Submit Your Film to the
19th Annual Bushwick Film Festival
Submissions for the 19th Annual Bushwick Film Festival open December 1!
Each year, BFF brings together a vibrant mix of filmmakers, industry professionals, press, and film lovers for a week of screenings, conversations, and connection. Because of this community, BFF has grown into one of New York City’s most dynamic hubs for independent storytelling.
We’re also proud to be recognized as a Top 100 Best Reviewed Festival on FilmFreeway, placing us in the top 1% of more than 14,000 festivals worldwide.
If you have a film you’re ready to share, we’d love to consider it.
2026 Deadlines & Entry Fees
Submission Categories
We accept submissions in the following categories:
Feature Films (Narrative & Documentary)
Short Films (Narrative & Documentary)
Series / Episodic
Short Screenplays (20 pages and under)
Student Films (short or feature, narrative or doc)
Works-in-Progress
Podcasts
Please see our FilmFreeway page for full eligibility, runtime requirements, and technical specs.
| Deadline | Short Films | Feature Films |
|---|---|---|
| January 31 – Early Bird | $35 | $45 |
| March 31 – Regular | $45 | $55 |
| May 31 – Late | $55 | $65 |
| June 30 – Final Deadline | $65 | $75 |
FilmFreeway Gold Members receive $5–$10 off at checkout.
Discounts Policies
We offer a 20% discounted submission codes for: Bushwick Film Festival alumni, Festival volunteers, Productions filmed in Bushwick, Filmmakers currently residing in Bushwick
We also offer a limited number of full waivers for: Youth filmmakers from our BFF Institute programs and filmmakers in countries where political or economic sanctions prevent online payment.
If you qualify for any of the above, please complete this form.
For seasonal or promotional discount codes, subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Instagram at @bushwickfilmfest for announcements.
Previous Festivals
Filmmaker FAQs
Do you accept screenplays?
Yes. We accept short screenplays. Ten finalists are selected, and the top screenplay receives a live reading with professional actors.
What awards and prizes do you give out?
Awards include:
Best Feature Narrative
Best Feature Documentary
Best Short Narrative
Best Short Documentary
Best Series
Best Screenplay
Best Podcast
Best Actor / Best Actress
Additional honors may include Jury Awards, Runner-Up, Programmers’ Choice, Audience Choice, and sponsor prizes.
Do selected films receive press?
Yes. Through our PR partner Big Picture Media, films may be included in press releases, pitches, social features, and newsletters.
Is attendance required?
Not required, but strongly encouraged to get the most from the festival.
Do you offer submission discounts or waivers?
Yes. We offer 20% off for BFF Alumni, students, Bushwick filmmakers, and films shot in Bushwick. There are limited full waivers for youth filmmakers and for filmmakers in countries affected by sanctions
Do you accept international submissions?
Absolutely! We’ve screened films from 60+ countries.
Can I submit more than one project?
Yes. Each project must be submitted separately with its own entry fee.
Do you accept previously screened or online films?
Previously screened: Yes, if they haven’t screened widely in Brooklyn during the same season.
Online films: No. We do not accept films that are publicly available online.
What formats do you accept?
All selected films will be required to submit a DCP.
When will I be notified?
Notification dates are listed above and on our FilmFreeway page.
When is the 19th Annual BFF?
Oct 7-11, 2026
Do you require premiere status?
No. Premiere status is considered but not required.
Can I submit a rough cut or work-in-progress?
Yes. Submit under Works in Progress and note what’s incomplete. Please submit the most finished version possible. If you expect to finish before our final deadline, we prefer you submit the completed cut instead.
Where do screenings take place?
Screenings are held across Brooklyn at movie theaters and partner venues. Past locations include Williamsburg Cinemas, Regal, Syndicated, and other event spaces.
How are films evaluated?
Each film is watched by at least three programmers. We look for bold storytelling, strong craft, and work that resonates with our diverse Bushwick audience.
We evaluate:
Vision & Originality
Writing & Structure
Direction & Performances
Cinematography & Production Quality
Sound & Music
Emotional Impact & Audience Engagement
Relevance to today’s indie landscape
We also consider career stage and alumni status. Scores and written feedback guide final decisions.
What can filmmakers expect if selected?
Selected filmmakers receive:
Opening Night press
Industry connections and new audiences
Invitations to panels and networking events
Moderated Q&As with filmmakers, curators, and critics
Curated blocks and in-person screenings
Review by respected jury members
Their film pitched to press outlets
Blog and Social Media Feature
What networking opportunities are there?
Past panels and mixers included executives from Variety, GLAAD, Warner Media, Firelight Media, Bleecker Street, FilmRise, Kickstarter, HBO, IFC Films, Hulu, YouTube, NYWIFT, NALIP, and more.