Byron Bay International Film Festival

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Be a part of one of Australia’s Favourite Film Events

Enter your film for a chance to be selected to be showcased amongst worldwide film talent across 10 days of screenings at the BBFF2019. Held in the stunning location of laidback Byron Bay, BBFF draws both local and international Filmmakers and Audiences, cultivating a dynamic and energetic atmosphere to provide a unique experience for filmmakers and film-lovers alike.

“The best Film Festival in the world!” – Chris Hemsworth, Actor

Display your talent

Independent filmmakers and Virtual Reality creators form the heart and soul of the BBFF. With entries from up to 50 countries across the globe, the festival showcases inspiring, thought-provoking and engaging entertainment generated by filmmakers and VR creators at all career stages and across all genres.

Network with members of the film industry

Whether it’s making new friends at the gala red carpet opening night, networking over a sunset drink at the filmmaker’s bar, or discussing a collaborative project at the closing night party, there are multiple opportunities to meet and greet leading Australian and international film industry figures to form new connections and find helpful contacts for your future creative projects.

Build your skills with inspiration from leaders in Film Innovation

Enhance your creativity with masterclasses, workshops and seminars held by VR industry professionals. Expand your horizons by connecting with leading members of the film industry at networking and marketplace special events.

“The Byron Community is fun and eclectic, we’re socially-conscious, serious about the environment and we’re walking our own path. This ethos spreads into much of the feel of our festival – beyond simply programming choices. We’ve littered the 10 days with special events for our Filmmakers to have the opportunity to connect with their audience and each-other.”

- J’aimee Skippon-Volke, Festival Director

Soak up the easygoing lifestyle of Byron Bay

In between film screenings and festival events, dive into all that the local community has to offer. Eat a late breakfast at a bustling cafe, spend the afternoon kicking back on a pristine beach or learning to surf, dine at a fabulous restaurant in the evening and then hit the town to find a funky bar and groove down to a live music gig.

CALL FOR ENTRIES ENTRY DEADLINE: 28 June 2019 FESTIVAL DATES: 18 to 27 October 2019

Attend great venues for screenings and events

The festival spreads across night-spots and multiple cinema venues including Byron’s world-class Byron Theatre at the local Community Centre and the Pighouse Flicks arthouse cinemas. Explore the hidden gems of the surrounding region with screenings also occurring at the Brunswick Picture House, and also at venues a short drive away through lush hinterland to Lismore and Murwillumbah.

“An epic festival for young filmmakers to premiere their films. Has got an awesome crew running it and a great hype around it. Submitting a film is a must.”

- Noah Cornale, Video Artist, AU

Distinguished awards and prizes to be won

BBFF awards include, but are not limited to, Best Film, Best Local Film, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Dramatic Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Surf Film, Best Animation, Best Experimental Film, Best Environmental Film, Best Music Video, Best Screenplay, Best CinematicVR, Best InteractiveVR and Best Young Australian Filmmaker.

BBFF provides the opportunity for young Australian directors under 25 to be nominated as a Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year and for emerging artists to be featured alongside established names. Our Music Video category has featured entries from Deadmau5, Massive Attack, Goyte, Air and Goldfrappe, and cumulates in a fun Music Video Party.

The Byron Bay International Film Festival Screenplay Contest is one of the only screenplay contests run in conjunction with a major film festival in Australia. This competition is open to feature-length screenplays in all genres that are between 80 and 120 pages in length. 1st prize is $1500 cash plus screenwriting software courtesy of Final Draft, and a contest certificate.

The festival has been showcasing Virtual Reality since 2014 and has been premiering and awarding great VR content since 2016. Awards are on offer for both 360 CinematicVR and InteractiveVR of all genres.

“Everyone who has visited Byron knows it is a rare and special place, and I think that same magic really does permeate the Byron Film Festival. I left BBFF with not just an incredible experience, but the strongest conviction that BBFF was not just well on its way to becoming the best festival in Australia, but one of the truly must attend film festivals in the world.”

- Lliam Worthington, Writer/Director/Producer

How to enter

The Byron Bay Film Festival is open to films of all lengths and all genres and welcomes all filmmakers with accepted submissions to attend. Films in competition must have been completed after Jan 1st 2019.

All films will automatically be considered for nomination in any award categories that the film might qualify for during the selection process.

CALL FOR ENTRIES ENTRY DEADLINE: 28 June 2019 FESTIVAL DATES: 18 to 27 October 2019

For more information about the festival or how to enter your film visit www.bbff.com.au or email the friendly team at submissions@bbff.com.au

Fast Film Facts about BBFF2018

● Number of films officially selected: 175

● Number of sessions: 75

● Number of screening venues: 5

Last year, the incredible ‘Woman At War’ – directed by Benedikt Erlingsson – went home with the Best Film Award : perhaps this year it could be you !