Bedford Documentary Film Festival – Now in Its Fith Year!

We’re excited to announce that the Bedford Documentary Film Festival (BDFF) is returning for its fourth year, and we can’t wait to showcase your work! In our inaugural year, we proudly received submissions from 20 countries, and we’re thrilled to continue expanding our global reach.

This year, we are accepting documentary film submissions from around the world. Please note that any non-English language films must include subtitles. While the festival will highlight the Best Documentary Film award, our mission goes beyond identifying a winner—we aim to celebrate the art of documentary filmmaking and bring diverse voices to the forefront.

The BDFF was founded by Jason Gurr, a documentary producer and director with 14 years of experience creating content for National TV, the British Film Institute, and online platforms. Jason’s passion for storytelling is at the heart of the festival, and he is committed to providing a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers.

We look forward to seeing your films and celebrating the power of documentary filmmaking!

Awards & Prizes

There will be a winning trophy for best documentary in all categories.

Rules & Terms

1. We are only accepting documentaries but no short films
2. We have five categories
3. Short documentaries under 15 minutes
Documentaries up to an hour
Documentaries over an hour
Best Student documentary
Best documentary director
4. We accept non English Language film but the must have subtitles
5. All fees are non-refundable
6. In order to submit a documentary you must own the rights or have permission from the owner
7. Not all the submissions are selected for the official competition. Our Judges are free to make their own choices and no answers will be given about not selected films.
8. To qualify for student entry fee rates, entrant must include proof of student status at the time of production (copy of student ID)
9. Films must be submitted via online screener ONLY with private link. (VIMEO, YOUTUBE, FilmFreeway, SELF HOSTED)
10. We do accept Documentary Dramas
11 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lorraine Portman

    I am a huge fan of the Bedford Documentary Film Festival. I regret I could not attend. Communication was stellar. I hold the organizers in highest regards. The festival also has strong sponsors. It was an honor and a thrill for our film to be programmed and recognized with an award.

    March 2026
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  • Jude Harris

    I felt very grateful to attend this wonderful film festival and have my documentary played. Everyone was so lovely and the host was a pleasure to be around.

    October 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Jude it was so nice to meet you last week. Looking forward to seeing more documentaries form you soon.

  • Theo Maximilian Goble

    Lovely team at BDFF. Jason was really responsive leading up to the festival and a great host on the day. Look forward to submitting to this festival again with my upcoming projects.

    October 2025
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    Response from festival:

    HI Theo
    It was great to meet you last week thanks for coming. Also will be great to see your new projects.

  • Two Side Studio

    Great festival! We managed to take home the 'Harrison & Simmonds' Award - what a pleasure!

    Thank you all for this recognition, hopefully we'll see you next year too

    October 2024
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  • Rose Mac

    A fantastic festival, we were delighted to win an award and received a trophy too.

    Great communication, festival notifications were sent when stated, a great example of a good quality film festival.

    October 2024
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