The 18th Annual Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) is open for submissions, presenting filmmakers with a unique chance to connect with industry professionals, present their work to a broader audience, be a part of a large community of filmmakers, gain significant press exposure, and compete for awards that could open new avenues in their careers.

BFF has long been a platform for over a thousand filmmakers worldwide, dedicated to showcasing a variety of voices and narratives in independent cinema. It's a place for building lasting relationships, where filmmakers from all backgrounds, whether directors, producers, actors, or other roles, can move their careers forward.

We welcome filmmakers of every role and background to join us. By submitting your film to BFF, you're taking a step towards finding your audience and advancing in the world of filmmaking!

“It was truly an extraordinary experience that immersed me in the vibrant New York artistic scene. The communication throughout the festival was exceptional, creating a sense of community and mutual support among filmmakers. What struck me most was the genuine passion and creativity that permeated every aspect of the event. My favorite Q&A so far, it was like a reunion of artists talking about what they love and why art is important. Thank you so much! Can’t wait to be back.”

— Andrea Figueroa, Filmmaker

What Filmmakers Should Know about The Bushwick Film Festival

We accept submissions via our FilmFreeway Page. Fees vary based on the deadline, so we encourage early submissions to benefit from lower fees.
Categories include feature narratives and documentaries, shorts, series, screenplays and student films.
We welcome short screenplays and offer a live reading with professional actors for the top 3 screenplays.
Our team of experienced film programmers and industry professionals meticulously review all submissions. Selection criteria include originality, creativity, story, production value, structure, performances, and the filmmaker's vision. Each film is reviewed a minimum of three times by different programmers.
Awards categories are Best Feature Narrative and Documentary, Best Short Narrative and Documentary, Best Series, Best Screenplay, Best Actor/Actress. Additional awards include Runner Ups, Special Jury Prize, Programmers Choice, and Audience Choice. Winners receive various prizes from our sponsors.
Networking Opportunities: We host panels and industry networking opportunities where filmmakers can meet and discuss their projects with top industry professionals in the NYC tri-state area. Previous participating panelists have included professionals from the following organizations: Variety, Gladd, Warner Media, Cinema Guild, Film Rise, Bleecker Street Media, Firelight Media, Short of the Week, Kickstarter, HBO, Washington Square Films, Kinoscope, El Dorado Pictures, 141 Entertainment, Women Make Movies, Lionsgate, IFC Films, ESPN Films, Chicken & Egg, NYWIFT, Reel Works, YouTube, Vice, No Film School, Vox Media, Nylon, BAM, POV, DCTV, Maysles Cinema, Heard City, ReFrame, The Future of Film is Female, Hollywood Bureau, Muslim Public Affairs, NALIP, Endeavor, Magnolia, Hulu, Disney+ Hotsar, ColorCreative, Del Valle Casting, Tulsea, Starz, TBS, TNT, truTV and more.
Our diverse and passionate audiences include film enthusiasts, press, producers, distributors, and filmmakers, primarily from the Brooklyn and NYC-tri-state area. The festival consistently attracts around 5000 in-person attendees annually.
The festival is held across various locations in Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Downtown Brooklyn. This year, all film screenings are at Williamsburg Cinemas.
Known for its vibrant street art, music, and culture, Bushwick is a hub for creativity in northern Brooklyn, boasting galleries, music venues, and theaters. It has a rich history, a diverse population, and an engaged community. Read more about the history of Bushwick on NYC.Gov.
We offer filmmakers valuable press exposure to amplify their stories. Each year, we collaborate with Big Picture Media, a renowned PR company, to ensure the festival and its filmmakers receive exceptional coverage. Visit our press page to see past press stories and coverage.