The BZN International Film Festival, a production of the Bozeman Film Celebration, is dedicated to fostering intelligent filmmaking, understanding diverse points of view, and restoring media literacy. The BZN vision is to highlight films that make a positive impact on audiences—stories that showcase the best of the human spirit while inviting a call to action. We champion films that educate and enrich while they entertain: documentaries, indies, comedies, features and shorts that make our cut must be intelligent and thought-provoking, inspire curiosity and encourage community and global awareness. Above all, they should stimulate conversation—a lost art we’re determined to help restore.

BZN is dedicated to supporting and promoting women’s voices in film and the film industry, and as such, will present a series of films and conversations focusing on the challenges and experiences of filmmaking as a woman. BZN spotlights women filmmakers, directors, actors and producers who are ready to take the helm, pioneering projects to change current statistics and elevate women’s visions and voices.

In addition, BZN spotlights films that inspire audiences to get involved and take action to live in harmony with the environment and be at peace with one another. We acknowledge that conservation is complex and requires involvement from various perspectives.

Awards & Prizes

Every film that screens will be considered for the following:

Ted Turner Award - Given to the film that most inspires environmental stewardship ($5,000 cash award)
Audience Award - Narrative Short
Audience Award - Narrative Feature
Audience Award - Documentary Short
Audience Award - Documentary Feature
Audience Award - Experimental/Animation Short
BZN Spirit Award - Given to the film, short or feature, that most honors the BZN Mission

These awards will be presented on Sunday, June 14 at the BZN Awards Ceremony — the last event of the festival weekend.

Rules & Terms

• Entry fees are non refundable and are payable by credit card only.

• Non-English language films must be subtitled in English.

• If a feature film is accepted, we encourage one female filmmaker or member of the film team attend the festival to represent the film during the audience Q&A and participate in the festival experience.

•. If any portion of your film was produced in Montana, BZN would appreciate your contacting BethAnn@BozemanFilmCelebration.com to receive a submission waiver.

•. If the filmmaker has an affiliation with Montana State University, BZN would appreciate your contacting BethAnn@BozemanFilmCelebration.com to receive a submission waiver.

• Filmmaker has all necessary legal authority and rights required to submit this film to the BZN.

• All filmmakers will be notified by January 17 of their status.

• If accepted, the filmmaker will assume all responsibility for shipping and insurance costs to/from the Festival Office. Please include all relevant return addresses & instructions in the packaging.

• The date, time and location of the screenings of films are solely at the discretion of the Bozeman Film Celebration.

• All filmmakers must be able to provide either a MP4 or a DCP. Materials must be postmarked by May 8. BZN does not accept H264 files. (Please read this handy guide if you're having any issues with prepping your screening materials: bit.ly/2m10Qkn)

• BZN is not a “premiere” festival meaning that your film does not have to be a premiere to be accepted.

Questions regarding submissions to BZN may be directed to filmoffice@bozemanfilmcelebration.com

Terms

• By submitting your film, you grant BZN the right to utilize an excerpt from this film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Celebration for promotional purposes.

We look forward to seeing your film!

25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Bruno Chatelin

    What an amazing experience we had of this festival
    Team Sharkwater and myself thank you and congratulate you
    Bruno Chatelin
    Festival agent to Rob Stewart's Sharkwater Extinction final film

    September 2019
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  • Mimi deGruy

    This is a gem of a festival. Everyone was so welcoming, the films were great, the events were really fun, and to top it off, Bozeman is a wonderful town! Highly recommend this event. Thank you BZN Film Festival!

    June 2019
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  • Annabel Vine

    A film festival for our time. Love everything about this film festival, the setting looks wonderful and their mission statement is bang on. Thanks for having up BZN.

    June 2019
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  • Roman and Justine Sanchez

    BZN was an outstanding festival filled with powerful films, bright, creative people, interesting panel discussions and Q & A's...the audience was attentive and curious! The BZN staff was professional, organized, friendly, and available. It was an honor to share the story of the Buffalo and Our National Mammal at such a well orchestrated and curated festival. I'd go back as a film maker and attendee!

    June 2019
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  • Robin Truesdale

    Reaching a Montana audience was extraordinary for us. BZN extended a down home welcome and, at the same time, expanded the audience's awareness and understanding of so many world issues!

    June 2019
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