Burbank International Film Festival

Animated Shorts can be any type of animation (i.e. Traditional, Stop Motion, 2D, or 3D animation, etc.)

Feature films should be 85 minutes or more in length. If you feel your film is not represented by any of the other Feature Film Categories, please submit it here.

Submit your comedy shorts to the Festival with a running time of 50 minutes or less.

A Feature Documentary should be 50 minutes or more. Documentary Filmmaking is the foundation of cinema. The first filmmakers carried their bulky cameras around the globe documenting incredible people and the amazing world around them. The Burbank International Film Festival respects this long and remarkable tradition while emphasizing new forms of practice and artistic innovation.

A Short Documentary should be 50 minutes or less. Documentary Filmmaking is the foundation of cinema. The first filmmakers carried their bulky cameras around the globe documenting incredible people and the amazing world around them. The Burbank International Film Festival respects this long and remarkable tradition while emphasizing new forms of practice and artistic innovation.

Dramatic Short Films must be 50 minutes or less.

BIFF is proud to announce a New Short Film Category. Short Films in the Faith-Based category contain themes that are religious or spiritual in nature or have an uplifting message of hope and faith. (Can be any genre). If you have any questions about this category, please send inquiries to milleniumconcepts@gmail.com

Short films directed by, written by, or regarding women's issues. Short films should be under 50 minutes in length. Films can be of any genre.

Foreign Language Feature films should be 50 minutes or more in length and the main language used in the film should be a language other than English. Films can be of any genre. English subtitles must be added to any foreign language film or we cannot screen it at the festival.

Foreign Language Feature films should be 50 minutes or less in length and the main language used in the film should be a language other than English. Films can be any genre. English subtitles must be added to any foreign language film or we cannot screen it at the festival.

Supernatural, Terror, Vampires, Witchcraft, Werewolves, Zombies, Monsters and Mutants. Thrillers include Conspiracy Theories, Governmental cover-ups, action thrilers, Crime thrillers, Erotic thrillers, Political thrillers, Psychological thriller, Revenge films, etc. You get the idea.

This special category is to encourage and honor LOCAL filmmaking students (AGES 7-17 only), ELEMENTARY through HIGH SCHOOL students ONLY who reside in Los Angeles County. (If you do not go to school in Los Angeles County in the state of California in the United States, your submission will not be accepted). Home-schooled students are also eligible with proper LA County school verification. There is no submission fee required for this particular category and is free to enter (if you qualify), but you must PROVIDE a current STUDENT ID showing that you go to Kindergarten through High School in Los Angeles County. Please email a copy of your current LA County Student ID to: submissions@BurbankFilmFest.org/ If proof of eligibility is not provided, your film will not be accepted. If your running time exceeds 10 minutes, please call the Festival office to discuss further.

New Media is the convergence of audio, video and written media, delivered on the web or mobile devices. This New Media category is focused on webseries, podcasts, viral videos, website videos, experimental and more. Contact the film office if you have any questions.

Any feature film that has a Science Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller or Horror theme. If you are not sure your feature film falls under any of these very specific genres, than enter it in the regular Feature Film category or contact the festival for clarification.

Science Fiction and Fantasy films can include Action Sci-Fi, Alien Invasion, Extra-Terrestrial Encounters, Cyber Punk, End of the World, Fairy Tales, Fantasy Films, Superhero films and everything else out of this world. Short films must be 50 minutes or less.

Original screenplays are based on original ideas and not adapted from an existing idea/stories. Scripts must be under 130 pages.

An adapted screenplay is a screenplay that interprets another source, like a novel, a short story, a play, or even another film. Scripts must be under 130 pages.

Student Short films should be 50 minutes or less in length. A student currently enrolled in any film school or institution must create student films. These categories are at a discounted rate for students. Please make sure to place a scanned image of your CURRENT STUDENT ID into the Press kit for verification of CURRENT student status.

A musical score is paramount to seamlessly merging the visual images on screen with the action and story and drawing the audience in and captivating them for the duration of the film. 2018 marks the introduction of this new and exciting awards category that recognizes excellence in musical composition for short films.

A musical score is paramount to seamlessly merging the visual images on screen with the action and story and drawing the audience in and captivating them for the duration of the film. 2018 marks the introduction of this new and exciting awards category that recognizes excellence in feature film musical composition.

Short Films with LGBTQ storylines or themes. HERE TV is sponsoring this years award and will broadcast the top five LGBTQ films on their worldwide network.

BIFF is excited to launch the "Films Made From Home" contest from April 25th through June 30th. This new category will focus on short content (maximum running time of five minutes) to challenge filmmakers from around the world to get inspired and create fresh, original content from the safety of their homes. Projects can include any genre or medium including short films, music videos, PSA’s, commercials, etc. Other criteria includes that filmmakers follow current health and safety guidelines and restrictions when doing so. The top semi-finalists will be screened as part of the film festival with the finalists and winners announced at the Closing Night Gala & Awards Show. Last years Awards Gala drew over 450 filmmakers, celebrities and industry professionals from around the world for the red carpet, cocktail party, dinner and semi-formal awards show.