Bristol Documentary Film Festival is the South West’s new home for documentary film. We’ve created this festival to celebrate bold human stories and the art of non-fiction cinema in all its forms.

We believe documentary is more than just a vehicle for truth. It’s a creative force. A space where cinematography, sound, structure, and emotion matter just as much as information. We’re drawn to films that take risks, that feel crafted and alive, and that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Based in Bristol, a city known for radical ideas and world-class filmmaking, we want this festival to reflect the energy and talent of the South West, while opening the door to filmmakers and audiences from around the world. Whether it’s a quiet portrait, a cinematic essay, or a piece that pushes the boundaries of form, we’re here for work that moves us.

This isn’t just a festival about what’s real. It’s about how we express it. It’s about creativity, connection, and using film to make sense of the world together.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature Documentary
Awarded to the most compelling non-fiction film over 40 minutes. Open to global filmmakers working across all themes and styles.

Best Short Documentary
For non-fiction films between 8 and 40 minutes. Open to all subjects and approaches — from observational and investigative to poetic and experimental.

Best Mini Documentary (Under 8 Minutes)
Recognising outstanding storytelling in a compact format. This award celebrates creativity, clarity, and impact in ultra-short non-fiction films.

Best First Feature
For an exceptional debut feature documentary by a first-time director.

South West Award
Awarded to a film made by a filmmaker from the South West of England or focused on stories from the region. Open to shorts and features.

Innovation Award
For a film that pushes the boundaries of non-fiction through form, hybrid storytelling, or creative risk-taking.

Audience Award
Voted for by festival attendees, this award goes to the film that connects most powerfully with our audience.

Rules & Terms

Bristol Documentary Festival Submission Guidelines

By submitting your film to Bristol Documentary Festival (BDF), you agree to the following terms and conditions:

1. Eligibility

We accept documentary films of any length or style, including short, mid-length, feature, hybrid, animated, and experimental non-fiction.

All films must have been completed after 1 January 2024.

Films in any language are eligible but must include English subtitles if the original language is not English.

We welcome both UK and international submissions.

2. Premiere Status

We prioritise UK Premieres and South West Premieres, but do consider exceptional work regardless of premiere status.

Films that have already been broadcast on UK television or are publicly available online (excluding password-protected screeners) are not eligible for competition but may be considered for special screenings.

3. Rights & Permissions

By submitting your film, you confirm that you hold all necessary rights (including music, archival footage, and third-party materials) and have secured relevant clearances in accordance with UK copyright law.

You grant Bristol Documentary Festival the right to exhibit your film publicly during the festival, and to use stills, trailers, or excerpts (up to 2 minutes) for promotional purposes.

4. Submission Format

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway as a secure online screener (Vimeo or FilmFreeway-hosted).

Physical media (DVDs, Blu-rays, etc.) are not accepted.

Selected films will be required to provide a high-quality screening copy in DCP, ProRes, or similar format, along with a press kit, trailer, and stills.

5. Selection Process

All submissions are reviewed by BDF’s programming team.

Due to the volume of entries, we cannot offer individual feedback.

The festival’s decisions are final and at the sole discretion of the programming team and jury.

6. Notification & Participation

Selected films will be notified via email by [insert notification date].

If selected, filmmakers are encouraged to attend the festival. BDF offers free accreditation to directors of selected films and will support travel where possible, subject to funding.

7. Legal Compliance

Bristol Documentary Festival operates in accordance with UK law, including the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and the Data Protection Act 2018.

By submitting, you agree to be bound by UK legal jurisdiction in the event of any dispute.

8. Entry Fees

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Fee waivers may be available for filmmakers from low-income countries or underrepresented backgrounds — please contact us with a short request.

9. Awards

All selected films are eligible for competition unless otherwise stated.

The festival reserves the right to create, remove, or rename award categories at its discretion.