About BIIFF
BIIFF MISSION
The Berlin Internatinal Independent Film Festival (BIIFF) is at the epicentre for low-budget filmmaking in Europe. After 4 years working under the auspices of the European Film Festival, BIIFF now launches one of the hottest indie festivals on the circuit. BIIFF runs at the same time, and just down the street from the European Film Market and draws on all the film industry power gathered in Berlin for that event.
As well as a offering plenty of screening opportunities for indie films, BIIFF is developing into a crucial business hub for the low-budget film industry. With an emphasis on showcasing new filmmakers achieving great things with tiny budgets, BIIFF’s exciting programme of films and events combines a commitment to indie filmmaking ideals with a solid understanding of their potential in the marketplace.
History of project
All starting with an idea by SWD in 2000 in Berlin who that he study film acedmy and maked films-theatres-musicals.
The BIIFF (GoldenBuddyBear) was founded to promote and support the creation and distribution of quality independent filmmaking. Our mission is to recognize excellence and diversity in cinema and to promote learning and artistic expression for all people at all stages of their artistic careers. We celebrate the diverse cultural mixture that is Berlin, showcasing emerging filmmakers from every age, ethnic, religious, cultural and geographic perspective.
The BIIFF attempts to cultivate avenues and spaces for independent and student artists from all over the world to create and display their stories without commercial pressure, in affordable screening venues in order to discover and develop independent filmmaking and cinema-house culture.. The BIIFF was founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and support of independent cinema. Each year the Festival Board seeks diverse selection that will decorate unknown, talented filmmakers.
The BIIFF culminates in the presentation of several awards: GoldenBuddyBear award. Our mission is to recognize excellence and diversity in cinema and to promote expression for filmmakers at all stages of their artistic careers. We celebrate the diverse cultural mixture that is Berlin, honoring emerging filmmakers from every age, ethnic, religious, cultural and geographic perspective.
BIIFF is a proud member of the Film ExChange.
ExChange is a multi-market screening network comprised of International film festivals.
Three films are selected by a panel from each of the ExChange Network Festivals and are programmed at RxSM in Austin, Texas USA and selected to compete for the prestigious Crossroads Award. The Crossroads Award is awarded to a filmmaker each year that shows unique style, exceptional craft, and the power to communicate their vision.
The winner of the Crossroads Award is announced at the Victoria Tx Independent Film Festival (VTXIFF), and awarded up to 5,000 US Dollars.
Our users
We want to do best for this festival. Thank you for your interresting and all supporting...
Reactions to BIIFF
"The BIIFF is one of the few festivals geared specifically for the independent filmmaker. Where other festivals state they are independent and only include films with big budgets and known stars, ifab is a haven for the independent artist. The BIIFF in Berlin is a very exciting event with a strong focus on films, the art of storytelling and the filmmakers. The BIIFF could well be on its way to become a European Sundance." Elisa Spol, Director, Austin, USA
"I've attended many festivals over the years, but none has given me the experience of BIIFF. It's organized by a group of people who are highly passionate about film and who extend a hand to filmmakers and guests who attend the festival. By the time you leave the festival, you have not only seen some amazing films, but have also met new friends and connections. For example I met filmmaker Elisa at BIIFF and 5 months later after keeping in touch via email she had cast me in her new film she is directing with acclaimed director Stefi Berny. Had we not met and shared our films at BIIFF, I would not have this amazing opportunity." Casper Cham, Actor, (Mother), Chicago, USA
"At the ifab I made interesting new contacts, met nice people and saw lots of great movies from all over the world. Such a strong focus on independent feature films is really rare in Europe. The ifab is very special, wonderful, international experience!" Sebastian Leitner, Director (Noseland), Vienna, Austria
My film GrandLine was selected for BIIFF 2010. I attended the festival with a colleague and travelled over from the UK. As this was their inaugural Festival I was unsure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised at what an awesome event this was. A friendly festival team welcomed us into a well facilitated screening venue with a top selection of films. I met filmmakers over from the USA and Europe and we regularly hung out at the venue watching many shorts and features. The festival team are all filmmakers and actors from the industry and it was really good to chat to them all. This really is a grassroots film festival produced by filmmakers for filmmakers. During the screening of my film we had a Q&A session that I really enjoyed. As well as filmmakers attending a lot of locals had were at the screening and we became friends with many during the festival. The Awards night was held at the venues cafe bar and was a more laid back affair, this was refreshing to see. The closing ceremony was well thought out with comperes, music and plenty of laughs. A chance for everyone to unwind, integrate and celebrate the work we had seen. Regina Catter was also hosting the awards, a well known German Female Actor and singer. Regina and the festival team made the closing ceremony so much fun.
She spoke to all the filmmakers personally afterwards and had watched all the films as well. A brilliant end to a great festival. BIIFF is definitely one to watch out for, a new festival that will definitely grow and become very popular with filmmakers and audiences. I have attended many Film Festivals and what struck me with BIIFF is its strong identify, ethos, values and warmth. BIIFF is a festival born to nurture and support filmmakers and this will be its success. BIIFF coupled with the stunning City of Berlin is a festival I will definitely be going back to and would recommend to filmmakers and audiences alike. Marko Presi, Director (TitanLove)
FAQ
BIIFF - What-Who-When?
When is the next festival?
BIIFF will run every February, at SonyCenter in Berlin/Germany. The same time as the European Film Market.
Where are the selected films shown?
BIIFF films are shown naer SonyCenter by ACinema in Berlin.
Will I receive feedback or comments on my film?
No. Due to the high volume of submissions received every year, we are unable to provide feedback on your film.
What is the shipping address for packages?
Mail your screeners to our Berlin Submissions Dept:
BIIFF Berlin - see our contact pages.
How many films do you accept in the festival?
We the next festival line-up will include about 100 films. 30 features and 70 shorts.
What are the screening format for selected films?
The projects selected for the Festival mainly screened off DVD, OR Blu Ray. We accept both NTSC and PAL. If your film is accepted, our Screenings Dept will discuss screening formats with you. Due to technical constraints, BIFF cannot accept 16mm screening copies (but 35mm can be arranged in special circumstances). Ps: All your film youcan send andcan played by internet-youtube-vimeoetc.
Which Preview Copy Formats do you accept?
Entries must be submitted on DVD. BIFF accepts both PAL and NTSC formats. Region 2 (Europe) and region 0 (no region) are preferred but we accept DVDs in all regions. We recommend that you TEST your disk on a stand-alone DVD player BEFORE sending it to our offices.
Can I submit a work-in-progress or “rough cut”?
Works-in-progress are welcomed. Our programmers are very used to watching rough cuts, and will judge the film accordingly.
Does your deadline refer to arrival or postage dates?
We will accept all submissions with a postmark dated on or before our deadline. Please see our Rules and Regulations.
Will my screener be returned to me?
No. Due to the large volume of titles received by our Submissions team, we are unable to return your screeners.
Do you waive fees for starving student filmmakers and/or established artists?
No. The reality is that it costs time and money for us to administrate the entire film submission process. We’re not getting rich off this, but we do have to cover our basic costs.
I have two shorts and they’re both on one dvd. Do I have to send them as separate entries?
Yes. Each work you submit must be submitted separately, and only one submission per DVD.
Do you consider requests for deadline extensions?
Please contact us if you need an extension. Before requesting an extension, please understand that the later we receive your film, the less time we have to view it. This means that your video can be viewed fewer times and by fewer people on our programming team.
Should I send a publicity kit with my submission?
No. We will require an electronic press kits ONLY if your film is selected. In keeping with our efforts to become a carbon neutral festival, we request that you do not send press kits, photo stills or any other propaganda materials.