16th Bushwick Film Festival

Support the 16th Annual BFF: Championing Filmmakers and Enriching Communities

Mark your calendars! The 16th Annual Bushwick Film Festival is just around the corner, taking place from October 25th to 29th. To make this year's festival a resounding success, we need your support. We are aiming to raise $20,000 which will help cover crucial aspects of the event, including venue costs, festival staffing, and event production expenses. Venue costs alone constitute a significant portion of our yearly budget, as they provide the immersive backdrop that enhances the cinematic experience for filmmakers and audiences alike. Additionally, your contribution will help us provide the necessary resources and support to our dedicated staff during the festival week, ensuring a seamless and exceptional event for filmmakers and all attendees.

About This Year’s Festival

Inspired by the notion of "Sweet Sixteen," a time symbolizing personal growth, self-discovery, and independence, this year’s festival theme explores our coming-of-age experiences and transitions into life’s next chapter, captured beautifully through the cinematic lens.

In addition to a stellar lineup of films, we have an array of exciting events planned, including a red carpet opening, a movie industry conference, networking opportunities, a Meta-verse experience, screenplay readings, and a closing night awards ceremony.

Our movie industry conference will feature dynamic panel discussions with established filmmakers, actors, and entertainment professionals. These industry trailblazers will share their own distinct coming-of-age stories—the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that have shaped their artistic journeys. By participating in these discussions, our attendees will gain valuable insights and inspiration from those who have navigated the film industry with resilience and creativity.

Join us in making the BFF another unforgettable year of celebrating the art of storytelling, igniting inspiration, and fostering meaningful connections. We greatly appreciate any level of support you can provide. Thank you for being a vital part of the 16th Annual BFF.

About The Bushwick Film Festival

The Bushwick Film Festival is a crucial platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work to a diverse and global audience, both in New York City and internationally. With over 1000 yearly film submissions from 60+ countries, the festival draws 5,000 attendees annually and showcases the top 100 indie films from NYC and beyond. In addition to screenings, the five-day festival in October features a red-carpet opening, a movie industry conference, networking events, a screenplay competition, and a closing night awards ceremony.

City and State Elected officials have awarded the BFF for its contribution to Brooklyn’s cultural, artistic, and economic growth. Generous support from prominent organizations Spectrum/Charter Communications, Delta Airlines, Popsugar, Johnny Walker, Caress, B&H Photo, Canon, Master Card, Hello Allice, IFundWomen, LVR, and local organizations has allowed the festival to expand its public programming and establish international and youth filmmaking programs for underrepresented storytellers in Brooklyn and West Africa.

The festival's founder Kweighbaye Kotee, one of the only 12% of women of color who own film festivals in the U.S., is a movie enthusiast whose passion for storytelling and commitment to collaboration and inclusivity has propelled the festival forward.

Submissions to the 16th Annual Bushwick Film Festival are still open until July 30. To submit your film or find out more ways that you can get involved, visit www.bushwickfilmfetival.com.