The Blue Ridge Film Fest is presented by Barnstorm Media as an extension of their mission: the preservation of independent film through the nurturing of independent voices. 

All films screened for awards consideration will come from submissions! We know of no other festival making such a claim. We're looking to discover new voices. We're looking to create a community of the next generation of filmmakers.

The festival will take place over three days in the bucolic hamlet of Blue Ridge, GA, at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. With an ideal downtown district and an arts hungry community, Blue Ridge is the perfect home for the next generation of film festivals.

BRff is all about community. It’s about bringing independent film to a thriving art community and it’s about building a community of filmmakers who are invested in keeping independent film alive.

The events and workshops built around the festival were created to encourage filmmakers to connect, to build relationships, to fuel one another's artistic talents, and ultimately, to find ways to collaborate.

WE'RE ONLY JUDGING TALENT. We're looking for original voices, not deep pockets.

Awards & Prizes

The Blue Ridge Film Festival offers individual awards for Best Feature, Best Doc, and Best Short, as well as the Southern Comfort Cabin Rentals Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize for best overall film.

All award winners are eligible for a distribution deal from our partners at SMG.

All filmmakers selected for the fest will receive a prize package for iPitch. iPitch's marketplace includes executives from Discovery Studios, Sony Pictures Entertainment Television, New Line Cinema, Warner Brothers, Echo Lake Entertainment, Relativity Television, CBS, WEtv, Authentic Entertainment and Leftfield Pictures.

The Grand Jury Prize winner will receive $500 cash.

Rules & Terms

1. Films must be the original work of the applicants. If a film is based upon another person’s life or upon a book or other underlying work, applicant(s) must secure any necessary rights to make such adaptations. However, it is not necessary to submit the adaptation rights agreements to the Festival. By entering the competition, you represent that you have secured all necessary rights.
2. Applicants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary rights and permissions for third-party materials included in their films, including but not limited to music, trademarks, logos, copyrights, and other intellectual property rights. Barnstorm Media expressly disclaims all liability or responsibility for any violations of the foregoing.
3. Once an entry payment has been received we cannot provide a refund.
4. Submitters may submit more than one entry in more than one category.
5. All judges’ decisions are final.

Terms & Conditions

I have read all of Blue Ridge Film Festival's rules and regulations. I understand and have complied with these rules.

I understand that failure to adhere to Blue Ridge Film Festival’s rules will result in disqualification.

I am the sole owner and author of the submitted material. I also contend that this work has never been distributed in any capacity.

Furthermore, I indemnify Barnstorm Media, its affiliates, sponsors and judges of and from any and all claims, loss or liability that may be asserted against you or incurred by you or any associates, at any time in connection with said material.
3 Reviews
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  • Jordan Kamp

    Every communication with the team from BRFF was extremely professional. Unfortunately we weren't able to attend, but remain thrilled to be a part of the inaugural festival. It truly seems to be all about the community and the art, which is the basis for any great film festival. Can't wait to see this festival grow.

    March 2020
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  • Mark Weeden

    The team at Blue Ridge were really fantastic to deal with before the festival dates, and were incredibly accommodating during the festival proper. It was very well run, especially when contrasted with other film festivals I've attended of similar size or age. The town of Blue Ridge is the secret of the festival. Set in the mountains, it can't help feel like Park City or Rossland or some other small but bustling ski town with lots of interesting shops and restaurants. Would definitely hope to bring my next movie here, and hope it continues grow and get even better year-on-year.

    March 2020
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  • William Norrett

    I really enjoyed myself at this festival, and was proud to have my film screen there. Darrell did a fantastic job and had a wonderful support system, and the treatment of the filmmakers truly made me feel special and welcome. Blue Ridge is a hidden gem in Georgia, and I think this festival is really going to build momentum and become a fantastic tradition before long. I'm grateful to have been part of their inaugural year.

    March 2020
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