We are looking for BRAVE STORIES in all forms: feature films and shorts, animation, digital series, music videos in live action narratives or documentaries that showcase a celebration of the arts and human experience for justice, diversity and inclusion.

We want to celebrate movies in all genres that bravely explore how we think, how we live, how we interact with others and how we see the world anew.

We're looking to elevate brave voices by those who make films and tell stories. We value underrepresented voices and seek to partner with emerging storytellers as well as established filmmakers. We look forward to being moved for powerful art.

We have ONLY in-person screenings at this time.

STAY TUNED for celebrity guests, social media ambassadors, and hosts!

Brave Stories change the world and we want to celebrate YOURS with live screenings, red carpet, Q&A's, networking events, workshops and parties. Submissions exclusively on FilmFreeway.

Our Festival will be screening all films in DCP the industry standard playback format for digital cinema (and some in .mp4 format). All filmmakers selected to screen there films in person at the Century 20 theater MUST submit their film by DCP (using our partner SIMPLE DCP) by June 2nd. NO EXCEPTIONS any films that do not meet the deadline will not be included in the festival. (And they must include OPEN CAPTIONS EMBEDDED on all films).

The BraveMaker Film Festival has partnered with Simple DCP to handle all film print
deliveries this year. Simple DCP will offer our filmmakers a 20% discount on DCP creation services and complimentary archival services. There will be no charge for filmmakers who submit a compatible, pre-existing DCP to Simple DCP.
Whether you submit a current DCP to Simple DCP or have your DCP created with Simple DCP, your DCP can also be quickly and affordably delivered to other festivals and venues. Every DCP in the Simple DCP archive will be integrated into partner festivals free of charge.

For this year’s BraveMaker Film Festival, Simple DCP will collect, create (if necessary), test, and ship all DCPs to our exhibition venue in an organized and efficient fashion.

See our INSTAGRAM page for recaps of our past film fests:
https://www.instagram.com/bravemakerfilmfest/

and our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/bravemakerorg

Awards & Prizes

Each filmmaker selected to screen their film will will receive press and promotion to our 6000+ person subscriber email with an online, LIVE STREAM panel discussion in person film fest.

We do invite our top rated selected filmmakers to submit a pitch for their next project--and 6-10 of those filmmakers will then have a chance to pitch their project to a panel of Hollywood decision makers to win up to $4000 in grants.

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS
The nonrefundable entry fee must be payable in US dollars to BRAVEMAKER. Entries must be submitted by the deadline. Submission costs vary depending on category and discounts. When submitting to the festival you are agreeing that, if selected and the invitation accepted, to screen the submitted film during the dates of the festival. BraveMaker Film Fest (BMFF) will *not* pay any screening fees for presentation of the film during the festival. The only exception would be if there is a negotiated agreement preceding the submission of the film.

*OPEN CAPTIONS*
All films MUST be submitted with open captions in order to be inclusive to all audiences. Mandated requirement since 2023.

TRAVEL/LODGING
BraveMaker film fest is a small, nonprofit organization. We are unable to provide lodgiing or travel for filmmakers.

We are partnered with a local hotel that offers discounted rooms--a link to book rooms at the Courtyard Marriott Redwood City for filmmakers (and audiences) will be made available and filmmakers can facilitate shared rooms.

*Some food and drink is included in VIP events for all filmmakers.

ENTRY REGULATIONS
This a not a competitive showcase-- there will be no prizes awarded to selected filmmakers. We want our makers to enjoy the fest and screening experience with no added pressure of competition.

The BMFF reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any project submitted. Only works completed in 2021 - 2025 are eligible for selection. There is no limit to the number of entries.

FILM/VIDEO ENTRIES
All international language entries must have English subtitles. Projects must be submitted for consideration as an online screener through FilmFreeway only. Emails sent to our staff with screeners will not be accepted. Please do not submit works in progress. Screening material, press and any application materials sent to BMFF will NOT be returned. If you did not receive a confirmation of submission, please email fest@bravemaker.com. All features and documentaries submitted must be available in DCP for festival presentation. There will be certain venues that will require a digital file submissions, TBD.

PRESS MATERIALS
If selected, the BMFF will require an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) to include high-resolution production stills, key art, bio and filmography of the director, production notes and full cast and crew credits.

SHIPPING
The cost of shipping all entries, DCPs, materials and films to the festival must be paid by the entrant. BMFF will not pay the cost of shipping the print back to the filmmaker and will not be responsible for expedited or overnight shipping charges to other organizations.

REPRODUCTION AGREEMENT
Submission of an entry gives the BMFF permission to have excerpts of accepted work, including film trailers, shown in all promotional activities related to the festival.

NOTIFICATION
Films selected for the BMFF will be notified no later than May 9th, 2025.

53 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Austin Chapman

    Incredible community and scale, loved every moment of it

    January 2026
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  • Jack Leonidas

    BraveMaker Film Festival is by far one of the most incredible, inclusive, fun, well-organized festivals in the region. Thank you so much for selecting my film No. I'll be back for sure!

    October 2025
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  • Rashmi Rustagi

    Bravemaker is hands-down one of the best festivals on the circuit! Screening my feature, Designed by Preeti, was an absolute thrill. And winning the audience award for best feature was the cherry on top! The film lineup left me truly inspired. I met so many talented visionaries and felt the team’s genuine support for indie filmmakers at every turn. Tony's communication, thoughtful curation, and dedication to creating an unforgettable experience made the entire festival exceptional. Can’t recommend it highly enough!

    August 2025
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  • Carrie Lederer

    BraveMaker Film Festival feels like one big inclusive family where every voice is heard and celebrated. Tony and his amazing team create a warm, welcoming space that makes every filmmaker feel truly seen and valued. This festival reminds us that real storytelling takes more than skill or vision; it takes emotional courage. I’m grateful to be part of this bold, big-hearted community that holds space for honest, boundary-breaking stories that connect us all. A truly special festival experience in the Bay Area.

    July 2025
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  • Govind K Saji

    When you see a whole street of the city celebrating a film festival, you know it is a good one! This festival is one of the best experiences I've had in California to date.

    July 2025
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