BCIFF is founded by industry professionals from Disney, Zee Studios, and award-winning filmmaking backgrounds.
We bring global sensibilities + Mumbai’s cinematic energy together to create:

• A trusted platform for indie filmmakers
• A career springboard through jury exposure
• A festival ecosystem that prioritizes storytelling, not celebrity noise

Filmmakers submit to BCIFF because they see it as a genuine pathway to visibility and recognition.

Yes.
BCIFF is a global festival and welcomes films from every country, in every language.
All non-English films must include English subtitles.

We primarily focus on:

• Fiction Short Films
• Documentary Shorts
• Animation & Experimental Shorts

We look for:

• Strong storytelling
• Bold creative voices
• Films with emotional, cultural, or visual impact
• Stories worth discovering and promoting to the world

BCIFF celebrates original voices, regardless of budget.

No.
Your film does NOT need to be a world, national, or city premiere.
We understand filmmakers distribute across platforms and don’t penalize prior screenings.

You can choose either method:

• Direct Submission via our website
• FilmFreeway Submission

Both routes receive equal consideration from the programming team.

All films go through a structured 2-stage process:

Stage 1 — Programming Review

Our programming team reviews every submission with scoring sheets based on:

• Story
• Craft
• Direction
• Cinematic relevance

Stage 2 — Jury Review

Shortlisted films are reviewed by our international jury.
Their votes determine final selections and award nominees.

Our process is transparent, merit-based, and non-political.

Due to the volume of submissions, we cannot guarantee feedback for all entries.
However, selected films will often receive:

• Jury notes (if available)
• Online showcase descriptions
• Mentions during festival programming

We plan to introduce optional paid feedback services in future editions.

BCIFF only asks for:

• One-time screening rights during the festival
• Permission to use short excerpts (up to 30 seconds) for promotion
• Permission to use stills/posters for marketing

We DO NOT take:

• Ownership rights
• Distribution rights
• Revenue share
• Long-term exclusivity

Your film remains 100% yours.

Yes — selectively.
BCIFF partners with Open Theatre to offer optional digital screenings for films that wish to reach a wider global audience.

Online screening is always opt-in.
We never place a film online without filmmaker consent.

Awards may include:

• Best Short Film
• Best Documentary Short
• Best Animation / Experimental
• Jury Choice Award
• Best Director
• Best Cinematography
• Best Editing
• Best Music / Sound

These categories reflect the festival’s focus on craft & storytelling.

No.
Submission fees are non-refundable, as they go directly into:

• Jury operations
• Screening venues
• Programming team review
• Festival activities

However, if BCIFF cancels the event for unforeseen reasons, we will refund submission fees.

Yes, absolutely!
Each film requires a separate submission and fee.

BCIFF is founded and operated by a team of filmmakers, producers, and entertainment professionals with decades of experience in India’s film and creative industries.
We are an independent festival, not owned by any corporation.

You will be notified via:

• Email
• Website announcements
• Social media updates

Selected filmmakers receive a detailed info pack with all next steps.

Yes!
BCIFF strongly encourages student filmmakers.
Many great careers begin with short films — we aim to help your voice reach global audiences.

Yes.
We evaluate story, craft, and creativity, not production scale.
Many award winners around the world were made with minimal budgets.

If your film fits their curated library:

• You will receive an invitation email
• Screening is optional
• You retain all rights
• You may gain additional global exposure
• You will have the opportunity to monetize your film.

This partnership exists to amplify independent voices.

BCIFF follows international festival standards, legal compliance, and transparent selection criteria.
Our founders’ film-industry heritage, jury lineup, and partnerships ensure trust, professionalism, and fairness.

Subscribe to our newsletter for:

• Jury announcements
• Deadline reminders
• Festival schedule
• Masterclass and panel updates

You can also follow us on social media.

While BCIFF does not act as a distributor, we:

• Introduce selected films to platforms like Open Theatre
• Highlight standout films to our network of OTT curators, producers, and festival programmers
• Offer recognition, visibility, and career amplification

Many filmmakers use festival exposure to unlock distribution deals.