GENERAL RULES
All early submissions must be submitted no later than Friday, November 7, 2025. All regular submissions must be submitted no later than Friday, December 19, 2025. All late submissions must be submitted no later than Friday, January 30, 2026. All eligible entries must be submitted online via FilmFreeway.
The festival does not enforce any category subject restrictions. Films can be of any style or genre. Above all, BWiFF seeks strong, passionate, unique storytelling. Each submission is carefully considered solely on its own merit by the festival programming committee.
Any and all submissions for the 2026 BWiFFdocs must have been completed no earlier than January 2023.
Film producers are responsible for all insurance and shipment costs. Every effort will be made to send notifications by Friday, March 13, 2026. Due to the high volume of entries received, possible e-mail complications, or inaccurate information provided by the submitter some notifications may not be received by the official notification date. If you have not received notification by March 13, 2026, we encourage you to please contact our programming department.
SUBMISSION TERMS & CONDITIONS
Entrants (“Entrant”) must agree to all Submission Terms and Conditions, which also includes deadline and entry material requirements. Please read all Submission Terms and Conditions in their entirety as submission fees are non-refundable. Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (“BWiFF”) is hereby granted the right to utilize an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition for promotional purposes.
I. All submissions are required to be submitted through FilmFreeway. Entrants should have the Download option enabled through their chosen video platform.
II. Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
III. A paid entry fee is required for each submission. BWiFF does not consider requests for entry fee waivers or screening/rental fees.
IV. By submitting, the Entrant grants BWiFF non-exclusive permission to exhibit the film at the scheduled 2026 BWiFFdocs. Additionally, the Entrant agrees to allow BWiFF the option to showcase their film as part of a sponsored screening series outside of the festival run.
V. Entrants are responsible for obtaining all third-party clearances, licensing, permits, and releases necessary to have their films exhibited. BWiFF is not responsible for any infringement claims, including but not limited to, credit, copyrights, and/or trademarks.
VI. Entrants indemnify and hold harmless BWiFF from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees and costs of the court), which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the exhibition and marketing materials submitted.
VII. BWiFF is not responsible for any packaging or shipping costs in the return of exhibition copies and/or other promotional materials. Although due care will be exercised and staff will contact the entrant in the event defective materials are received, BWiFF cannot assume any liability for damage to entries. If the entrant has not received notification that their submission was received by March 13, 2026, it is the responsibility of the entrant to contact our programming department.
VIII. Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) are required and should include film stills, director(s) photos, brief director bio, synopsis, and above the line production credits. BWiFF reserves the right to secure substitute materials from other related sources if needed.
IX. Films accepted for exhibition are expected to provide a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) and/or an HD digital file no later than the deadline provided in the notice of acceptance. BWiFF reserves the right to determine which category is best suited for each film submitted.
X. Accepted entrants who plan on attending the festival are responsible for their own travel, lodging, and all other expenses.
XI. Entrant should not submit their film if there is a known possibility of withdrawal. BWiFF does not provide refunds to entrants without FilmFreeway Submission Protection and no refunds will be provided beyond five (5) days after submitting. No withdrawals will be honored by BWiFF after Friday, February 20, 2026.
XII. All of the above submission eligibility guidelines and general rules are subject to change by BWiFF without notice.
