B!TCHFEST: An International Women’s & LGBTQIA+ Film Festival & Screenplay Contest - Shattering Glass Ceilings In Cinema.
Eastwood Performing Arts Center, Los Angeles - Feb 27, 2027
ABOUT B!TCHFEST
Welcome to B!tchFest—where Badass B!tches reign supreme! Following the incredible SUCCESS of B!TCHFEST SEASONS 1 & 2—which featured a combined 47 FILM and SCREENPLAY WINNERS, a multitude of talented Runners-up, Finalists, and Semifinalists, 2 WINNING FILMS PICKED UP BY STREAMING PLATFORMS, 5 SCREENWRITERS WITH PROJECTS NOW IN PRODUCTION, a sold-out venue, and an unforgettable, emotional festival experience—we’re back for B!TCHFEST Season 3!
So, what makes B!tchFest different? B!tchFest is more than just a festival—it’s a COMMUNITY! One that extends beyond the festival event itself. We are invested in the success of your films and screenplays, offering a space for SUPPORT, CONNECTION, and COLLABORATION for all our past and present submitters. In a world where women and the LGBTQIA+ community often face challenges with equality and representation, we’re here to unite and empower minority creators!
At B!tchFest, we’re not just breaking glass ceilings; we’re shattering them into a million pieces by unleashing the POWER of FEMALE and LGBTQIA+ VOICES in film and television! B!tchFest is an INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL & SCREENPLAY CONTEST on a mission to redefine the narrative by proudly showcasing the BEST independent films—features, shorts, documentaries, student films, music videos, TV pilots, screenplays, TV scripts, and stage plays crafted by the most BADASS WOMEN and LGBTQIA+ CREATORS in the industry.
In a world where only 26% of key production roles belong to women, and a mere 16% of major studio films flaunt LGBTQIA+ characters, B!tchFest is determined to rewrite the script. We invite you to be part of a unique festival in the heart of Los Angeles, featuring empowering stories, fierce creativity, and unapologetic voices at the forefront of cinema.
By providing a platform for RECOGNITION, AWARDS, PROMOTION, and making NEW CONNECTIONS, we aim to break barriers, amplify voices, and pave the way for a more inclusive entertainment industry. Join us for a festival that goes beyond screenings—promote your projects, immerse yourself in panels, flaunt your work to cheering audiences, walk the red carpet, and forge connections with industry trailblazers who share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
FESTIVAL DETAILS
The 3rd Annual B!tchFest Film Festival & Screenplay Contest will be held at the Eastwood Performing Arts Center in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, February 27, 2027.
We’re gearing up for a groundbreaking event that shines a spotlight on films and screenplays submitted by the most talented WOMEN and LGBTQIA+ CREATORS from around the world. WINNING SCREENWRITERS and FILMMAKERS, chosen by our panel of award-winning industry judges, will join our RED CARPET EVENT, SCREEN THEIR FILMS in front of a LIVE AUDIENCE, snag trophies at our AWARDS CEREMONY, participate in LIVE PANEL DISCUSSIONS (which will be recorded and STREAMED on our website for PROMOTION), and engage in an INDUSTRY MEET-&-GREET EVENT aimed at making NEW CONNECTIONS.
Our esteemed panel of industry professionals, including DIRECTORS, PRODUCERS, AGENTS, MANAGERS, EXECUTIVES, and CASTING DIRECTORS, will meticulously ASSESS ALL SUBMISSIONS. Our jury consists of seasoned individuals from various sectors within the ENTERTAINMENT and PUBLISHING INDUSTRIES. Expert script readers, filmmakers, and story analysts are slated to carefully review all screenplay competition entries and film submissions. The top contenders are then passed on to our executive industry judges for final evaluation to determine the winners of each category.
For consideration, film projects must feature at least one woman or member of the LGBTQIA+ community in a key production role—such as director, writer, producer, cinematographer, or lead actress/actor. OR the film should address women’s or LGBTQIA+ issues and themes.
For screenplay submissions, we prefer scripts written by women and/or members of the LGBTQIA+ community. While screenplays written by men and non-LGBTQIA+ individuals are welcome, they must either focus on female or LGBTQIA+ characters OR address women’s or LGBTQIA+ issues and themes to be eligible.
The B!tchFest Film Festival & Screenplay Contest will be accepting submissions for Season 3 from April 6, 2026—November 17, 2026, via FilmFreeway and Stage 32. Your story starts here— together we can make cinema HERstory!
AWARDS & PRIZES
The WINNERS of all FILM CATEGORY AWARDS will be invited to SCREEN THEIR FILMS at the FESTIVAL, held at the Eastwood Theatre in Hollywood, CA, on Saturday, February 27, 2027. Winning films are eligible to be screened regardless of whether the filmmakers can attend the festival in person or not.
TROPHIES will be presented to the WINNERS of the SCREENPLAY CATEGORY AWARDS, FILM CATEGORY AWARDS, and the CAST & CREW AWARDS during the FESTIVAL AWARDS CEREMONY.
All WINNERS will also be invited to speak about their projects during the live-recorded FILMMAKERS & SCREENWRITERS PANELS (which will STREAM on our website for PROMOTION), take PROFESSIONAL PHOTOS on the RED CARPET, and attend the INDUSTRY MEET-&-GREET EVENT aimed at making NEW CONNECTIONS. Additionally, WINNERS and RUNNERS-UP across all categories will receive TWO COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS to the festival.
The WINNERS of BEST FEATURE SCREENPLAY, BEST SHORT SCREENPLAY, BEST LGBTQIA+ SCREENPLAY, and BEST FEMALE-DRIVEN SCREENPLAY will receive a 1-hour Zoom mentorship meeting with one of our screenwriting industry judges, where they will get feedback on their script and advice on production, casting, and distribution.
ALL SCREENWRITING CATEGORY WINNERS will receive a free 4-month InkTip Pro Membership (a $130 value), courtesy of our partners at InkTip. With this membership, writers can list their scripts in the InkTip Script Library, where industry professionals discover new material. Members also gain access to weekly pitch opportunities and the Pitch Kit Tools to help effectively market their scripts. The membership allows writers to submit their work directly to literary agents and managers actively seeking new clients through InkTip queries, as well as free entry into InkTip’s Pitch to Page screenwriting contest.
The WINNERS of BEST FEATURE FILM, BEST LGBTQIA+ FILM, and BEST FEMALE-DIRECTED FILM will each receive a 1-hour Zoom mentorship session with one of our executive film industry judges, where they will receive valuable feedback on their film and advice on distribution.
Winners of the BEST SHORT FILM, BEST FEMALE-DIRECTED FILM, and BEST LGBTQIA+ FILM categories will receive a DCP prize package, courtesy of our partners at The DCP Works. This prize is redeemable for any film of the filmmaker’s choice and is not limited to their festival submission. (Note: B!tchFest does not require DCPs for festival screenings.) The prize includes the creation and delivery of one 2K or 4K DCP (up to 20 minutes in length). For films longer than 20 minutes, the first 20 minutes will be provided free of charge, with additional runtime rendered at a discounted rate of $5 per minute.
The WINNER of BEST ACTRESS, BEST ACTOR, and BEST PERFORMANCE will receive a 1-hour Zoom meeting with THREE CASTING DIRECTORS from Black Sheep Casting in Los Angeles.
AWARDS CATEGORIES
The entry fee is applicable per category. By submitting your film to any of the film categories, it not only qualifies your project for festival consideration, but it also enables your Cast and Crew to be considered for the Cast & Crew Awards free of charge.
Film Awards
Best Feature Film (50+ Minutes)
Best Short Film (1 - 50 Minutes)
Best Comedy Short Film (1 - 50 Minutes)
Best Documentary Film (Any Length)
Best Student Film (Any Length)
Best LGBTQIA+ Film (Any Length)
Best Female-Directed Film (Any Length)
Best TV Pilot Episode (1/2 or 1 HR Format)
Best Web Series Episode (Up to 60 Minutes)
Best Music Video (1 - 20 Minutes)
Screenwriting Awards
Best Feature Screenplay (60 - 130 Pages)
Best Short Screenplay (Under 60 Pages)
Best LGBTQIA+ Screenplay (Any Length)
Best Female-Driven Screenplay (Any Length)
Best Comedy Screenplay (Any Length)
Best Drama Screenplay (Any Length)
Best Horror/Thriller Screenplay (Any Length)
Best Romance Screenplay (Any Length)
Best First-Time Screenwriter (Any Length)
Best TV Pilot Script (1/2 or 1 HR Script Format)
Best Stage Play Script (Any Length)
Cast & Crew Awards
Grand Jury Award Winner
Best Performance
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Producer
Best Edit / VFX
Best Original Score
B!tchFest Film Festival & Screenplay Contest — Season 3 submissions are open on FilmFreeway & Stage 32!
SUBMISSION FEES BY DEADLINE
FEATURE FILM
(50+ Minutes)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
SHORT FILM
(1 - 50 Minutes)
Kick-Off Deadline - $30
Early Deadline - $35
Regular Deadline - $40
Late Deadline - $45
Last Minute Deadline - $50
Extended Deadline - $55
Final Deadline - $60
DOCUMENTARY FILM
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $35
Early Deadline - $40
Regular Deadline - $45
Late Deadline - $50
Last Minute Deadline - $55
Extended Deadline - $60
Final Deadline - $65
STUDENT FILM
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $30
Early Deadline - $35
Regular Deadline - $40
Late Deadline - $45
Last Minute Deadline - $50
Extended Deadline - $55
Final Deadline - $60
LGBTQIA+ FILM
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $35
Early Deadline - $40
Regular Deadline - $45
Late Deadline - $50
Last Minute Deadline - $55
Extended Deadline - $60
Final Deadline - $65
FEMALE-DIRECTED FILM
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $35
Early Deadline - $40
Regular Deadline - $45
Late Deadline - $50
Last Minute Deadline - $55
Extended Deadline - $60
Final Deadline - $65
TV PILOT & WEB SERIES
(Up to 60 Minutes)
Kick-Off Deadline - $35
Early Deadline - $40
Regular Deadline - $45
Late Deadline - $50
Last Minute Deadline - $55
Extended Deadline - $60
Final Deadline - $65
MUSIC VIDEO
(1 - 20 Minutes)
Kick-Off Deadline - $25
Early Deadline - $30
Regular Deadline - $35
Late Deadline - $40
Last Minute Deadline - $45
Extended Deadline - $50
Final Deadline - $55
COMEDY SHORT FILM
(1 - 50 Minutes)
Kick-Off Deadline - $30
Early Deadline - $35
Regular Deadline - $40
Late Deadline - $45
Last Minute Deadline - $50
Extended Deadline - $55
Final Deadline - $60
FEATURE SCREENPLAY
(60 - 130 Pages)
Kick-Off Deadline - $45
Early Deadline - $50
Regular Deadline - $55
Late Deadline - $60
Last Minute Deadline - $65
Extended Deadline - $70
Final Deadline - $75
SHORT SCREENPLAY
(Under 60 Pages)
Kick-Off Deadline - $30
Early Deadline - $35
Regular Deadline - $40
Late Deadline - $45
Last Minute Deadline - $50
Extended Deadline - $55
Final Deadline - $60
LGBTQIA+ SCREENPLAY
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
FEMALE-DRIVEN SCREENPLAY
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
COMEDY SCREENPLAY
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
DRAMA SCREENPLAY
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
HORROR / THRILLER SCREENPLAY
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
FIRST-TIME SCREENWRITER SCREENPLAY
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
TV PILOT SCRIPT
(1/2 HR or 1 HR Format)
Kick-Off Deadline - $35
Early Deadline - $40
Regular Deadline - $45
Late Deadline - $50
Last Minute Deadline - $55
Extended Deadline - $60
Final Deadline - $65
ROMANCE SCREENPLAY
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
STAGE PLAY SCRIPT
(Any Length)
Kick-Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
B!tchFest Film Festival & Screenplay Contest
Event Schedule
FESTIVAL DATE: Saturday, February 27th, 2027
Exact times for screenings, panels, awards ceremony, red carpet photos, and meet-&-greet event will be posted in December.
Opening Ceremony
Screening (Best Music Video)
Screening (Best Short Film)
Screening (Best Comedy Short Film )
Screening (Best Documentary Film)
Screening (Best Student Film)
Screening (Best LGBTQIA+ Film)
Screening (Best Female Directed Film)
Screening (Best TV Pilot/Web Series Episode)
Screening (Best Feature Film)
Screenwriters Awards Ceremony
Live-Recorded Screenwriters Panel
Filmmakers Awards Ceremony
Cast & Crew Awards Ceremony
Live-Recorded Filmmakers Panel
Industry Meet-&-Greet Event
Red Carpet Photos for all winners
Red Carpet Photos for all attendees
We wish you a B!TCHIN’ time on your filmmaking & screenwriting journey!
For questions about the festival, instructions on how to submit, or for info on how to purchase tickets outside of FilmFreeway, please contact us at: BFestivalLA@gmail.com
Meet Our B!tchFest Season 3 Partners:
Graciously providing additional prizes to our screenwriters & filmmakers!
ALL SCREENWRITING CATEGORY WINNERS will receive a free 4-month InkTip Pro Membership (a $130 value), courtesy of our partners at InkTip. With this membership, writers can list their scripts in the InkTip Script Library, where industry professionals discover new material. Members also gain access to weekly pitch opportunities and the Pitch Kit Tools to help effectively market their scripts. The membership allows writers to submit their work directly to literary agents and managers actively seeking new clients through InkTip queries, as well as free entry into InkTip’s Pitch to Page screenwriting contest.
Winners of the BEST SHORT FILM, BEST FEMALE-DIRECTED FILM, and BEST LGBTQIA+ FILM categories will receive a DCP prize package, courtesy of our partners at The DCP Works. This prize is redeemable for any film of the filmmaker’s choice and is not limited to their festival submission. (Note: B!tchFest does not require DCPs for festival screenings.) The prize includes the creation and delivery of one 2K or 4K DCP (up to 20 minutes in length). For films longer than 20 minutes, the first 20 minutes will be provided free of charge, with additional runtime rendered at a discounted rate of $5 per minute.
We’re excited to announce our partnership with Stage 32! You can now submit to SCREENPLAY CATEGORIES through the Stage 32 Global Contest Hub. While film submissions remain exclusive to FilmFreeway, eligible scripts can be submitted via Stage 32’s dedicated platform for screenwriters.
We’re now accepting Film and Screenplay entries for B!tchFest Season 3 on FilmFreeway! All films must be submitted through the FilmFreeway platform. Submit today and become part of our creative community!