Welcome To B!TCHFEST: An International Women’s & LGBTQIA+ Film Festival & Screenplay Contest - Shattering Glass Ceilings In Cinema.
November 24th, 2024 - WhiteFire Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
ABOUT B!TCHFEST:
Introducing the 1st annual 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! Get ready for a cinematic celebration that’s not just a festival – it’s a movement. B!tchFest is an International Film Festival and Screenplay Contest on a mission to redefine the narrative by proudly showcasing the Best Independent Films, Feature Films, Short Films, Documentaries, Animated Films, Music Videos, Pilots, Web Series, 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 a part of a whirlwind in-person Film 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, and promotion, 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—immerse yourself in panels, flaunt your creations to cheering audiences, walk the red carpet, and forge connections with leading industry trailblazers who share our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Submit your film or screenplay on FilmFreeway, WFCN or FestHome today and be part of a revolution that refuses to be silent. Welcome to B!tchFest — where Badass B!tches reign supreme!
FESTIVAL DETAILS:
The B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest is set to take place at the WhiteFire Theatre on Ventura Blvd in Los Angeles on November 24, 2024. We're gearing up for a groundbreaking in-person event that shines a spotlight on films and screenplays submitted by the most talented Women and LGBTQIA+ Creators from around the world. The winning Screenwriters and Filmmakers, chosen by our panel of award-winning industry judges, will join our red carpet event, screen their creations in front of a live audience, snag trophies at our awards ceremony, participate in a panel discussion that’s recorded and streamed on our website for promotion, and engage in an industry meet-and-greet event.
An esteemed panel of industry professionals including directors, producers, agents, managers, executives, and casting directors will meticulously assess all film and screenplay submissions. Our jury comprises 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 forwarded on to our executive industry judges for final evaluation to determine the winners for each category.
For consideration, projects should feature at least one WOMAN in a key production role, such as the Director, Writer, Producer, Cinematographer, Lead Actress, etc. Screenplays authored by WOMEN are preferred; however, if written by a man, the script must include at least one FEMALE lead character for submission. While projects helmed by men are welcome, they must either showcase a female protagonist or revolve around women's issues and themes to be eligible.
For LGBTQIA+ category submissions, projects should feature at least one LGBTQIA+ person in a key production role, such as the Director, Writer, Producer, Cinematographer, Lead Actor/Actress, etc. Screenplays, to qualify, must either include one LGBTQIA+ character, be authored by a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or the storyline must prominently involve LGBTQIA+ themes.
B!tchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest will begin accepting submissions through FilmFreeway, WFCN & FestHome on December 18, 2023. The 2024 industry judges will be announced on March 15, 2024. Tickets to the festival will go on sale November 1, 2024. Please check back with us for updates on the 1st annual BitchFest Film Festival and Screenplay Contest. Your story starts here— together we can make cinema HERstory!
AWARDS & PRIZES:
The entry fee is applicable per category. By submitting your film to the categories of Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Animation Film, Best Student Film, Best LGBTQIA+ Film, Best Music Video, Best TV Pilot Episode, and Best Web Series, it not only qualifies your project for festival consideration but also enables your Cast and Crew to be considered for additional accolades, free of charge. These Additional Secondary Awards encompass categories such as Best Actress, Best Director, Best Producer, Best Cinematography, etc.
Winners of all Film Category Awards will have a live screening of their film at the in-person festival on November 24, 2024 at the WhiteFire Theatre in Los Angeles.
Trophy’s will be awarded in-person to all winners of the Film Category Awards, Screenplay Category Awards, and Cast and Crew Awards during the Festival Awards Ceremony. These winners will also be invited to speak about their project during the Festival’s Live-Recorded Panel which will stream on our website for promotion, take professional photos on the Red Carpet and attend the Industry Meet-And-Greet Event aimed at making new connections. Additionally, all Official Selections and Winners will receive two complimentary tickets to the festival.
The Best of Festival / Grand Jury Award Winner, Best Feature Film Winner, and Best LGBTQIA+ Film Winner will receive a 1-Hour Zoom Mentorship Meeting with one of our Executive Film Industry Judges where they will get feedback on their film.
The Best Feature Screenplay Winner, Best Short Screenplay Winner, and Best LGBTQIA+ Screenplay Winner 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 how to move the screenply into production and gain distribution.
The Winner of Best Actress/Actor and Best Supporting Actress/Actor will receive a 1-Hour Zoom Meeting with a Casting Director from Tiffany Company Casting and free admission to TCC’s next scheduled Virtual Acting Workshop.
AWARDS CATEGORIES:
The entry fee is applicable per category. By submitting your film to the categories of Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Animation Film, Best Student Film, Best LGBTQIA+ Film, Best Music Video, Best TV Pilot Episode, and Best Web Series, it not only qualifies your project for festival consideration but also enables your Cast and Crew to be considered for additional accolades, free of charge. These Additional Secondary Awards encompass categories such as Best Actress, Best Director, Best Producer, Best Cinematography, etc. Please see the complete list of awards below:
Film Awards:
Best Feature Film (60+ Minutes)
Best Short Film (1 - 60 Minutes)
Best Documentary Film (Any Length)
Best Student Film (Any Length)
Best LGBTQIA + Film (Any Length)
Best Animation Film (Any Length)
Best TV Pilot Episode (1/2 or 1 HR Format)
Best Web Series (Up to 60 Minutes)
Best Music Video (1 - 30 Minutes)
Screenwriting Awards:
Best Feature Screenplay (60 - 140 Pages)
Best Short Screenplay (Under 60 Pages)
Best LGBTQIA+ Screenplay (Any Length)
Best First-Time Screenwriter (Any Length)
Best TV Pilot Script (1/2 or 1 HR Script Format)
Best Web Series Script (Up to 60 Pages)
Best Stage Play Script (Any Length)
Cast & Crew Awards:
Best of Festival / Grand Jury Award Winner
Best Actress / Actor
Best Supporting Actress / Actor
Best Director
Best Producer
Best Edit/VFX
Best Cinematography
Best Production Design
Best Costume
Best Hair & Makeup
Best Original Score
B!TCHFEST Film Festival & Screenplay Contest is NOW accepting submissions through FilmFreeway, WFCN & FestHome!
SUBMISSION DEADLINES & ANNOUNCEMENT DATES:
SUBMISSION DEADLINES:
Kick Off Deadline | Feb 5, 2024
Early Deadline | Feb 26, 2024
Regular Deadline | March 18, 2024
Late Deadline | April 15, 2024
Last Minute Deadline | May 15, 2024
Extended Deadline | June 15, 2024
Final Deadline | July 15, 2024
FESTIVAL ANNOUNCEMENT DATES:
Screenplay Semi-Finalists Announced | Aug 15, 2024
Screenplay Finalists Announced | Sept 15, 2024
Screenplay Winners Announced | Oct 15, 2024
Film Official Selections & Winners Announced | Oct 15, 2024
Cast & Crew Award Winners Announced | Oct 15, 2024
Winners Formatted Film Screeners Due | Nov 1, 2024
Film Festival Event Date | November 24, 2024
SUBMISSION FEES BY DEADLINE:
FEATURE FILM:
(60+ 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 - 60 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
ANIMATION 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 - 30 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 - 140 Pages)
Kick Off Deadline - $40
Early Deadline - $45
Regular Deadline - $50
Late Deadline - $55
Last Minute Deadline - $60
Extended Deadline - $65
Final Deadline - $70
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 - $35
Early Deadline - $40
Regular Deadline - $45
Late Deadline - $50
Last Minute Deadline - $55
Extended Deadline - $60
Final Deadline - $65
FIRST-TIME WRITER SCREENPLAY:
(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 SCRIPT:
(Up to 60 Pages)
Kick Off Deadline - $35
Early Deadline - $40
Regular Deadline - $45
Late Deadline - $50
Last Minute Deadline - $55
Extended Deadline - $60
Final Deadline - $65
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
SCREENPLAY COVERAGE OPTIONS:
Feature Screenplay Entry + Pro Analysis Coverage - $119.00
Short Screenplay Entry + Pro Analysis Coverage - $99.00
LGBTQIA+ Screenplay Entry + Pro Analysis Coverage - $109.00
First-Time Screenwriter Entry + Pro Analysis Coverage - $109.00
TV Pilot or Web Series Script Entry + Pro Analysis Coverage - $99.00
Stage Play Script Entry + Pro Analysis Coverage - $119.00
Feedback Option 1 - Brief Written Notes & Festival Scorecard - $35.00 (Film or Screenplay, Festival Entry NOT Included)
Feedback Option 2 - 30-Minute Script Feedback Zoom Meeting - $150.00 (Screenplays Only, Festival Entry NOT Included)
We wish you a B!TCHIN’ time on your filmmaking & screenwriting journey!
For questions about the festival or instructions on how to submit, please contact us at BFestivalLA@gmail.com
