Join Us for the 2026 Bright Ideas Film Festival - Live at Contra Costa Cinema!

We're thrilled to welcome you back in person for an unforgettable evening of cinematic creativity on September 19, 2026, at the iconic Contra Costa Cinema.

This year, we're spotlighting an exceptional lineup of short films from California filmmakers, culminating in an engaging Q&A session where filmmakers share insights into their creative journeys.

Now accepting submissions!

Celebrate Cinematic Excellence
Recognizing outstanding storytelling and creativity, we will award TROPHIES to the standout film in each category. ***Awards will not be mailed at the festival's cost.***

The Bright Ideas Film Festival is more than just a competition; it celebrates passion, perseverance, and the powerful stories that connect us all. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to showcase your latest project or a cinephile eager to experience the vibrant local film scene, this festival is for you. Join us to support and celebrate the incredible talent within our filmmaking community.

Awards & Prizes

To celebrate the filmmakers, TROPHIES will be presented to the winner of each category.

* Best in Festival - Student
* Best in Festival - Professional
* Best Comedic Performance
* Best Dramatic Performance
* Best Editing
* Best Cinematography
* Best Directing
* Best Writing
* Best Sound Design
* Best Original Score
* Best Production Design
* Audience Choice Award

***Awards will not be mailed at the festival's cost.***

Rules & Terms

Bright Ideas Film Festival Submission Guidelines

* California Submissions Only: Entry is exclusive to California-based productions. To qualify, submitting films must meet a dual residency requirement: the Director must maintain primary residence in California, and the production must have taken place within the state.

* Duration: Films must be 20 minutes or less.

* Genres: We welcome submissions from all genres. Let your creativity shine!

* Selection Process: Submission does not guarantee screening. We will inform all filmmakers of their selection status by August 9, 2026.

* Content Guidelines: Films must be appropriate for a general audience. Please avoid extreme gore or explicit sexual content.

* Awards: Our panel of judges determines category winners before the festival, except for the Audience Choice Award, which festival attendees will vote on.

* Student Entries: Films submitted as student projects must have been created during the filmmaker's time in either a California college or high school. Films do not need to be school assignments. Filmmakers who have since graduated are eligible, provided the film was made during their student years.

* Multiple Submissions: Filmmakers are welcome to submit several projects, but we will select only one film per director for screening. Films can have overlapping producers, cast, or crew members.

* DCP: Should your film be chosen for screening at the festival, a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) is required for playback through the theater management system to ensure the best picture and sound quality. An email with DCP instructions and specifications will be sent to all selected filmmakers.

* Refund Policy: Please note that we do not offer refunds on submission fees.
53 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Connie Jo Sechrist

    I’m truly honored that my work was recognized and awarded. I’ve supported this festival since its very beginning. What I admire most is how much heart and dedication the organizers pour into showcasing diverse voices and fostering a welcoming community for filmmakers and audiences alike.

    August 2025
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  • David Vorderstrasse

    Tony, Parker and Melissa did a great job and the venue was amazing, looking forward to next year!

    May 2024
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  • Casey De Fremery

    My short film “The Needle” played at Bright Ideas and I had a great time! Tony and co put on a really fun event at the Contra Costa Stadium Cinema where the projection was excellent with a great crowd. An overall solid night and festival I would recommend to any filmmaker!

    May 2024
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  • Regina Pigsley

    Bright Ideas is an amazing bay area film festival in a beautiful theater! The communication was great from start to finish, and the hospitality was wonderful. We look forward to submitting again in future years!

    March 2023
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  • J. Andrew

    What a wonderful group of folks, led by the lovely Tony Alfaro. As far as festivals, their communication, and hard work really showed. We were honored to have HERE FOR NOW selected to screen this year, and I look forward to bringing other films to this festival in the future. I really enjoyed all the films and the thoughtful curation of the festival. Thank you!

    -J

    December 2022
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