1. You must complete an entry form for each film submitted. Entry fees are per film entered, and must accompany the entry form or online confirmation. Make checks/money orders payable to the Buffalo Niagara Film Festival.
2. Film Entries are accepted in the following formats: Digitally online or DVD (NTSC).
3. Film Entries are accepted in one of two categories: short and feature length. Short films are under 45 minutes in running time. Feature films are 45 minutes or longer in running time.
4. Screenplay Submissions are accepted electronically in Final Draft/.Doc/or RTF.
5. DVD(s) and cases must be labeled (preferably using permanent marker/ink) with film title, filmmaker name, phone and email. Please place DVD(s) in a DVD sleeve or hard plastic cases.�
6. Films may have been previously screened at other festivals, although BNFF “premier” status is preferred but not mandatory.
7. Any film that has had a theatrical release, other than a limited premiere or special showing, or is currently in distribution (e.g., has been licensed for distribution in some territory) may be eligible for the competition. If there is a question regarding eligibility, please contact info@bniff.com or you may call (716) 432-1065.
8. The Festival Organizers reserve the right to hold “Special Screenings” of previously released/distributed films, however they will not be considered for juried competition or festival prizes.
9. The BNFF Directors reserve the right to include selected films/screenplays in any category deemed appropriate.
10. Not all films/screenplays will be selected for screenings during the BNFF, but all submitted films/screenplays will be considered. All submitters will be notified on or about July 30, 2019 of the status of their submission(s).
11. The BNFF Directors reserve the right to program selected films/screenplays as many times during the Festival as they see fit, at whatever venue they see fit.
12. If a film/screenplay is selected for screening, the Film Director (Submitter) will state that he/she/they is/are the sole and rightful owner(a) of the submission and does not violate or infringe on any trademark, trade name, copyright, literary, dramatic, musical, artistic or other intellectual property or personal rights.
13. If a film/screenplay is selected, the filmmaker agrees that he/she will be solely responsible for the delivery of his/her final screening copies (or downloadable files) of their film/screenplay to the BNFF Festival Office no later than July 30, 2019. All films/screenplays and canisters/sleeves will be marked with the name of the film/screenplay/filmmaker/phone and email. If the filmmaker/screenwriter is not in attendance, he/she will provide return shipping of their screening copies, otherwise they remain the property of the BNFF. Original screening copies and press kits remain the property of the BNFF. Screening copies will only be returned if the submitter has included a self-addressed envelope (with the correct postage).
14. No filmmaker or writer will be either discriminated or favored by their country of origin, language, age, race, education, ideology, or by their economic resources.
15. All participants acknowledge that the BNFF is a public event that is open to the media. As such, all participants are subject to media coverage and scrutiny and may have their likenesses published in print, electronically, or via digital broadcast. BNFF is not, now nor will not be in the future, responsible nor liable for such media coverage or actions of the press or other publicity agents during any events or functions associated with BNFF.
16. Once a submission has been made, and the submission fee has been paid, there are no refunds.