Mission & Objectives

The BNFF is a filmmaker’s festival. A festival hosted by filmmakers and screenwriters for filmmakers and screenwriters…In a region that loves the arts and has produced many famous industry icons both behind the camera, on the screen, and abroad.

The BNFF is committed to providing opportunities to fellow filmmakers and all others in bringing cinematographic arts and other related entertainment products to Western New York through high-profile community events, talent, productions and films from around the country and the world.

Tom Sizemore & Evander Holyfield Receive Their Star in the BNFF Walk Of Fame

About The Festival

The 6th Annual BUFFALO NIAGARA FILM FESTIVAL runs from April 12 – 22, 2012.  The BNFF is a World-Wide International Film Festival & Market, open to the public, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals abroad.

With the backdrop of Niagara Falls, many Buffalo historical sites, our newly formed BNFF Walk Of Fame “Trail Of The Stars” and our vast wine country, the BNFF has become one of the most enjoyable places to not only visit but to promote your films and screenplays in one of the most unique places in the country.

Vast prizes, our Walk Of Fame and beautiful crystal awards separate the BNFF’s elegance like no other.

THE BNFF Walk Of Fame…Trail Of The Stars is a commemoration of selected celebrities who have contributed to the value of the BNFF and Western New York. We are in the process of permanently fixing these sidewalk “stars” to the front of historical or nostalgic sites across the “Trail” in honor of those inducted. Indicator maps and memorabilia pointing out the “Trail of the Stars” attraction pin-pointing various historical locations across the Buffalo Niagara Region will be available for all tourists and visitors from around the world to visit in the months to come. And you will be part of this history in the making as we make our way to induct the next group of celebrities this coming April.

Some of the BNFF’s past guests and participants have included Robert Redford, Robert Culp, Richard Dreyfuss, Cindy Williams, Lou Gossett Jr., Tom Holland, Lou Ferrigno, William Fichtner, Tom Sizemore, Evander Holyfield and more.

FREE ALL-ACCESS PASSES will be given to any submitting filmmaker, VIP, or Special Guest regardless of the status of their submissions.

Special Amenities, Scouting and Tour Packages of The Buffalo Niagara Region will be available during festival week for all to enjoy.

The BNFF Film & Screenplay Competitions are open to EVERYONE! FROM THE AMATEUR TO THE PROFESSIONAL (there are no prejudices or politics here) If you have a great product – you will be recognized – IT’S THAT SIMPLE!

In addition to film screenings, industry leaders, distributors and buyers will present seminars and panel discussions and workshops on topics of interest to filmmakers, screenwriters, and entertainment industry professionals. Opening and Closing Night Galas, Filmmaker Receptions, and a Festival Expo featuring products and services from BNFF Sponsors and Industry will also be held during Festival week.

Good luck and welcome to the BNFF’s Main Event this coming April.

To submit go to our Submit Your Film section or call 716-827-3534 with any questions.

General Rules

• Prizes and Awards for all categories will be announced by April 21, 2012.
• Please check the web site, thebnff.com for details.
• Features must be at between 46 and 150 minutes in length.
• Shorts must be no longer than 45 minutes in length.
• Films may have been previously screened at other festivals, although BNFF “premier” status is preferred but not mandatory.
• Any film that has had a theatrical release, other than a limited Premier 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 bcowell@thebnff.com.
• 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.
• NO FILMS WILL BE CONSIDERED THAT WOULD RECEIVE A MPAA “X” OR “NR” RATING.