• Bird Watching Film Festival is a short film showcase open to narrative short films of all genres from all over the world with an emphasis on connecting local audiences to amazing films.

• Films from everywhere are accepted, with priority of programming given to local films made in the states of Kansas or Missouri, or by Kansas or Missouri filmmakers.

• Bird Watching is a monthly event with free in-person screenings, audience voting and filmmaker Q&As at the Bird Comedy Theater in Kansas City, MO.

• Monthly Audience Choice Winners are voted on and announced, as well as the top two runners up. The Audience Choice Winners and runners up will be eligible to screen at a yearly Best of the Fest event.

– – – SCREENING/PRESENTATION TERMS OF AGREEMENT – – –

• We have live in-person screenings every month. Films submissions rollover from month to month so just because you didn’t get into the screening month you submit to, doesn’t mean your film is ineligible for future screenings. Submit to any quarter to be eligible for all upcoming screenings through the end of the year.

• We consider films regardless of premiere status. Even if your film has premiered at another festival, or is currently available online, it’s still eligible.

• There are no completion deadline requirements for your film to be eligible. Older works are accepted.

• All films in a language other than English must be subtitled in English for festival presentation.

• Filmmakers must own rights to their film and all its components prior to submitting their film for consideration.

• Bird Watching Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. By submitting your film, you grant the Bird Watching Film Festival the right to use still images and short video clips (less than 30 seconds) of all accepted films in any festival promotional materials, and should your film be an Audience Choice Winner or runner-up, Bird Watching Film Festival has the right to show your film as a part of a “Best of the Fest” showcases and future screenings.

• The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorized to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations. The individual or corporation submitting the film shall indemnify and hold harmless Bird Watching Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees, and costs of the court) that may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.

• If accepted, all entrants are responsible for delivering the final copy of their film and other materials, such as: trailer, press stills, and press-kit, by the deadline.

• If accepted, filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival. Unfortunately, at this time, The Bird Watching Film Festival does not provide room, board or travel for filmmakers or compensation of any kind.

• All accepted filmmakers who attend in person will be given the opportunity to engage in an audience Q&A after the screenings.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Illumination Cinema

    A wonderful monthly festival! Fun venue, good crowds, excellent chance to network with other filmmakers in the area. Highly recommended!

    April 2024
  • Jon Ulasien

    Bird Watching is one heck of a gem. The quality of work showcased each month rivals any festival I've been a part of and I have never been surrounded by more supportive and creative people who are genuinely excited about filmmaking. The best part? It happens every month! Do yourself a favor and get involved with Bird Watching.

    March 2024