The Boston International Film Festival was created to celebrate the art of filmmaking and to honor the filmmakers who make it all possible. This is a festival dedicated to rewarding artists for their individual talents and for their creative expression through the medium of film. The festival strives to bring together in Boston local, national and international filmmakers by promoting the world’s most artistic and creative independent and experimental films.

Awards & Prizes

The festival’s goal is to encourage and support the work of worldwide independent filmmakers and to promote their products as an art concept and as a valuable contribution to world understanding. The occasion of a 5 day festival affords a rare opportunity to promote dialogue between filmmakers and the audience in an intimate setting. The Festival Committee also hopes to provide an international cultural platform for screening feature-length, documentary, short and student works as a lasting institution.

Rules & Terms

We are accepting submissions for the following programs:

·Feature Narrative and Documentary (45 minutes or longer)
Short Narrative and Documentary (Less than 45 minutes)

All genres are welcome. The festival programming staff will place your film in the appropriate category.

·Early bird deadline for shorts August 31, 2023
·Early bird deadline for features September 15, 2023
·Standard deadline for shorts September 29, 2023
·Standard deadline for features October 27, 2023
·Final deadline for shorts November 10, 2023
·Final deadline for features November 30, 2023

·Extended deadline for Shorts December 15, 20223

·Extended deadline for features December 30, 2023


·Late Extended deadline for All Entries January 5, 2024

Works in Progress are accepted for final deadlines only. WP should be indicated clearly on the submission form “Work in Progress” or “Rough Cut” and also indicate when exactly the final edited version will be available.

·Early deadline shorts $45 Features $60

·Standard deadline shorts $55 Features $70

·Final deadline shorts $55 Features $70

·Extended deadline Shorts $60 Features $80

Payment can be made by check or money order in US dollars payable to: BI Film Festival

All Entries must be submitted electronically only.

·Completed and signed “BI Film Festival” submission form online. (Not necessary if submitted through FilmFreeway)
·Entry Fees are non-refundable.

·Any available press materials and Media-Kit, Credit list, Lead Actors and Directors bio
and Photo.

Multiple Submissions: When sending in more than one project, each one must have its
own submission material.

· No entry shall have been screened commercially or released in video format or available on the internet prior to the Festival dates (exceptions 
may be made at the discretion of the Festival)

The programming staff of the festival will select film in their discretion. Those selected will be notified via email or regular mail. On or about March 1, 2024. Those not selected will be notified via email or regular mail the following week.

If selected you should be able to provide the following material:
·Exhibition print or video;

·2 Full press kits including film stills and directors bio and Photo;
·60 Seconds Digital Video clip or trailer for promotional press;
·The project synopsis, Cast and crew credits.

If you have questions regarding the submissions process, please email: info@bifilmfestival.com
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25 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lyria Garcia

    I’m so honored to have Waysland selected and being among so many good films.
    My short film was shot in Massachusetts so it was an incredible night for my community and everyone involved. What a proud moment to watch our story in the silver screen.
    Well organized with a supportive and pleasant organizers.

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Steve Blackwood

    BIFF was well organized. The venue (AMC on Tremont Street) was convenient and spacious. Having the opening night party right down the street from the AMC (at the Royale) was a great idea.

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Dawn Natalia

    We were blessed to have the world premiere of our feature By The Water’s Edge at the 2023 BIFF. Patrick Jerome and his team do a wonderful job of making all the filmmakers feel welcomed and appreciated. We were honored to receive the Indie Spirit Special Recognition Award for our film and hope to attend many more BIFFs in the future!

    May 2023
    Helpful
  • Dante D'Amore

    Thank you for selecting Lightkeepers for the 2023 Boston IFF, we appreciate being able to participate in it. Such a great event to be part of.

    April 2023
    Helpful
  • Jay Dunigan

    We were blessed to have our film, created on the shores of southern Maine, have its first Festival acceptance at The Boston International Film Festival. We are grateful to be a recipient of BIFF's Special recognition Award. All of the staff were welcoming to our cast, crew and attendees. The AMC theaters, smack in the center of iconic Boston Massachusetts and surrounded by Emerson College, was just a thrill. Thank you.

    April 2023
    Helpful