The Bergen International Film Festival of NJ showcases top independent films from filmmakers, as well as new talent. The diverse array of films, selected by a committee, includes features and shorts from all genres, as well as documentaries and screenplays. The festival is hosted in Bergenfield New Jersey. The festival will kick off in style and spirit with a red carpet and after party, as well as plenty of opportunity for networking with other filmmakers, actors and attendees. We harness an atmosphere of community and encouragement to support each other in the film arts.

The festival includes an awards ceremony and after party, to offer opportunities for interacting and networking with other filmmakers, actors, and film festival goers.

After each screening block, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers. Following the last block of films, is the awards ceremony. Followed by an after party.

Awards & Prizes

We will hold an awards ceremony in the theater, presenting trophies to the winners. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, including Best Film, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, and Audience Choice.

Rules & Terms

​BERGEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (BIFF) SUBMISSION RULES


1. BIFF competition categories are open to the United States and International entries.


2. Films must submit online preview screeners through FilmFreeway. Any other method must receive prior approval from the festival.


3. Foreign language entries must have English language subtitles.


4. Entries must have been completed in the past 5 years.


5. Applicants may submit as many entries as they wish, as long as each entry has a separate entry form and fee.


6. BIFF has the right to screen any film or projects submitted to the Bergen International Film Festival.


7. In order for award winners to receive a trophy, the project's producer or director must be present.


8. If officially selected, it is the responsibility of the submitter to send the festival their film in digital downloadable format and/or in DVD or Blu-Ray format.


9. Screening copies will not be returned to the submitter, unless a pre-paid return mailer is included.


10. All decisions made by the festival are final and at their discretion.
25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Deirdre Lorenz

    Awesome industry networking and community support! I was blown away by how packed the screenings were, and how kind the passionate film community attendees were. The Q&A were smart questions and conversations, and it rolled into the networking red carpet and tent area after the film screenings.

    I’ve already started collaborating with fellow filmmakers and actors I met! Attending the full set of films was so worth it. I hope to be back to BIFF in another project as an actor, filmmaker, or both (again)! Our film was also in consideration as Best Concept Award, and we really appreciated the esteemed recognition and feedback.

    Thank you so much, BIFF! Really grateful for the amazing opportunity.

    September 2023
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  • Steve Melone

    We had an excellent time at the event and met lots of incredibly talented filmmakers. We were not able to make our screening, but made it to the awards portion of the night. Thanks to BIFF for selecting our film, “Canned.”

    August 2023
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  • Vincent Scuro

    It was great to be a part of this festival in Bergenfield, NJ.

    July 2023
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  • Jayson Warner Smith

    We weren’t able to attend but all communication was clear and concise. We also won a best actor award!

    July 2023
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  • Andre Joseph

    For a Jersey festival, they were great. Quick to respond to questions, very accommodating to filmmakers, and loved that they managed to get a big turnout for all the screenings. I highly recommend it.

    July 2023
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