The Boston Film Festival is one of America's longest-running and industry recognized events for films. The 39th program takes place in September and will showcase cutting edge indie films, top documentaries, shorts, animated, fall release studio films and a newly created sports category along with special attention for environmental and wild life/nature submissions. The Oscar winner for Best Film Best Picture "Green Book" was premiered on the BFF's 2018 Opening Night and Award circuit winner "Jo Jo Rabbit" premiered on the festival's 2019 Opening Night. The highly touted film "Don't Worry Darling" opened the 2022 BFF while a substantial number of filmmakers and actors attended the 38th BFF in its return to a predominantly live festival program. Question & Answer panels with the filmmakers and talent follow all premieres in addition to nightly parties hosted by some of the region's top restaurants. Red Carpet national press coverage of this exciting four-day event includes the Hollywood trades, entertainment shows, and a wide range of print and electronic media outlets which makes the BFF a powerful platform for far-reaching visibility. The Boston Film Festival has a rich history of premiering many of Hollywood's most celebrated and break out films. Some of the filmmakers and actors participating have included; Sam Rockwell, Aaron Eckhart, George Clooney, Melissa Leo, Ken Burns, Tony Goldwyn, Marc Abrahams, Giancarlo Esposito, Mike O'Malley, Ed Burns, Sam Mendes, Jerry Weintraub, Barkhart Abdi, Anne Heche, Bob Yari, John Fusco, and Sir Ridley Scott among many others.
Transportation and luxury accommodations are provided for featured filmmakers and actors. Exhibiting filmmakers enjoy all access passes to screenings and the opportunity to network at events. Massachusetts is the origin of many of America's best storytellers, actors, and is a hotbed of production. Boston provides an ideal setting to showcase a festival of films and television series during the spectacular fall foliage season. The BFF is impassioned about films and dedicated to supporting filmmakers by providing a forum to showcase their artistic vision. The festival commits to mentoring students from the extensive university system annually.
The Boston Film Festival presents awards for the following categories:
Best Film, Best Documentary, Best Short, Best Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Ensemble, Audience Favorite, and the Mass Impact for a film that illuminates social issues and the EcoFilm for a film that advances environmental health. Honors were added in 2022 for Best Short Performances and Best Director (short).