Northern Rivers filmmakers have until August 18 to submit their work to be considered for screening at the Byron Bay Film Festival in October.

Festival organisers are calling for local creatives at all stages of their careers to present their films for a chance to have it seen by their community at the region’s prestigious cinematic event – a magnet for independent filmmakers and industry professionals from Australia and around the world.

The category of Byron Bay Filmmaker includes residents from across the Northern Rivers, from the Tweed to Grafton.

Since its inception, the Byron Bay Film Festival has championed local filmmakers and our local film industry, providing a global stage for home-grown talent, said Festival Director J’aimee Skippon-Volke.

“Screening at BBFF also provides them with a valuable ‘laurel’ which helps them to promote their work beyond the region.

“Byron Bay has become a byword for creativity and innovation, a reputation the Film Festival has helped to nurture and which goes far beyond the Shire’s boundaries,” J’aimee said.

“It’s always a pleasure to see what local filmmakers, young and old, have been up to, and a thrill to see works first shown at our festival go on to acclaim in the wider world.

“The festival is a favourite of filmmakers worldwide and is recognised in the leading online submission’s platform FilmFreeway as a top-rated festival by filmmakers – 1 of only 100 amongst 9000,” J’aimee said.

Last year’s festival showcased 30 local films, music videos and XR experiences, including three feature-length documentaries such as Angus MacDonald’s Freedom is Beautiful, to short films from emerging talents such as Jahvis Loveday and Ocean Shores teenager Kaia Joaquin Walton.

Entries of all lengths and across all genres are invited from emerging filmmakers and seasoned professionals. Those working in extended reality (XR) are welcome.

J’aimee added: “We’ve had some fantastic locally made films submitted already which will help make up our 2024 programme but I’m hoping this call-out will reach filmmakers we’ve not connected with before.”

To have a chance at being shown at the Festival, filmmakers are invited to visit www.bbff.com.au/submissions

Byron Bay International Film Festival runs from October 18-27 at venues across the Northern Rivers.