Submit a Film

Rules & Terms

• All films are eligible, regardless if they have distribution or not.
• All films are eligible even if they have been accepted to other film festivals.
• All films and videos are eligible, regardless of when or where they were produced. Even if your film or documentary series is publicly available on YouTube or Vimeo, it is still eligible for submission.
• For exhibition purposes all films are expected to provide a download link so that we can compile and project them in HD 1080p. 23.976, 24, 25, or 30 frame rates are accepted for projection. And aspect ratio is accepted.
• All works must have English subtitles embedded into the film for accessibility purposes. 
• The submission fee includes an event ticket fee if selected. 
• All submissions must be ocean themed.
• Entries can be in any genre – documentary, narrative fiction, or animation – and can be submitted by professional or amateur filmmakers.
• We have limited program slots for films longer than 60 minutes, but all submissions of this length and longer will be taken into consideration.
• Films must be completed by the deadline date on which they are being submitted. Works in progress will not be accepted, and edits to films after they have been submitted will not be allowed.
• More than one film may be submitted, but a separate entry fee must be paid for each.
• BBFF does not pay screening fees or shipping fees to screen a film, nor does the BBFF underwrite production costs (duplication, subtitling, etc.).
• Upon completion of the Festival selection process, we will attempt to contact the Applicant using the contact information provided on the submission form to notify the Applicant of the Film’s acceptance status. It is the sole responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the contact information provided on the submission form is correct throughout the entirety of the selection period.
• The BBFF is under no obligation to provide to the Applicant or any other representative of the Film any comments or feedback regarding the submitted Film should it not be accepted for exhibition at the Festival.
• Every submitted film is evaluated on its merits and how it meets the criteria for our festival. The fact that it is or has been available on Youtube or Vimeo or has had limited distribution at selected theaters or has been shown on TV is considered in our evaluation but is not a reason for rejecting the film. We prefer films made within the past year or two but an older film that deals with an unusual subject or has historical importance or has not been shown theatrically for several decades might also be considered for the festival. Each film is unique and will be evaluated as such.
• All filmmakers will be required to sign a Filmmaker Licensing Agreement granting the BBFF permission to use their film as part of the film festival. 
• By submitting your films to the BBFF, you hereby grant permission for the BBFF to use them for the following purposes:
  • Stills: Still images from the films will be used on the website, printed materials, banners, and other promotional materials. Please submit one high-resolution headshot of the filmmaker in JPG format.
  • Clips: Clips of submitted films may be used to promote the BBFF by appearing on the BBFF website, in the BBFF trailer, possible partnership websites, and third-party advertising sponsors (i.e., television spots, newspaper print, magazine ads, etc.)
  • Trailer: the BBFF may request a short trailer for films over 10 minutes to use for promotional purposes.
  • Interim Screenings: In addition to possibly being screened at the BBFF during the stated festival dates, accepted films may be screened throughout the year for promotional purposes, as a separate screening in cooperation with other BBFF partnership organizations.