The Blue Ridge Film Fest is presented by Barnstorm Media as an extension of their mission: the preservation of independent film through the nurturing of independent voices. 

All films screened for awards consideration will come from submissions! We know of no other festival making such a claim. We're looking to discover new voices. We're looking to create a community of the next generation of filmmakers.

The festival will take place over three days in the bucolic hamlet of Blue Ridge, GA, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With an ideal downtown district and an arts hungry community, Blue Ridge is the perfect home for the next generation of film festivals.

BRff is all about community. It’s about bringing independent film to a thriving art community and it’s about building a community of filmmakers who are invested in keeping independent film alive.

The events and workshops built around the festival were created to encourage filmmakers to connect, to build relationships, to fuel one another's artistic talents, and ultimately, to find ways to collaborate.

WE'RE ONLY JUDGING TALENT. We're looking for original voices, not deep pockets.

Awards & Prizes

The Blue Ridge Film Festival offers awards for Best Feature (Narrative or Documentary), Best Documentary Short, Best Narrative Short, Best Local Film and the Grand Jury Prize for best overall film.

Rules & Terms

1. Films must be the original work of the applicants. If a film is based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation rights agreements to the Festival. By entering the competition, you represent that you have secured all necessary rights.
2. Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. Barnstorm Media expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.
3. Once an entry payment has been received we cannot provide a refund.
4. Submitters may submit more than one entry in more than one category.
5. All judges’ decisions are final.

Terms & Conditions

I have read all of Blue Ridge Film Festival's rules and regulations. I understand and have complied with these rules.

I understand that failure to adhere to Blue Ridge Film Festival’s rules will result in disqualification.

I am the sole owner and author of the submitted material. I also contend that this work has never been distributed in any capacity.

Furthermore, I indemnify Barnstorm Media, its affiliates, sponsors and judges of and from any and all claims, loss or liability that may be asserted against you or incurred by you or any associates, at any time in connection with said material.
10 Reviews
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  • Matthew B.W. Sheehan

    So happy to be part of this Festival. I love this part of the world and it was a terrific way to put my self out there. Cool festivals come from cool people and this fest must be packed with them. Thank you BRFF.

    March 2024
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  • Azael Bueno

    I enjoyed my overall experience at the festival. The only downside was my inability to meet the other filmmakers. The in person turn out was very low and I was a bit dissapointed in that end. Other than that the overall quality of the films was great. Seeing only 12 carefully handpicked films was great! We'll be returning next year.

    March 2022
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  • Dianne Diep

    Thank you Blue Ridge Film Festival for bringing "Cloud Gazing" into the fold of your online festival this year. As an Aussie first-time filmmaker living in NYC, I miss the strong nature back at home. Blue Ridge looks like a beautiful place strongly connected to nature, one day I would love to go there and say hi, but for now, I enjoyed being part of a select group of filmmakers to share the love of cinema with your community of artists, nature lovers and our families and friends. Thank you.

    March 2021
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  • Constance Hilton

    It was a pleasure to take part in your festival this year, both the initial run and your encore presentation of award winners. Thank you for putting on a delightful online festival during COVID.

    March 2021
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  • Alex Preston

    Our team was delighted to be recognized with the 2021 Local Film Award for "Gretel + Hansel: A New Musical." The Toccoa River in Blue Ridge, GA was utilized as one of many locations during principal photography on this film. We couldn't be more pleased to join BRFF 2021. Thank you Blue Ridge Film Festival for your hospitality and programming. We look forward to future Blue Ridge events.

    March 2021
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