Since 2015, the Full Bloom Film Festival has showcased nearly 500 carefully curated films from 37 different countries. Now entering its 8th year, FBFF continues to shed light on global and local communities alike, offering a level of hospitality where each filmmaker feels truly appreciated. Over the course of the three-day festival, filmmakers and festival goers will have a chance to experience a variety of international short and feature-length films, partake in panel events and a filmmaker roundtable, and, of course, enjoy unforgettable parties each night. Each of the festival’s screening venues is custom upfitted in a historic building located in the heart of downtown Statesville (including the town’s “Old Jail”).

The Full Bloom Film Festival is currently accepting film submissions in the following categories: Narrative Feature, Documentary Feature, Short Narrative, Short Documentary, and Animation. Filmmakers of officially selected films will be given the option of complimentary hotel accommodations (TBA upon selection), as well as assistance getting from and to the Charlotte airport. At the close of the festival, awards are given to winning films in each category, as well as an award for “Best of Fest.”

FBFF 2023 will take place September 7th through September 9th in and around Historic Downtown Statesville. This nonprofit festival is organized by a committed group of area business leaders, film enthusiasts and volunteers. The festival is a collaborative effort supported by:
-Iredell County Arts Council
-City of Statesville
-Iredell-Statesville Schools
-Mitchell Community College
-Statesville Chamber of Commerce
-Statesville Recreation and Parks Department
-Downtown Statesville Development Corp.

Awards & Prizes

Officially selected films will be eligible to receive awards by category, as well as the ranking award for Best of Fest. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of judges based on the film’s overall artistic, narrative, and technical quality.

CATEGORIES:
Narrative Feature
Documentary Feature
Short Narrative
Short Documentary
Animation (any length)

Each official selection will be given two (2) VIP Passes to attend Full Bloom Film Festival screenings and events. FBFF plans to offer networking opportunities and panel discussions for film industry professionals and fellow supporters of the arts community. Attendees representing officially selected films may also be asked to participate in panels and moderated Q&A sessions with the audience immediately following their film’s screening.

In addition, if your feature film has World or Domestic Premiere status, it is eligible for a red carpet premiere. The red carpet premiere will include four (4) VIP Passes, hotel accommodations, and a red carpet entrance with coverage from local and regional news outlets. A red carpet premiere may be granted to up to two (2) feature film selections. Let us know upon submission if you wish to be considered as a premiere film.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@fullbloomfilmfestival.org.

Rules & Terms

1. The Full Bloom Film Festival is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen items, including films in any medium, while en-route or in our possession, on or off of festival grounds.

2. All fees are non-transferable and non-refundable.

3. The Full Bloom Film Festival retains the right to accept or decline any film, for whatever reason, without notice or explanation.

4. Filmmaker is responsible for clearing all rights to the content of the film.

5. Filmmaker grants the Full Bloom Film Festival the right to use excerpts from the film including audio, video, names and images to promote the festival. Filmmaker also grants the Full Bloom Film Festival the right to screen any selected film for a period of one (1) year to promote the festival, without any compensation to the filmmaker.

6. Applicant admits that he/she is authorized to submit the film, being the sole rights-holder or authorized representative thereof.

7. Applicant agrees to provide a film representative's Name, Full Address, Phone and all other contact information at the time of submission.

8. Upon acceptance, filmmakers (or primary film contact) will provide an exhibition copy* in one of the following formats:
i. DVD
ii. BluRay
iii. HDCam
iv. QuickTime 1080p HD 8 bit uncompressed or Apple ProRes file or equivalent
(*Format subject to change. Should any issues arise regarding the availability of the intended exhibition copy, films will be screened as scheduled from a format left to the discretion of festival organizers.)

9. Filmmakers are responsible for shipping costs associated with delivering all materials to the Full Bloom Film Festival.

10. All non-English speaking films must have adequate English subtitles.

11. Screening fees must be declared prior to or upon submission. If a screening fee is only indicated after the official selection has been announced, the Festival retains the right to revoke this film's acceptance.

62 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rafael Pease

    Full Bloom FF, is a very professional and caring festival. I am proud to have screened TUPUNGATO - empathy in death, and won the best documentary feature at this year 2023 festival. Will be submitting next year as well

    September 2023
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  • Heidi Nyburg

    I truly love the Full Bloom Film Festival. Everyone there is great, the festival is really well done. Brandon is so organized and on top of everything else he does he really worked his magic with that trailer. Stunning. I highly recommend this festival. Great people in a beautiful place. Thank you for having us, Full Bloom.

    September 2023
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  • Peaches Wilczak

    Great Festival! Everyone who runs it is very nice :)

    September 2023
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  • Chip Hackler

    Full Bloom is a fantastic festival. I've attended twice and it's only gotten better (you might say it's living up to its name). They treat filmmakers with incredible thoughtfulness and hospitality. Thanks to everyone who makes Full Bloom happen. Keep up the great work!

    September 2023
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  • Duncan Ragg

    Full Bloom Film Festival was a sheer joy to be involved with. Communication with Brandon and the team was so clear from the get go, outlining all the opportunities available to filmmakers and making us feel right at home. They really care about film and filmmakers. Recommended.

    September 2023
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