The 12th Bushwick Film Festival last year (Bushwick Film Festival via Facebook)
Oct. 20, 2020 By Allie Griffin
The annual Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) kicks off its 13th edition Wednesday with a virtual lineup of screenings and events.
The festival will run from Oct. 21 through Oct. 25 and will celebrate the theme of transformation — marked by the symbol of a butterfly.
The film festival is going virtual for the first time due to COVID-19. Films will be available to rent and watch on watch.bushwickfilmfestival.com, a secure streaming platform sponsored by Spectrum, while panels and discussions will be streamed on an online global events platform.
More than 100 independent films from 30 different countries are included in the BFF programming this year which puts an emphasis on female directors and directors of color.
The theme of transformation and the butterfly are set in the context of a tumultuous year 2020 has been.
(Bushwick Film Festival)
“The symbolic butterfly represents this new year for us and for film in more than one way: periods of darkness can lead to brighter outcomes, and perseverance is necessary on the long journey there,” said festival director Kweighbaye Kotee.
In addition to films, the festival features a two-day movie industry conference with notable speakers, screenplay readings, industry mixers, movie trivia nights and a series of filmmaker Q&As.
The opening night show and the awards ceremony on the final night will both be broadcasted on Facebook and on partner platforms. Local elected officials and celebrities will share messages during the events.
BFF awards include Best Feature (Narrative Doc), Best Short (Doc and Narrative) and Best Web Series.
“After 13 years, I still get so excited when the festival arrives,” Kotee said. “Working with my team to present the festival this year despite all the challenges, is a testament to our collective love and commitment to storytelling.”
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