19th Annual Bushwick Film Festival Announces Netflix as Returning Opening Night Sponsor
The Oct. 7 celebration will spotlight this year’s selected filmmakers, celebrate Brooklyn’s arts and culture community, and launch five days of screenings, conversations, and special events across Brooklyn.
BROOKLYN, N.Y. — July 14, 2026 —The Bushwick Film Festival today announced that Netflix will return as the Opening Night sponsor of the 19th Annual Bushwick Film Festival, continuing its support of one of Brooklyn’s signature cultural events for independent storytellers and the creative community.
Opening Night will take place Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, welcoming this year’s selected filmmakers, talent, industry leaders, local elected officials, community leaders, and audiences for a celebration of independent storytelling. The evening marks the launch of a vibrant five-day festival week featuring red carpet moments, film screenings, conversations, screenplay readings, comedy, live music, industry gatherings, and an awards celebration.
“For nearly two decades, BFF has championed artists early in their journeys, and watching them go on to shape film, television, theater, and culture has been one of the great joys of this work,” said Kweighbaye Kotee, founder and director of the Bushwick Film Festival. “Netflix’s continued support of Opening Night helps us spotlight filmmakers at a defining moment in their careers, bringing greater visibility to the voices the industry should be watching now.”
“Bushwick has long been home to a vibrant community of artists, filmmakers, and storytellers, and since opening our studio in Brooklyn in 2021, Netflix has been proud to contribute to that creative ecosystem, ” said Nick Maniatis, Netflix Director of Studio and Production Policy, North America. “We’re honored to continue supporting the Bushwick Film Festival and its work bringing people together and strengthening the local creative community.
Now entering its 19th year, BFF showcases nearly 100 independent films each season and draws more than 5,000 attendees during festival week. Festival alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, Academy Award winners and nominees, BAFTA and Emmy Award winners, internationally recognized festival filmmakers, and creators behind major works across film, television, theater, and documentary storytelling.
Submissions for the 2026 Bushwick Film Festival remain open through June 30. Filmmakers are invited to submit work across narrative, documentary, animation, episodic, screenplay, and podcast categories. For submission guidelines, FAQs, and festival passes, including VIP passes with access to Opening Night, visit bushwickfilmfestival.com.
About the Bushwick Film Festival
The Bushwick Film Festival is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to discover emerging voices, share great stories, and build community through the power of film. As an MWBE organization, BFF is proud to be one of the few U.S. film festivals founded and led by a woman of color.
Now entering its 19th year, BFF welcomes more than 5,000 attendees during festival week and showcases nearly 100 independent films from New York City and around the world. With the support of its partners and sponsors, the festival continues to expand its public programming and develop filmmaker initiatives designed to empower new storytellers and strengthen Brooklyn’s creative community. For more information, visit bushwickfilmfestival.com and follow @bushwickfilmfest on Instagram.
About Netflix
Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services offering TV series, films, games and live programming across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.