2025-2026 Dates & Deadlines
About Bollywood USA International Film Festival
The Bollywood USA International Film Festival (BUIFF) is a prestigious event celebrating the vibrant and diverse world of Indian cinema in the United States. We serve as a platform for filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals to showcase their work and connect with audiences from around the globe.
The festival showcases a wide range of films including feature films, documentaries, short films, music videos, screenplays, and novels—all highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Bollywood and Indian storytelling. Through this festival, we promote cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Indian cinema on an international scale.
From the creators of the Depth of Field International Film Festival, Docs Without Borders Film Festival, and the WRPN.tv Women's International Film Festival, BUIFF operates under the umbrella of the WRPN.tv Network, bringing decades of festival experience to filmmakers worldwide.
Submission Requirements
VERY IMPORTANT:
- All written material (screenplays, stage plays, novels) must be submitted to their respective categories
- DO NOT submit written material to film/video categories (Drama, Art-house, etc.) - submissions will be rejected
- DO NOT submit film/video to screenplay or written medium categories - submissions will be rejected
- We hire professional readers/judges for written materials - they will not review videos
- We hire professional reviewers for videos - they will not review written material
Eligibility (Only ONE of the following is required):
- Produced or directed by a person of Indian origin
- Film features an Indian lead and/or supporting actor
- Film contains subject matter related to Indian issues or themes
- Films produced in other countries are welcome, provided one of the above criteria applies
Written Material Requirements:
Screenplays, novels, and stage plays must be written in English by an Indian writer or feature an Indian theme or main character.
- Feature-length screenplays: 70-130 pages
- Short scripts: Under 40 pages
- Teleplays: 45-70 pages
- Webisode pilots: 10-20 pages
What Makes BUIFF Different?
Individual Merit-Based Judging
BUIFF has instituted a unique system where entries do not compete against each other, but are recognized for their own individual merits. Each entry is judged on its inherent value, ensuring judges focus entirely on your work without comparisons to other submissions.
Guaranteed Distributor Reviews
Top-winning films receive guaranteed distributor review by:
- Worldwide Motion Pictures (features)
- Adler & Associates (features and shorts)
- Cardinal XD Distribution
- CCS Releasing
- And other distributors who regularly visit WRPN.tv
All for selected "Best of Festival" winners.
Screenplay Submissions to Polaris Pictures
Winning scripts are submitted to Polaris Pictures, a film finance company that does not accept unsolicited submissions.
Hybrid Festival Format
- Web-based competition with global reach
- Live screening event for Best of Festival winners at Cinema Art Theater, Lewes, Delaware
- Online exposure through WRPN.tv Entertainment Network to audiences in dozens of countries
Comprehensive Feedback System
Everyone who submits receives TWO benefits:
- Your film is competition-caliber and becomes an Official Selection, OR
- You receive a detailed letter explaining exactly what prevents acceptance
Rejected films can resubmit for FREE after making corrections, even in the following season if time is needed.
Award Categories
BUIFF offers multiple award levels recognizing excellence across all submissions:
"Best of Festival" awards are selected by genre, category, and country from among Best of Show winners.
"Best of Show" awards are selected by genre, category, and country (e.g., BOS Documentary Domestic, BOS Documentary Foreign).
Note: If there is insufficient competition within any category, BUIFF reserves the right to withdraw a "Best of" presentation in that category.
Festival Venue
Cinema Art Theater
17701 Dartmouth Drive
Lewes, Delaware 19958
United States
Live screenings are conducted for Best of Festival winners to collect authentic audience reactions for our distributor partners. Video interviews of the viewing audience may be conducted and featured on WRPN.tv.
