Blue Box Film Festival (BBFF) is an independent film festival created with a mission to help talented independent filmmakers at any level get their film on the big screen. We believe in original films made by PEOPLE.

The event will take place on January 24th, 2026. All selected films will be screened at the Historic Tivoli Theatre in Spencer, Indiana in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.

Blue Box Film Festival is sponsored by OCTAA (Owen County Theatre and Arts Alliance)

Venue Maximum capacity: 300

Awards & Prizes

CATEGORIES:

Best Feature Film: $100 cash prize, Blue Box Trophy

Best Short Film: $75 cash prize, Blue Box Trophy

Audience Choice (Feature): Blue Box Trophy

Audience Choice (Short): Blue Box Trophy

Rules & Terms

1. Feature Film - Films over 50 minutes of any genre.

2. Short Film - Films can be a maximum length of 50 minutes of any genre.

3. (Non-Competitive) - Films in the Non-Competitive categories are only eligible to win the Audience Choice awards.

4. Artificial Intelligence - AI cannot be used in any stage of film's conception. Generative AI must not be used in the film. (Exception: Use of built-in AI tools within editing software, or otherwise unavoidable AI are permissible.)

5. Originality - By submitting, you are confirming that you have obtained all necessary rights and permissions for the film, including music, images, and talent releases. You are also granting the festival permission to screen the film during the festival and use clips or images from the film for promotional purposes.

6. Films must not exceed a rating of "R".

7. Upon selection, submitters must provide a Mp4 file in 24fps, in a resolution no higher than 4k mixed in stereo. (May be subject to change.)

8. Filmmaker's whose films have been selected are responsible for all travel and lodging expenses.

9. Films must be English language, or have English subtitles.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Vittorio Caratozzolo

    Very happy to have been (virtually) your guests with our multiple Honorable Mentions. We are very... Honored, indeed!
    Next year we'll try again to surprise you!

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your submissions, and kind review, Vittorio!

  • Jose Carvalho

    It was a great moment of satisfaction to have participated in this Festival. The great generosity, professionalism, and attention of the people who organize this event is an excellent example of consideration for the filmmakers, the audience, and cinema. Congratulations and thank you very much!

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your review and kind words, Jose!

  • Eric Pascarelli

    Great communication and at an awesome historic theater.

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your review, Eric!

  • jean-marie villeneuve

    Nice festival in a beautiful theatre.
    Good communication.

    January 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your review, Jean-Marie!