BIFFDOCS

BIFFDOCS is Australia's richest prize for documentary filmmakers. Competition guidelines can be found below.

1. The BIFFDOCS competition rewards excellence in documentary production.

2. In the competition selection criteria, BIFF will be looking for films that exhibit the ability to surprise, entertain, provoke and disturb.

3. Documentaries may only submit to BIFFDOCS by invitation from BIFF.

4. Productions  selected for the competition must meet the following criteria:
-          Films must be over 60 minutes in length.
-          Films must be in English, or with English subtitles.
-          Films must have been completed after 1 June 2011, and must not have been released theatrically outside their country of origin more than 12 months before the start date of BIFF (14 - 25 November 2012).
-          Date of delivery will be taken as the date of availability of a locked-off print or final format. Films will be delivered on either 35mm, Digital Betacam or HD Cam (not HD Cam SR).
-          Films must not have screened publicly in Australia prior to 14 November 2012, including at BIFF in previous years. A public screening includes any screening available to the public - whether by television broadcast, preview, video/ DVD release, online and festival screenings.

5. As a general principle, BIFF will not offer screening fees to participants in the competition.

6. Selected finalists must provide the below materials to BIFF, at their own cost: 
-          3 High resolution stills.
-          Director's statement, trailer and an electronic press kit , in English.
-          4 DVD copies of the production.
-          A copy of the film on either 35mm, Digital Betacam or HD Cam.
-          Any other material that might contribute to the promotion of the work.
BIFF will return the entry at its own expense and ensure all materials are covered for insurance purposes  

7. The Jury, will be appointed by BIFF, and will comprise a minimum of:
-          A documentary filmmaker,
-          A representative of the documentary industry,
-          The director of the BIFF, and
-          Up to a maximum of two additional parties

8. The Jury will determine the winner of the award based on a simple majority of votes.

9. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the festival

10. The winning production will receive a cash prize of $A25,000. 

11. Jury decisions will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.

12. Please direct any general enquiries to biff@biff.com.au

13. The BIFFDOCS finalists will screen at the 2012 BIFF as part of the public program.