Since 2015, the Full Bloom Film Festival has showcased 544 carefully curated films from 40 different countries. Now entering its 10th 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 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. 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 2025 will take place September 11th through September 13th 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.

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. All accepted film will submit screeners uploaded via the internet as a 1080P , uncompressed mp4 or prores. We do not accept DCP or 5.1 surround sound tracks at this time.

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 or licensing fees will not be paid by FBFF, so if the submitted film requires a fee please do not submit or obtain a waiver for the festival.

77 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Louisa Connolly-Burnham

    I had an amazing time participating in the festival this year with my film Sister Wives! The team were lovely and made the whole process really easy and stress-free. Their communication was great, and it was clear they’re passionate about supporting filmmakers. The festival featured a great mix of films, showcasing diverse voices and genres. You could tell the organisers put a lot of thought into curating the lineup. They really cares about filmmakers, and I highly recommend it. Can't wait to submit again! Louisa Connolly-Burnham x 

    October 2024
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  • Angus Benfield

    Full Bloom was a top quality, incredible film festival, they made our crew feel incredibly welcomed and the organizers were so kind and generous with their time, we were honored to win best of the fest for our film The Keeper. Thank you Brandon and Full Bloom Film Festival for having us. We will be back!!

    October 2024
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  • Michael Flores

    What a fun, welcoming, and exciting festival! We had an amazing time taking part in each event and visiting with the locals, meeting other filmmakers, and establishing lasting, meaningful relationships. Full Bloom is gunning to be a top festival contender and they are doing all the right things to get there. Thank you to all who took part, our film, Sendero, won Best Narrative Feature and the cannot more grateful for the overall support and consideration. It means the world to us.

    September 2024
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  • Smiley Boys

    This was hands down the best fest we've been to so far. Everyone was warm and welcoming and wonderful. Beautiful town, great people, and we felt extremely valued. Thanks again!!!

    September 2024
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  • Ed Foster

    The Epitome of Southern Hospitality.
    Put this one on your list of musts for festivals! From the time you pick up your filmmaker packet to the time you tearfully say goodbye the Full Bloom Film Festival makes you feel like a superstar. The citizens and businesses of Statesville are very welcoming and friendly. Having everything within walking distance was very helpful. The Meet and Greets were the best! Food, drink, and networking, networking, networking! My accommodations were well beyond my expectations! If you get to stay at The Inn on Front Street, please ask Mike and Jerilyn for the stuffed French toast! Melt in your mouth goodness!! Oh, did I mention the films? A fantastic job by the committee of choosing some really great films. I am humbled that mine was among them.
    Thank you, Full Bloom Film Festival.

    September 2024
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