and email id on it.
4. For submissions coming from outside Nigeria, the packages must be marked, “For Festival & Cultural Purpose only, No Commercial Value”.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
1. BCFF reserves the right to showcase the film so submitted perpetually anywhere.
2. BCFF reserves the right to include the film or video and related material in its promotional activities.
3. All Decisions made by the Appointed “Selection Committee” regarding Selections, screenings, awards at the Festival in their entirety will be final. In the case of dispute, the decision of the President is final.
4. The filmmakers and their representatives undertake to use the official logo and the status of their Selection or Award strictly in conformation with DIFF 2019 designs and they further undertake to use such festival logo in all their promotions, posters, and marketing publications with the consent of the festival.
5. A film selected for the festival does not run in the competition automatically. A Jury will select the films that feature in Competition.
6. The Festival shall not bear/reimburse any freight or other charges in foreign or Nigerian currency.
7. Once selected for screening, the film shall not be withdrawn.
8. Entries under all categories shall be of films certified by the National Film and Video Censors Board of Nigeria.
9. The last date of submissions of ENTRIES IS 30.08.2022 and the Date of the Intimation of Selection will be 01.10.2022.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thank you very much for choosing my film 'Let's Talk' for the festival!
    Bless you!

    December 2023
  • Natasha C Smith

    I'm deeply grateful to the Benin City Film Festival for the opportunity to screen my film, 'Something I Can Teach.' This festival has been a remarkable platform for my work, allowing it to reach a broader audience.

    December 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your kinds words please, follow this link to see the 2023 brochure https://drive.google.com/file/d/179CpMZaalEqu7w4WnpFRYiC7mXQAIUbe/view?usp=sharing

  • Can we at least find out the list of winners? For example, who won the screenwriting competition? Nowhere do you post the results. You could at least post the winners here, if you have already accepted our money. It's not so difficult. Thank you! :)

    January 2023
  • Alec Morgan

    I had a documentary selected for the 2022 Benin City Festival that appears not to have taken place due to many difficulties. Despite this I believe the organisers were honestly trying their best to make it work and the idea of the online red carpet is a great one. I hope they recover again and are able to proceed in 2023. Important film festival. Best wishes to you.

    January 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Alec, for your understanding we promise to keep working on our short comings, 2023 will be great for every one, thank once again.

  • UNNIKANNAN S S

    Great and meaningful. I enjoyed it. Thank you

    January 2023
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you UNNIKANNAN , we promise to keep working on our short comings, 2023 will be great for every one, thank once again.