7 reasons to enter your film into BBFF 2015
Open Your Aperture at the 9th Byron Bay International Film Festival
6 - 15 March 2015REGULAR ENTRY DEADLINE: 23th October 2014 | FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE: 27th November 20141. Be a part of Australia’s largest regional film festival with your latest workEnter your film into BBFF 2015 and you could join some of the world’s most exciting film talent and thousands of film lovers over 10 fantastic days in beautiful Byron Bay! This dynamic and truly distinctive film festival experience is known for its trademark friendly, laid-back vibe and characteristically open, expressive and appreciative audiences.2. Expanding our worldview through the power and storytelling of filmIndependent filmmakers are the heart and soul of this festival, whose quality programming of hundreds of entertaining, inspiring and eye-opening films from over 40 countries sets the stage for filmmakers at all stages of their careers to showcase outstanding work across all genres.
“Arguably Australia’s most successful regional film event”
– SBS Film, 2013
3. Create new business opportunities, new friends and have funMix business with pleasure at the gala red carpet opening and closing night parties, or simply over a quiet drink at the sunset bar, mingling with leading Australian and international industry figures, and where you can make new friends, spark ideas and collaborate.
“BBFF will grow into a ‘go-to event’ within five years because of the way BBFF enables filmmakers to exchange ideas.”
- BBFF Patrons, Actor Jack Thompson & Film Reviewer Peter Thompson4. Learn the newest trends and build your skillsExpand your horizons with free and affordable masterclasses, workshops, seminars, networking and marketplace events that are developed to educate and entertain. Each year Australian distribution companies and TV buyers help judge BBFF’s final nominees creating further opportunities for participating filmmakers. Past judges have included buyers from the ABC, PBS, SBS, Dendy Cinemas, Icon Film Distribution, Palace Films, Rialto Distribution, Arclight Film, Accent Film Entertainment, the Becker Film Group and many more.It’s all just a short stroll from world-class beaches, great cafes, bars and restaurants, live music, shopping and the colourful, cruisy and creative streetscape, for which Byron Bay is renowned.
“We have travelled the world with our film, My Suicide, from Berlinale to San Francisco International Film Festival, and the Byron Bay Film Festival is absolutely world class - filmmaker friendly, professionally run, and featuring top notch, bleeding-edge independent films. Add the inspirational setting and the people, and the gestalt is pure magic!”
- David Lee Miller, Filmmaker, USA
5. Go to the creative edgeIf your creativity is cutting edge and you have a message to tell, be a part of this humanistic festival that’s fusing artistry, education and innovation to enhance our worldview and collective social dialogue through the power and storytelling of film.Festival Director, J’aimee Skippon-Volke says, “The Byron region is famous for its arts community. The films selected each year serve to inspire us creatively through their incredible artistry. The stories often walk the cutting edge of creative culture, both historically and today.”6. Impressive awards and prize to be wonSome of BBFF 2015’s standout opportunities include the chance for documentary makers to win the Screenzone International Documentary Cash Prize and for young Australian directors under 25, the chance to be BBFF’s Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year.7. Great venues and crowdsEach year thousands turn out for the festival’s Full Moon beachside screening which has become an iconic event since the inaugural night in 2012 when Jack Johnson opened the evening.BBFF 2014 screened across four regional venues including the Byron Bay Community Centre and charismatic arthouse cinemas, Pighouse Flicks Byron Bay, Star Court Theatre Lismore and Regent Cinemas Murwillumbah.How To EnterFor more information about how to enter your film click here or email the friendly team at submissions@bbff.com.au.All films entered will automatically be considered for nomination in any award categories that the film might qualify for during the selection process. BBFF awards include but are not limited to Best Film, Documentary, Short Film, Drama, Cinematography, Surf Film, Animation, Experimental Film, Environmental Film, Music Video, Best Young Australian Filmmaker (open to Australian Director’s under 25) and an award for the Best Local Film.The Byron Bay International Film Festival is open to films of all lengths and all genres and warmly welcomes all accepted filmmakers to attend. Films in competition must have been completed after Jan 1st 2012.Discover more about world famous Byron Bay and things to do! Click here.Fast Film Facts about BBFF 2014
- Number of films officially selected: 226
- Number of world premieres: 43
- Number of Australian premieres: 102
- Number of Byron premieres: 215
- Number of sessions: 50
- Number of venues: 5
- Number of films by Young Australian Filmmakers (under 25): 14
