Last chance for local filmmakers to enter Byron Bay Film Festival

NORTHERN Rivers filmmakers have two weeks left to enter the Byron Bay Film Festival, which will showcase regional talent alongside global cinema this October.

The festival, now in its 19th year, will run from October 17 to 26, presenting ten days of screenings, panels and events in and around Byron.

The local filmmaker deadline is open exclusively to Northern Rivers residents, with a reduced entry fee and eligibility for the Best Byron Film Award.

Festival director Jaimee Skippon-Volke said the event was a rare opportunity for regional talent to reach wider audiences.

“BBFF gives local filmmakers a real platform, not just a community screening, but a place on the world stage,” she said.

“Our Best Byron Film Award highlights the creative talent of our region and puts their stories in front of an international audience.”

Matty Hannon, whose debut feature documentary The Road to Patagonia screened at the festival, said BBFF gave him industry exposure that “significantly impacted” his career.

Beyond the screen, the festival is known for its atmosphere, with visiting filmmakers drawn by its close-knit setting, Byron’s beaches and streetscape, and opportunities to connect with audiences and peers.

Filmmaker Liam Worthington described it as “one of the truly must attend film festivals in the world.”

“It’s got all the things a filmmaker loves; intelligent and passionate audiences, lots of great events for networking and development, and Byron itself lends a special sense of atmosphere that big city festivals cannot generate,” he said.

The festival accepts films of all lengths and genres. Eligible entries must not have been screened publicly before January 2023 and cannot be resubmissions.

World premiere entries are also welcome to apply for late submissions in any category.