ALL ACCEPTED SUBMISSIONS STREAM ONLINE - Please note that this is a hybrid festival with online streaming during the week of the festival (geo-blocking available) and limited in-person live screenings for selected films. Acceptance to the festival does not guarantee an in-person screening.
The Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival is a hybrid event featuring an interactive online showcase of approximately 200 science fiction films from around the world, along with in-person theatrical screenings of roughly 40–50 selected works each year. Our focus is on emerging talent, innovative storytelling, and community building within the science fiction genre. The 2026 season marks our 7th year and will introduce new events, fresh ideas, and expanded opportunities for the inclusion and exhibition of independent sci-fi work. We hope you’ll join us for this exciting season. Below are a few important guidelines to keep in mind:
Online Screenings (Required)
All films accepted into the festival will be screened (streamed) online for a one-week period, with the option for an additional week of online availability. We can accommodate geofencing (regional viewing restrictions) as well as custom availability date ranges. All online screenings are secured and presented behind a paywall.
If you are unwilling to have your work exhibited online, please do not submit—online availability is a mandatory requirement. The festival is committed to accessibility and equity, and online screenings ensure that films can reach international audiences and individuals who may not be able to attend in person.
In-Person Theatrical Screenings (By Invitation Only)
Our theatrical screenings are important to the festival and to the Brooklyn SciFi community; however, due to limited resources, we cannot present every selected film in a theater. In-person screenings are by direct invitation only. Acceptance to the festival does not guarantee a theatrical screening.
If you do not receive a direct invitation and discuss arrangements with a festival representative, your film will be showcased exclusively online.
Community & Participation
The Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. We welcome new ideas and encourage filmmakers to volunteer during years when they are not submitting a film. Feel free to pitch concepts, events, or collaborative ideas, and we will be happy to review them for potential inclusion.
Final Note
The Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival is dedicated to bringing independent science fiction stories to a global audience through our one-of-a-kind streaming platform. All selected films will be available online during the festival week, with additional titles announced for in-person screenings. Please review all rules and submit your film only if it will be available for streaming between October 5–11, 2026.
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ALL ACCEPTED SUBMISSIONS STREAM ONLINE - Please Note that this is a hybrid festival with online streaming during the week of the festival (geo-blocking available) and limited in-person live screenings for selected films. Based on past history, we estimate 100+ films screening online with 40 films in-person live events. This will vary depending on budget and submissions. Our mission is to promote submissions, encourage networking, and reward excellence in science fiction filmmaking. As part of this mission, we want to make all films available to an international audience. If you do not wish to have your film streamed online during the week of the festival, please do not submit. By submitting to this film festival, you agree to these terms and rules and allow Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival to stream your submission the week of the festival.
Email us at info@brooklynscififilmfestival.com for details, exemptions, etc...
Definitions:
Filmmaker - The creator of an original work that has the right to submit their film (the work).
Registrant - Refers to the filmmaker or representing individual submitting the work to this festival.
The work - Refers to the film or project submitted by the filmmaker.
BSFFF - Abbreviation for The Brooklyn SciFiFilm Festival (aka festival)
Online Screening - Refers to limited distribution and viewing of the work through the BSFFF website, OTT channels, and partner channels.
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Rules:
All submissions must be original works within the science fiction genre. Registrants submitting films must have full rights to submit, distribute, and screen the work. The filmmaker must have the right to submit the work for online viewing.
Upon selection, the filmmaker agrees to allow limited online streaming of the submitted film or work on the Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival Website, BSFFF OTT apps (Roku, Amazon Prime, Samsung, Apple TV, Etc.) as well as partner distribution sites for a limited period of two-weeks minimum. The Filmmaker reserves the right to withdraw from OTT apps and partner channels and limit screening duration upon request
Student films are reserved for individuals 18 or older currently attending a college, university, or private film school program. Industry professionals may not submit to this category.
Young filmmaker submissions are reserved for films made by individuals that are 17 years or younger and attending primary school (K-12th grade).
Films must not infringe on copyrighted materials not authorized for use in the submitted film. This includes but is not limited to music, musical scores, written dialog, film clips or stock footage not licensed for use and distribution.Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival reserves the right to reject entries based on content, non-compliance, violation of copyright, trademark, or ownership rights. Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival reserves the right to reject entries if deemed to be inappropriate for the purposes of this festival.
Code of Ethics
The Brooklyn SciFi Film Festival is an all-volunteer non-profit organization. We respect the rights of all filmmakers submitting to the festival and strive to create a positive experience for the artists and fans. In return, please be respectful and patient with our staff and adhere to the rules. Due to a limited budget, it is not possible for us to provide a live in-person screening for every film but we can guarantee online exhibition during the week of the festival. We can accommodate some exceptions to the online screening rule, including geo restrictions and limited-time screenings. Withdrawing a film after selection due to not receiving an in-person screening slot will result in a ban to future submissions as this is a violation of the rules.
All filmmakers accepted to the festival become Alumni and will be given a fee waiver for free entry to future festivals as well as opportunities to participate as jurors or panelists.
