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Byron Bay International Film Festival

Open Your Aperture at the

9th Byron Bay International Film Festival

 

REGULAR ENTRY DEADLINE: 23rd October 2014

FINAL ENTRY DEADLINE: 27th November 2014

 

Be a part of Australia’s largest regional film festival with your latest work

 

Enter your film and you could join some of the world’s most exciting film talent and thousands of film lovers at BBFF2015 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.

Expanding our worldview through the power and storytelling of film

Independent 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

Pushing the Boundaries with Animation and Experimental Films

Byron Bay is home to many artists and the greatest concentration of filmmakers outside Australian metropolitan areas. It has long been a hot spot for progressive and creative ideas with a community audience renowned for its openness.

That’s why Animation and Experimental Film are always a strong focus of BBFF’s programme. Each year BBFF features an Experimental showcase and an outstanding series of animations from around the world, welcoming both adult and kids works. The best of the best will take home the Best Experimental Film and Best Animation Awards.

Create new business opportunities, new friends and have fun

You can also mix 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 Thompson

Learn the newest trends and build your skills

Expand 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

Go to the creative edge

If 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.”

Impressive awards and prize to be won

Some of BBFF2015’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.

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.

BBFF2014 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 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 (link sends e-mail).  

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.

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

Fast Film Facts about BBFF2014

  • 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
Dates 
Friday, March 6, 2015 - 9:00am to Sunday, March 15, 2015 - 10:00pm
Submission Deadline 
Thursday, October 23, 2014 - 9:00pm
Location 
Australia
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