The Bermuda International Film Festival (BIFF) is an annual spring event which highlights the best in world cinema. The festival features top films from the world's leading filmmakers as well as introduces new, talent from around the world.

Since 1997, the Bermuda International Film Festival has brought important cinematic works from around the globe to the island of Bermuda. Our week-long celebration of cinema consists of a Main Slate of both narrative and documentary feature films, programs of short films, provocative and controversial late night shows and a section devoted to Bermudian films. In addition to the official selections, the festival includes special events, filmmaker Q&A's, panel discussions, masterclasses, and more.

The festival’s coveted Grand Jury Prize, bestowed upon the festival’s Best Narrative Short Film, qualifies its winner for consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Science for the Short Film – Live Action Oscar. Since becoming a qualifying festival in 2004, two of our Shorts Award winners have gone on to win: Wasp (2005) and Toyland (2009). In addition, a number of shorts that screened in competition over the years went on to receive Oscar nominations including; Miracle Fish (2010), Death of a Shadow (2013), Asad (2013), Henry (2013) and Everything Will Be Ok (2016).

Awards & Prizes

BIFF is proud to announce that The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences® has named BIFF a qualifying festival in the category of Live Action Short Film. Winners of the BIFF Best Live Action Short Film award may qualify to enter the Short Films category of the Academy Awards® for the concurrent season provided the films otherwise comply with the Academy rules.

The Narrative Short film winner will take home a cash prize of $1,000 and qualify for Academy Award consideration. BIFF is proud of the short film winners from past festivals that have gone onto successful careers and that have won Oscars. Shorts from previous editions include the Oscar-winning films WASP and TOYLAND as well as the Oscar-nominated films MIRACLE FISH; DEATH OF A SHADOW; ASAD; HENRY and EVERYTHING WILL BE OK.

Rules & Terms

-Films must have been completed between October 1st 2020 and March 31, 2021
-BIFF will not consider previously submitted films

-Films may not have been released theatrically or shown on television prior to the festival.

-Films may not have been publicly available online (i.e. YouTube, Vimeo) prior to the festival without password protection.

-BIFF presents all films in their original language. Non-English language films must have English subtitles

-BIFF does not accept works in progress

-All films under 40 minutes are considered short subject films

-DCP is the preferred exhibition format for the festival

-For programming consideration, the festival only accepts online screeners (FilmFreeway or Vimeo via FilmFreeway). WE DO NOT ACCEPT DVD SUBMISSIONS.

-After submitting, please check your FilmFreeway account to make sure that your submission meets our requirements and is 'In Consideration'. It is your responsibility to make sure all requirements are met and necessary information is given.

-Filmmakers are responsible for the shipment of the exhibition copy to BIFF.
BIFF will cover outbound shipping only.

-BIFF reserves the right to use images from films selected in Festival marketing purposes (web; print media, and television).

-By agreeing to these terms, you warrant that you have read, understood, and agreed to the regulations of the Bermuda International Film Festival and that, to the best of your knowledge, the information that you have supplied is correct.
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Joe Chang

    Excellent film festival! ! I love it and highly recommend!

    February 2021
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  • Julian Alexander

    Although, I could not attend, the festival team was very communicative and it looked like a lovely time! I hope I can visit the festival in the future!

    November 2019
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  • Michele Fiascaris

    A great little festival in the beautiful island of Bermuda.
    The short programme is of the highest level, and the programmers are very friendly and welcoming.
    Jury was headed by director Mike Newell (Donnie Brasco, Harry Potter), a true legend - was great to have the film watched and considered by a filmmaker of that caliber.
    We made it to the finals for the main prize and was fantastic to be included in such a strong selection, which included Oscar-winner Skin.

    April 2019
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  • Christopher Piazza

    We had a wonderful time in Bermuda. The programming by Juliz was absolutely top notch. A lot of fun, unique filmmaker events. We were honored to win the audience award for our short film Baby Won't You Please Come Home.

    April 2019
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  • Keith Nixon

    My experience at BIFF was an eye opening experience. The quality of the festival was topnotch. The hospitality and networking were also increased my awareness of other creative works and opened new doors of opportunity to connect and collaborate with other filmmakers.

    March 2019
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