CALL FOR ENTRIES
14 to 23 October 2016 Byron Bay NSW Australia

Magic Happens in the Dark
at the 10th Byron Bay International Film Festival

REGULAR ENTRY DEADLINE: 11th February 2016
FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE: 10th June 2016

BBFF will celebrate its 10th year, over 10 days in the 2016’s 10th month!

Have your star shine at Byron’s biggest ever film event

2016 marks Byron Bay International Film Festival’s 10th anniversary. When you enter your film into this special landmark event you could join some of the world’s most exciting film talent and thousands of film lovers at BBFF2016 over 10 fantastic days in beautiful Byron Bay! BBFF has built a reputation amongst filmmakers world-wide for its friendly, laid-back vibe and characteristically open, expressive and appreciative audiences which make a filmmaker’s experience of this dynamic and distinctive film festival is one of a kind.

Go to the creative edge

Independent filmmakers form the heart and soul of this festival, whose reputation for 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.

If your creativity is cutting edge or you have a message to tell, your film could be a part of this unique festival that’s fusing artistry, education and innovation to enhance our worldview and collective social dialogue through the power and storytelling of film.

“BBFF encouraged, enriched and inspired us to be
our own unique talents and storytellers.”
– Oden Roberts, Filmmaker

“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 Thompson

Create new business opportunities, new friendships and rock the red carpet

Business is mixed with pleasure at the gala red carpet opening and closing night parties, or simply over a sunset drink at our filmmakers bar, mingling with leading Australian and international industry figures, and where you can make new friends from all around the world, spark ideas and collaborate.

“We’ve all become keenly aware that we’ve been hanging out
with some of the greatest people we’re ever likely to meet,
and it’s been an experience we’ll never forget…ever.”

– Andrew Lahmann, Filmmaker

Be inspired by Industry Leaders and build your skills

Expand your horizons with 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.

Experience BBFF’s legendary hospitality for yourself

Attending filmmakers are given the VIP treatment and 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

Impressive awards and prizes to be won

Some of BBFF2016’s standout opportunities include the chance for young Australian directors under 25, to be BBFF’s Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year and for emerging artists to be featured alongside big names nominated for BBFF’s coveted Best Music Video award. Past nominees have included Deadmau5, Massive Attack, Goyte, Air and Goldfrappe.

“Arguably Australia’s most successful regional film event”
– SBS Film, 2013

Great venues and crowds

Each 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.

BBFF2015 screened across six regional venues including the Byron Bay Community Centre, Byron’s Palace Cinema, Ballina Fair Cinema and charismatic arthouse cinemas, Pighouse Flicks Byron Bay, Star Court Theatre Lismore and Regent Cinemas Murwillumbah.

How To Enter

For more information about how to enter your film visit www.bbff.com.au 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 2013.

For more information about this great festival, the location and what’s on offer visit www.bbff.com.au

Fast Film Facts about BBFF2015

• Number of films officially selected: 225

• Number of world premieres: 24

• Number of Australian premieres: 91

• Number of Byron premieres: 115

• Number of sessions: 51

• Number of venues: 6

• Number of films by Young Australian Filmmakers (under 25): 17