Ensure your film is received, screened, and reviewed in the best possible quality.
Your selection screener is the version we use for the programming review. It should be a complete, final picture-locked version with subtitles (if applicable).
File Format: .mp4 or .mov
Codec: H.264 (High Profile)
Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD) or higher
Frame Rate: 24 / 25 / 30 fps
Audio: AAC Stereo (48 kHz or higher)
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (recommended)
Maximum File Size: Up to 10 GB for lengthy films (larger sizes should be split into secure links)
Subtitles:
Required if dialogue is not in English
Must be burned-in or embedded in the file
File Naming Recommendation:
Use only Latin alphabet characters, no special symbols or spaces (e.g., FilmTitle_BCIFF_Selection.mp4). berlinale.de
This format ensures compatibility with most online screening and festival review systems, and makes viewing seamless for programmers and jurors. berlinale.de
After payment and submission form completion, you will receive an upload link.
Ensure the upload completes and you confirm the finished file before finalizing submission. berlinale.de
Even if your film is in English, include subtitles if there are heavy dialects or unclear dialogue.
Subtitles should be time-synced and legible on mobile and desktop screens.
Burned-in subtitles are acceptable; external .srt files may be requested later for screening. berlinale.de
If your film is selected for the festival, BCIFF requires a final delivery package that meets professional screening standards for both digital projectors and online showings.
Option A – DCP (Digital Cinema Package)
Resolution: 2K or 4K
Image Encoding: JPEG2000
Frame Rates: 24 fps or as shot
Audio: 5.1 surround recommended; stereo acceptable
KDM (Key Delivery Message): Must be provided well before screening dates
This is the industry standard for theatrical projection.
Option B – ProRes Master
Format: Apple ProRes 422 / 422 HQ or similar
Resolution: Native acquisition or 2K (preferred)
Audio: 48 kHz, uncompressed
If your final version is delivered in formats other than DCP/ProRes (e.g., high-quality .mp4), check with the festival technical team before delivery.
Final files must be screened and tested by the BCIFF technical team before the festival begins.
To ensure quality control checks, subtitle synchronization, and playback testing:
Final Screening Materials Deadline:
At least 3 weeks before the festival start date.
This gives the technical team enough time to ingest, QC, and schedule your film without stress. berlinale.de
All final delivery files undergo:
Playback testing on cinema servers
Subtitle sync verification
Sound level calibration
Frame/codec compatibility review
Deliver materials early to allow fixes if needed. berlinale.de
To ensure your film is represented well:
Film Poster: 3000 px on longest edge (print quality)
Trailer: 1080p, H.264, AAC audio
Director’s Bio & Filmography
Still Photographs: 300 dpi, high quality
Press Kit PDF
These are not mandatory for submission but are expected after selection and help festival publicity.
If you have questions about technical delivery, file compatibility, compression, or uploads, contact our technical team before the deadline:
✉ Technical Support: techsupport@baycityfestival.com
Subject Line: BCIFF Tech Specs Query – [Your Film Title]