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    • Narrative Feature

    • Documentary Feature

    • Narrative Short

    • Documentary Short

    • Emerging Film Makers High School Student Shorts - US ONLY

    • College Student Shorts

    • Best Narrative Feature

    • Best Documentary Feature

    • Best Narrative Short

    • Best Documentary Short

    • Made in Montana Award

    • Audience Choice

    • Stay Tuned for 2027

    • Opening Date - 1/9/26

    • Early submission - 5/1/26

    • Regular submission - 6/1/26

    • Late Deadline - 6/26/26

    • Extended Deadline (Final Chance!) - 7/16/26

    • Notification Date - 7/31/26

    • Filmmaker Acceptance Deadline - 8/7/26

    • Festival Dates - TBD

  • Feature Length Submissions 

    Made in Montana films, use discount code MT15 at checkout to receive a 15% discount off all fees

     

    Earlybird Deadline

    • Standard: $40

    • Student: $30

     

    Regular Deadline

    • Standard: $55

    • Student: $45

     

    Late Deadline

    • Standard: $70

    • Student: $55

     

    Extended Deadline

    • Standard: $80

    • Student: $65

  • Short Length Submissions

    Made in Montana films, use discount code MT15 at checkout to receive a 15% discount off all fees

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    Earlybird Deadline

    • Standard: $30

    • Student: $25

     

    Regular Deadline

    • Standard: $45

    • Student: $35

     

    Late Deadline

    • Standard: $55

    • Student: $45

     

    Extended Deadline

    • Standard: $75

    • Student: $65

  • General Eligibility Requirements

    • Film must have been produced on or after January 1, 2024.

    • At the time of submission, the film must not be publicly available via streaming or for purchase.

    • Finished films only.  No “works in progress” will be considered.

    • Authorized submitters only.   Proof of authority required if not a filmmaker.  

    Screeners

    • All projects must be submitted via secure online screener - either uploaded directly to Film Freeway or embedded into your submission from a third-party (such as youtube or vimeo).  We do not accept screeners that must be downloaded.

    • The submitter is responsible for ensuring that their screener link and password are active throughout the entire submission cycle (i.e. until July 1, 2026.)  

    Subtitles

    • All foreign-language films must be submitted with English subtitles or dubbed in English.

    • Film Length (inclusive of credits)

    • Feature Films with a runtime of 41-120 minutes

    • Short Films with a runtime of 1-40 minutes

    Trailer

    • Trailers encouraged, though not required.

    Format

    • Digital File (.mp4 or .mov)

    • Accepted films will either screen on DCP or digital file depending on the location of the screening.   

    • Films submitted as digital files may be converted to DCP by the BFF team.  

    Montana Made Films

    • To be considered a “Made in Montana Film”, the film must meet at least one of the primary criteria:

    • Montana-Based Filmmaker

    • Shot Primarily in Montana

    • Montana-based Production Company  

    • A discounted submission fee is available for qualifying “Made in Montana” entries.

  • By submitting the film to the BFF, you:

    • Authorize BFF to screen the film during the festival

    • Grant permission to  BFF to use up to three minutes of film images, stills, information, and trailers in Festival materials and for promotional purposes.

    • Agree to indemnify BFF from any claim of trademark or copyright infringement by any third party.

    • Warrant that you have secured all necessary rights, including:

      • Music rights (synchronization and master recordings)

      • Actor/talent releases

      • Location agreements

      • Any copyrighted materials used in the film

    • Selection and Notification

      • All programming decisions are final

      • Selected filmmakers will be notified by July 31, 2026

      • Filmmakers must confirm participation by August 7, 2026

      • Late confirmations may result in removal from the program

    • Withdrawal Policy

      • Films cannot be withdrawn after the official selection announcement

      • Exceptions only for extraordinary circumstances with written approval

    • Festival Rights

      • By submitting, you grant BFF non-exclusive rights to:

      • Exhibit the film during the festival

      • Archive the film for festival records

    • Liability

      • BFF is not responsible for unauthorized use of submitted materials

      • Filmmakers are responsible for all copyright clearances

      • Submission constitutes acceptance of all rules and conditions

2026 Jury Announced

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We know the grit and vision it takes to make a film, and we honor it. At the Bozeman Film Festival, every submission is watched in full by seasoned screeners, ensuring your work is judged on merit, not hype. In a world overflowing with content, our thoughtful curation gives bold new voices the stage they deserve and an audience eager to discover them.

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Set against the stunning Bridger and Gallatin ranges, Bozeman is more than a mountain town–it’s a creative hub, a cultural crossroads, and one of America’s most celebrated places to live and visit. Here, filmmakers find not just an audience, but a community ready to welcome them with true Montana hospitality.

Why submit to BFF?

 Opens January 2027

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