Northern Rivers Filmmakers Invited to Share their Stories at BBFF's Landmark 20th Festival
Winner Best Byron Film 2025, Floating Wood directed by Joel Bryant. Credit: Supplied.
The Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) is calling on Northern Rivers filmmakers to showcase their work as the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this October.
Entries are open for the festival's Local Filmmakers section, which provides an opportunity for filmmakers living in the Northern Rivers to screen alongside international productions at one of Australia's longest-running and most respected regional film festivals.
Open exclusively to filmmakers from the region, the category offers a reduced entry fee and eligibility for the Best Byron Film Award, recognising outstanding local storytelling. Festival Director J’aimee Skippon-Volke says supporting local filmmakers has always been central to BBFF's vision.
"For twenty years, BBFF has celebrated stories from around the world while remaining deeply connected to the creative community that surrounds us. The Local Filmmakers section is about giving Northern Rivers filmmakers the opportunity to share their work with local audiences, visiting industry guests and an international festival community."
The Northern Rivers has become one of Australia's most vibrant creative regions, producing award-winning documentaries, feature films and short films that continue to attract national and international recognition.
Joel Bryant, whose film Flowing Wood won Best Byron Film at last year's festival, encourages other local filmmakers to enter this year's festival.
"Winning Best Byron Film at BBFF was incredibly special. It's a festival that genuinely values authentic storytelling and gives local filmmakers the chance to share their work alongside films from around the world. If you've created something that means something to you, I'd encourage you to enter. You never know who your story might connect with.”
Filmmaker Matty Hannon, whose documentaries The Road to Patagonia and Haus Tumbuna both screened at BBFF, says the festival helped expand his audience.
"BBFF has grown to become a critical cultural event in the region, fostering both local and international talent while enriching Byron Bay's artistic community. The festival provided an incredible platform and industry exposure that significantly impacted my career trajectory."
BBFF welcomes films of all lengths and genres, from emerging filmmakers through to experienced professionals. Eligible films must not have screened publicly before January 2024 and cannot be re-submissions.
Entries for the Local Filmmakers section close on Monday 17 August 2026. Northern Rivers filmmakers are encouraged to submit early.
The 20th Byron Bay International Film Festival will be held from 16–25 October 2026, celebrating two decades of independent cinema, creativity and community.
For entry details visit https://bbff.com.au/submissions.
J’aimee Skippon-Volke, Joel Bryant, Osvaldo Alfaro at 2025 Byron Bay. International Film Festival. Credit: Lyn McCarthy