Bucks County FilmFest

Bucks County FilmFest: A Legacy of Independent Filmmaking

The Bucks County FilmFest was founded in 1999 during a planning meeting of the Bucks Fever Advisory Council of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce. At that meeting, Chamber member Jon Wilner (formerly of the Delaware Valley Arts Institute) proposed incorporating a film festival into the long-standing Bucks Fever program, recognizing the growing interest in filmmaking throughout Bucks County. The goal was to foster and support a local filmmaking community by providing a platform for both professional and student filmmakers to showcase their work.

The inaugural FilmFest took place in September 2000, featuring a special screening of the Academy Award-winning The Buddy Holly Story. The event included a panel discussion with the film’s producers, director, and musical director, all of whom were Bucks County residents.

In 2002, FilmFest introduced its first juried short film and video competition, receiving 29 submissions from student and independent filmmakers. Fifteen short films were selected and screened at the County Theater to an enthusiastic, sold-out audience. Since then, the number and quality of submissions have continued to grow. In addition to a theatrical screening, selected filmmakers also have the opportunity to feature their work on the FilmFest website.

Over the years, FilmFest has expanded its programming to include seminars aimed at emerging filmmakers, covering topics such as film financing, auditions, and screenwriting. Past presenters have included industry professionals such as Mike Lemon of Mike Lemon Casting (exclusive casting agent for all M. Night Shyamalan films), screenwriter James Breckinridge, producer Fred Bauer (The Buddy Holly Story), and Mac Outfitters.

In 2024, FilmFest became independent from the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and now continues under the umbrella of the Bucks County FilmFest. As it celebrates 24 years of championing independent filmmakers, the festival has received nearly 1,200 film submissions, screened over 250 films, and awarded more than $40,000 in prize money.

Your film must be independently produced by current or former residents of the greater Delaware Valley. Your script must be independently written by current or former residents of the greater Delaware Valley.