Join Us for the 9th Annual Bright Ideas Film Festival - Live at Contra Costa Cinema!
We're thrilled to welcome you to an unforgettable evening of cinematic creativity in April 2025.
Festival date TBD
This coming year, we're spotlighting an exceptional lineup of short films, culminating in an engaging Q&A session where filmmakers share insights into their creative journeys.
Submissions are not yet open for 2025.
Celebrate Cinematic Excellence
Recognizing outstanding storytelling and creativity, we will award TROPHIES to the standout film in each category.
Recognizing outstanding storytelling and creativity, we will award TROPHIES to the standout film in each category.
The Bright Ideas Film Festival is more than just a competition; it celebrates passion, perseverance, and the powerful stories that connect us all. Whether you're a filmmaker looking to showcase your latest project or a cinephile eager to experience the vibrant local film scene, this festival is for you. Join us to support and celebrate the incredible talent within our filmmaking community.
Awards
To celebrate the filmmakers, TROPHIES will be presented to the winner of each category.
* Best in Festival - Student
* Best in Festival - Professional
* Best Comedic Performance
* Best Dramatic Performance
* Best Editing
* Best Cinematography
* Best Directing
* Best Writing
* Best Sound Design
* Best Original Score
* Best Production Design
* Audience Choice Award
* Best in Festival - Professional
* Best Comedic Performance
* Best Dramatic Performance
* Best Editing
* Best Cinematography
* Best Directing
* Best Writing
* Best Sound Design
* Best Original Score
* Best Production Design
* Audience Choice Award
Rules and Terms
Bright Ideas Film Festival Submission Guidelines
* Duration: Films must be 25 minutes or less.
* Genres: We welcome submissions from all genres. Let your creativity shine!
* Selection Process: Submission does not guarantee screening. We will inform all filmmakers of their selection status by TBD.
* Content Guidelines: Films must be appropriate for a general audience. Please avoid extreme gore or explicit sexual content.
* Submission Fees:
Professional: $15
Student: $10
Professional: $15
Student: $10
* Student Entries: Films submitted as student projects must have been created during the filmmaker's time in either college or high school. Films do not need to be school assignments. Filmmakers who have since graduated are eligible, provided the film was made during their student years.
* Multiple Submissions: Filmmakers are welcome to submit several projects, but we will select only one film per director for screening. Films can have overlapping producers, cast, or crew members.
* Refund Policy: Please note that we do not offer refunds on submission fees.
* Awards: Our panel of judges determines category winners before the festival, except for the Audience Choice Award, which festival attendees will vote on.
* Should your film be chosen for screening at the festival, we would greatly appreciate a Digital Cinema Package (DCP) for optimal video and sound quality, if feasible. If you decide to send in a DCP, it must be delivered by TBD. Nonetheless, submission of a DCP is not mandatory. Please view the FAQs and Instructions.