Organised by Dharma In Action Ltd (the Organiser) and based in Singapore, THISBFF is a biennial event (since 2009) that aims to promote awareness of the Buddha’s timeless Teachings and the diversity of Buddhist culture around the world through the film medium. The next THISBFF will be held in September 2023.

THISBFF seeks inspiring films that, through good storytelling and production values:

contemplate the Buddhist philosophy and way of life;
explore the immense cultural, social and spiritual diversity of Buddhism.

Films selected for showcase in the week-long festival will be a mix of invited works curated by the Organiser, and works selected from open call. THISBFF is non-competitive; no prizes or awards will be presented. Directors of selected films may be invited to present their film and to hold a post-show dialogue with the audience, in person or online.

THISBFF welcomes features, shorts, documentaries, and animation films from any period of any length. Submitted films may be in any language. Non-English dialogue films must be subtitled in English.

Rules & Terms

Deadline for THISBFF 2023: 31 March 2023, 5pm (GMT+8). Entries submitted after the deadline will be considered for THISBFF 2025.

Fees: No entry fees required.

Copyright: It is the responsibility of the Filmmaker/Entrant to ensure that all approvals and permissions for use of materials within the film (music, etc.) have been obtained before submission.

Final Selection: The final selection of all films is up to the discretion of the Organiser. Only selected entrants will be officially notified. Should your film be accepted, THISBFF will request additional information for press and publicity purposes. A soft copy info/press kit must accompany all selected films. The info/press kit must include high resolution print-quality digital promotional posters, photographs, trailer, director’s biography, production notes and the film’s screening history and awards received.

Format: We mainly accept DCP formats. Other screening formats like High-Res Pro may be considered.

Submission: Please complete application form and email your entries to us with the following information:
- Full access to the film through a secure online platform
- Director’s CV
- 3 x high-resolution JPEG/TIFF film stills

Download Application Form here: https://tinyurl.com/THISBFF2023OpenCallSubmission

Please email your entries to: info@thisfilmfest.com