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 6 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, 2026
·Early bird deadline for features September 12, 2026
·Standard deadline for shorts September 30, 2026
·Standard deadline for screenplays October 16, 2026
·Standard deadline for features October 30, 2026
·Final deadline for shorts November 13, 2026
·Final deadline for features November 30, 2026

·Extended deadline for Shorts December 14, 2026

·Extended deadline for features December 31, 2026


·Late Extended deadline for All Entries January 10, 2027

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 $65 Features $80

·Standard deadline shorts $75 Features $90

·Final deadline shorts $75 Features $90

·Extended deadline Shorts $80 Features $100

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, 2027. 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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31 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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Networking
  • Signe Taylor

    Our experience with the Boston International Film Festival was amazing from start to finish! BIFF's Red Carpet made our screening of Forgotten Founder: The Untold Story of Samson Occom and Dartmouth super festive, the Imax screen and great sound system made the film pop, and the hospitality and organization of the festival made the whole experience sing! I'm grateful to the festival for recognizing our work with an Indie Spec Award for Best Documentary and also with an Audience Choice for Best Short Film. I'm really looking forward to submitting future works to BIFF -- I've been to a lot of film festivals (over 50!) and this was, hands down, one of the best!

    April 2026
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  • Sue Farina

    The Boston International Film Festival was excellent - start to finish! It is very well managed with friendly, helpful staff. The range of films screened is great. The overall vibe was fantastic. It was a wonderful experience and a real treat to see my short film on the huge IMAX screen!

    April 2026
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  • Oriana Ng

    FANTASTIC festival, very welcoming and friendly team, great Q&A, it was so cool to watch my short film in IMAX. Thank You!!!!!

    April 2025
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  • Ryan Doris

    We were honored to have "Who's There?" featured on BIFF's Friday Night Horror screening and go on to win Best Film in their shorts category. We had a blast at this well run festival and would certainly submit again.

    May 2024
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  • Shawn Hainsworth

    We were thrilled to have our film screened at the IMAX theatre. It looked great. Thanks for an excellent experience

    May 2024
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