BUFF aims to Tantalise & Stimulate conversations of the not-so-talked-about, so strap yourself in & support Independent cinema, Art, & the Community.

Building upon last year’s ELECTRIC event, the Byron Underground Film Festival (BUFF) returns in 2023 to shake things up, expand the mind, and celebrate the curious through the majesty of curated shorts, features and art pieces.

This isn’t your standard film festival.
Expect Filmmaker panel discussions, street performers, stand-up comedy, drive-in cinemas, guerrilla marketing, flash-mobs, and a celebration of the alternative lifestyle that made Byron Bay the Paramount of Australian anti-culture."

This year we're partnering up with the European Film Festival based in Paris, and will bring some of Europe's best to the silver screen.

We love our filmmakers in attendance at BUFF. If your film is Selected for our program all effort is given to allow you the time to introduce, and discuss your film infront of a live audience.

Awards & Prizes

Here at BUFF we know how much time goes into making your film perfect, that's why we feel it's important to award our BEST films with actual trophies.

In true Underground style the awards are repurposed memorabilia with updated plaques to celebrate your successes.

Awards are going out for.

* BUFF Cock - Best in Fest
* Best Director
* Best Cinematography
* Best Acting
* Best Editing

Trophies will be awarded at the closing ceremony. If you're unable to travel to Byron Bay, Australia we can send you your award/s anywhere in the world; just cover the postage costs and we'll get it sorted for you.

GOOD LUCK to everyone with their submissions; we're looking forward to seeing them!

Rules & Terms

All genres are accepted.

The films must include English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English).

By submitting your film, you agree that:

1. Byron Bay Underground Film Festival can use parts of your film (including trailer/teaser/film poster) for promotional purpose.
2. Entry fees are non-refundable.
3. You own all the rights to the film.
4. You can withdraw your submission only during the 5 days after.
5. You cannot withdraw your submission after the official selection announcement of each round.

The Byron Bay Underground Film Festival does not accept the following:

1. Extremist or propaganda content from religious or political organizations.
2. Films which are made before 2018.
3. Films with a poor production standard (bad sound, lack of subtitles/captions for non-English films, or video resolution less than 720p HD).

Byron Bay Underground Film Festival - 2023 © All Rights Reserved

12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Emma Swider

    Byron Bay Underground is an awesome festival! Wonderful lineup of films, super communicative festival director (thanks, Andre!), and an overall great experience. Top it off, we were thrilled to bring home the 'Best Direction' award— thanks so much, BUFF!!

    March 2023
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  • Lucas Stanton

    Byron Bay Underground was an experience not to be missed. My film ran on a Thursday night as a part of the 'Thrilling Thursday' line up The films that played were well tied together but also dared to push the boundaries of the audience. A true underground film festival where you will see something you definitely wont see anywhere else.

    March 2023
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  • Benny Goldman

    Was such an amazing experience be accepted and part of BUFF. The festival director, Andre was super communicative and did everything he could to be accommodating and helpful. Went above and beyond in letting me know about all the updates and events associated with the festival.
    Thanks so much brother!

    January 2023
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  • Ming-En Lloyd Cui

    BUFF was a charming festival to be a part of. The vibe is fun, homely and local-yet-global. In my absence the organisers went out of their way to take and send photos of work that was screened, which was very much appreciated.

    Thanks again, Andre.

    December 2022
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  • Patrick Harris

    Wonderful experience being accepted by BUFF, alas I couldn't make it to the event but communication was first rate

    December 2022
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