OUR IMPACT

Driving Change & Empowering Communities Through Independent Film

Since 2007, the Bushwick Film Festival has grown from a neighborhood gathering into one of Brooklyn’s most influential cultural institutions—while staying true to its mission: to bring people together through film and spotlight independent filmmakeres!

OUR REACH

  • 1,000+ filmmakers featured

  • 250+ speakers and panelists

  • Nearly 30,000+ unique attendees

  • 1,000+ yearly film submissions from 60+ countries

  • 5,000 yearly festival attendees

  • 100+ indie films screened annually

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Economic + Cultural Contributions
The Bushwick Film Festival strengthens Brooklyn’s creative economy by drawing thousands of visitors, partnering with local businesses, and showcasing emerging talent from across the world. City and State officials have recognized BFF for its contribution to Brooklyn’s cultural, artistic, and economic growth.

Youth Filmmaking Programs
Through partnerships with B&H Photo, Canon, Delta Airlines, and POPSUGAR, BFF has facilitated transformative filmmaking opportunities for young storytellers ages 14–24—equipping emerging artists with mentorship, tools, and industry exposure.

Workforce & Community Building

  • 20 full-time staff members hired over the years

  • 75 interns trained

  • 300 volunteers engaged

  • Hundreds of local artists, speakers, and creatives brought together annually.

Why Our Work Matters

Visibility & Representation

As one of the few U.S. film festivals owned by a woman of color—only 12% nationwide—BFF stands at the front lines of representation. Festival founder Kweighbaye Kotee and her team work to open doors for diverse storytellers, a commitment highlighted in a Delta x POPSUGAR commercial honoring their impact.

  • We work to close representation gaps in film and media.

  • We support emerging filmmakers who lack traditional access.

  • We uplift stories often overlooked in mainstream spaces.

  • We strengthen Brooklyn’s creative and economic landscape.

  • We build community across neighborhoods, industries, and cultures.

Be Apart of the Impact

To date, BFF has been supported by nearly 100 partners and sponsors, alongside hundreds of dedicated volunteers who fuel our mission year after year. Our most recent supporters, including Spectrum/Charter Communications, Delta Airlines, POPSUGAR, Johnnie Walker, Caress, B&H Photo, Canon, MasterCard, Hello Alice, IFundWomen, and local cultural organizations, continue to help us uplift new voices and expand what is possible for emerging filmmakers.

Partner with us. Submit a film. Volunteer. Give.

Let’s continue to bring people together and support emerging filmmakers!