Badagry International Film Festival

Theme: Roots and Routes

Celebrating African Cinema and the Resilience of People of Color

Located in the historic city of Badagry, Nigeria, our festival honors the rich cultural heritage and complex history of Africa, particularly the transatlantic slave trade. This poignant backdrop serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles, challenges, and triumphs of Africans and people of color worldwide.

The Badagry International Film Festival showcases African-themed stories that highlight the complexities, nuances, and victories of the African experience. As a border town, Badagry is also a hub for indigenous border town migration stories, which are warmly welcomed into our festival program.

But our scope extends beyond Africa. We welcome human angle stories that resonate from across the globe, highlighting the shared experiences and emotions that connect us all. We warmly welcome films from non-African filmmakers who share our passion for storytelling and cultural exchange.

Our mission is to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, aiming to:

- Celebrate African cinema and promote cultural exchange
- Foster a community of filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts
- Provide opportunities for networking, collaboration, and skill-sharing

Join us in Badagry, Nigeria, for a vibrant celebration of African cinema, human resilience, and the power of storytelling. Submit your film today and be part of this exciting event!

Awards & Prizes

AWARD CATEGORIES

*Narrative Film Awards*

1. Best Narrative Feature (African themed)
2. Best Narrative Feature (Non-African themed)
3. Best Short Film (African themed)
4. Best Short Film (Non-African themed)
5. Best Narrative Film on Social/Human Issues (Feature)
6. Best Narrative Film on Social/Human Issues (Short)

*Documentary Film Awards*

1. Best Documentary Feature (African themed)
2. Best Documentary Feature (Non-African themed)
3. Best Documentary Short (African themed)
4. Best Documentary Short (Non-African themed)

*Craft Awards*

1. Best Director
2. Best Actor/Actress
3. Best Screenplay
4. Best Cinematography
5. Best Editing
6. Best Sound Design

*Special Awards*

1. Audience Choice Award
2. Best Emerging Filmmaker
3. Best Film on African Culture

Rules & Terms

*Badagry International Film Festival Rules and Terms*

General Rules
1. *Submission Eligibility*: The Badagry International Film Festival accepts submissions from filmmakers worldwide, with a focus on African-themed films, human angle stories, and films that highlight social issues relevant to African and people of color cultures.
2. *Film Completion Date*: Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
3. *Film Duration*: Feature films must be at least 40 minutes long, while short films must be under 40 minutes.

4. *Language*: Films can be in any language, but must be subtitled in English.

Submission Categories
1. *Narrative Features (African themed)*: Feature films that tell stories with an African theme.
2. *Narrative Features (Non-African themed)*: Feature films that tell stories with a non-African theme.
3. *Short Films (African themed)*: Short films that tell fictional stories with an African theme.
4. *Short Films (Non-African themed)*: Short films that tell fictional stories with a non-African theme.
5. *Documentary Features (African themed)*: Documentary feature films that explore African themes or issues.
6. *Documentary Features (Non-African themed)*: Documentary feature films that explore non-African themes or issues.
7. *Documentary Shorts (African themed)*: Documentary short films that explore African themes or issues.
8. *Documentary Shorts (Non-African themed)*: Documentary short films that explore non-African themes or issues.

Submission Guidelines
1. *Submission Fee*: A non-refundable submission fee of $10 (feature films) or $5 (short films) must be paid upon submission.
2. *Submission Deadline*: Films must be submitted by the designated deadline (TBA).
3. *Submission Platform*: Films must be submitted through the festival's online submission platform (FilmFreeway or equivalent).

Festival Rights
1. *Screening Rights*: By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants the festival the right to screen the film during the festival.
2. *Promotional Rights*: The festival reserves the right to use excerpts from submitted films for promotional purposes (trailers, posters, social media, etc.).

Permission and Copyright Details
1. *Copyright*: The filmmaker warrants that they are the owner of the copyright in the submitted film.
2. *Permission*: The filmmaker grants the festival permission to screen the film, and use excerpts for promotional purposes
3. *Clearance*: The filmmaker is responsible for obtaining all necessary clearances and permissions for the use of music, images, and other copyrighted materials in the film.

By submitting a film to the Badagry International Film Festival, the filmmaker acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to these rules and terms.
3 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Наталья Бравичева

    Thanks for nominated very good festival.

    December 2023
    Helpful
  • MaximillianGroup Inc

    Being part of the Badagry International Film Cultural & Sports Festival (BIFIF) has been an enriching and gratifying experience. It was truly inspiring to collaborate with our Edo State brothers and participate in an African film festival that not only celebrates cinematic excellence but also fosters unity within the industry.

    As filmmakers, it's crucial that we support each other, especially within the African film community. BIFIF provides a valuable space for collaboration, cultural exchange, and the collective growth of our industry.

    Our heartfelt thanks to the organizers for curating a festival that goes beyond conventional boundaries. Thank you for selecting "Sleepless Nights". Being part of BIFIF is not just about showcasing films; it's about contributing to a cultural movement that celebrates our shared stories and experiences.

    November 2023
    Helpful
  • Joseph Okhomina

    Awesome festival.. let's do it again next year

    November 2023
    Helpful