We are looking for BRAVE STORIES in all forms: feature films and shorts, animation, digital series, music videos in live action narratives or documentaries that showcase a celebration of the arts and human experience for justice, diversity and inclusion.

We want to celebrate movies in all genres that bravely explore how we think, how we live, how we interact with others and how we see the world anew.

We're looking to elevate brave voices by those who make films and tell stories. We value underrepresented voices and seek to partner with emerging storytellers as well as established filmmakers. We look forward to being moved for powerful art.

We will have both in person fest screenings and online.

STAY TUNED for celebrity guests, social media ambassadors, and hosts!

Brave Stories change the world and we want to celebrate YOURS with live screenings, red carpet, Q&A's, networking events, workshops and parties. Submissions exclusively on FilmFreeway.

Our Festival will be screening all films in DCP the industry standard playback format for digital cinema (and some in .mp4 format). All filmmakers selected to screen there films in person at the Century 20 theater MUST submit their film by DCP (using our partner SIMPLE DCP) by June 2nd. NO EXCEPTIONS any films that do not meet the deadline will not be included in the festival. (And they must include OPEN CAPTIONS EMBEDDED on all films).

The BraveMaker Film Festival has partnered with Simple DCP to handle all film print
deliveries this year. Simple DCP will offer our filmmakers a 20% discount on DCP creation services and complimentary archival services. There will be no charge for filmmakers who submit a compatible, pre-existing DCP to Simple DCP.
Whether you submit a current DCP to Simple DCP or have your DCP created with Simple DCP, your DCP can also be quickly and affordably delivered to other festivals and venues. Every DCP in the Simple DCP archive will be integrated into partner festivals free of charge.

For this year’s BraveMaker Film Festival, Simple DCP will collect, create (if necessary), test, and ship all DCPs to our exhibition venue in an organized and efficient fashion.

See our INSTAGRAM page for recaps of our past film fests:
https://www.instagram.com/bravemakerfilmfest/

and watch our 2022 RECAP VIDEO here: https://youtu.be/i_QqNNjlkBI
Our 2023 recap video : https://youtu.be/4Wx3Hqd9QYA?si=ECrMQjRXuYwaqZA0

Awards & Prizes

Each filmmaker selected to screen their film will will receive press and promotion to our 4000+ person subscriber email with an online, LIVE STREAM panel discussion in person film fest.

We do invite our top rated selected filmmakers to submit a pitch for their next project--and 6-10 of those filmmakers will then have a chance to pitch their project to a panel of Hollywood decision makers to win up to $4000 in grants.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS
The nonrefundable entry fee must be payable in US dollars to BRAVEMAKER. Entries must be submitted by the deadline. Submission costs vary depending on category and discounts. When submitting to the festival you are agreeing that, if selected and the invitation accepted, to screen the submitted film during the dates of the festival. BraveMaker Film Fest (BMFF) will *not* pay any screening fees for presentation of the film during the festival. The only exception would be if there is a negotiated agreement preceding the submission of the film.

*OPEN CAPTIONS*
All films MUST be submitted with open captions in order to be inclusive to all audiences. Mandated requirement since 2023.

TRAVEL/LODGING
BraveMaker film fest is a small, nonprofit organization. We are unable to provide lodgiing or travel for filmmakers.

We are partnered with a local hotel that offers discounted rooms--a link to book rooms at the Courtyard Marriott Redwood City for filmmakers (and audiences) will be made available and filmmakers can facilitate shared rooms.

*Some food and drink is included in VIP events for all filmmakers.

ENTRY REGULATIONS
This a not a competitive showcase-- there will be no prizes awarded to selected filmmakers. We want our makers to enjoy the fest and screening experience with no added pressure of competition.

The BMFF reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project submitted. Only works completed in 2021 - 2025 are eligible for selection. There is no limit to the number of entries.

FILM/VIDEO ENTRIES
All international language entries must have English subtitles. Projects must be submitted for consideration as an online screener through FilmFreeway only. Emails sent to our staff with screeners will not be accepted. Please do not submit works in progress. Screening material, press and any application materials sent to BMFF will NOT be returned. If you did not receive a confirmation of submission, please email fest@bravemaker.com. All features and documentaries submitted must be available in DCP for festival presentation. There will be certain venues that will require a digital file submissions, TBD.

PRESS MATERIALS
If selected, the BMFF will require an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to include high-resolution production stills, key art, bio and filmography of the director, production notes and full cast and crew credits.

SHIPPING
The cost of shipping all entries, DCPs, materials and films to the festival must be paid by the entrant. BMFF will not pay the cost of shipping the print back to the filmmaker and will not be responsible for expedited or overnight shipping charges to other organizations.

REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Submission of an entry gives the BMFF permission to have excerpts of accepted work, including film trailers, shown in all promotional activities related to the festival.

NOTIFICATION
Films selected for the BMFF will be notified no later than May 9th, 2025.

41 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Robby Kendall

    I was so happy when I received notification of being an Official Selection for my queer short, (Un)Free Will. It was truly top-notch for networking, welcoming local and visiting filmmakers, providing a range of workshops and seminars, and having a Film Hub for extra mingling and networking. I was super bummed I couldn't attend every day BUT I will continue submitting films to them. I've also stayed in touch with filmmakers I met there and was inspired by the ones I met. Fantastic festival, exceptional experience, Thank You Bravemaker!

    January 2025
    Helpful
  • Sabina Wallis

    We attended BraveMaker Film Fest remotely so didn't get the in person experience but their communication was regular and they were incredibly helpful. We even got to meet-up with other filmmakers from all over the world. We would certainly submit again.

    October 2024
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  • Roxanna Lewis

    What a gorgeous experience! Kudos to Tony Gapastione for creating such a warm, connected, professional, productive AND inspiring festival for filmmakers near and far!! Honored to have Mandy's Voice screen alongside such powerful films - still ruminating from all I soaked in ;)

    September 2024
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  • Noah Bashore

    Had a blast at BraveMaker FF 2024!

    My first feature was programmed TWICE and I felt a ton of love and support throughout the whole week. It also was my first time ever flying out to California and the whole team made the trip really special and fun.

    Loved that all of the events, panels, workshops, and screenings were all within walkable distance from each other.

    BraveMaker isn't the biggest film festival in the world, but to me that felt like its superpower. Everyone was really kind, cool, approachable, and the overall energy felt like a rad, adult summer camp for filmmakers.

    Definitely would come back!

    August 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Glad we could support you and screen your film twice! Looking forward to see your sophomore film! We are working hard to grow. Thank you for acknowledging our superpower!

  • Rahsaan Thomas

    Great festival in a beauty city with all the venues in proximity, for making connections with other filmmakers. And it's just plain fun.

    August 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Glad you thought Redwood City was beautiful! And that we were fun! We are intentional to make our venues all walkable within 5 minutes of each other.