Best Damn Film Awards

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Recognizing exceptional films and screenplays from around the world through selective competition and meaningful awards.

Submit Your Film ---> Click Here

FilmFreeway

Recognizing exceptional films and screenplays from around the world through selective competition and meaningful awards.

Submit Your Film ---> Click Here

FilmFreeway

About the Best DAMN Film Awards

Festival Overview

The Best Damn Film Awards is a selective film festival and screenplay competition dedicated to discovering and honoring exceptional independent films and scripts from around the world. Based in Newnan, Georgia, BDFA celebrates the filmmakers, writers, and storytellers whose creativity, originality, and passion push independent cinema forward.

BDFA By The Numbers

Founded December 2022
Hundreds of Projects Submitted
91 Official Selections
184 Awards Presented
Films & Screenplays Accepted Worldwide
Annual Awards Presentation in Newnan, Georgia

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I submit my film or screenplay?

All submissions are accepted exclusively through FilmFreeway. Simply create a FilmFreeway account, upload your project, select the appropriate category, and complete your submission before the deadline. Both films and screenplays are eligible for competition.

What kind of projects is BDFA looking for?

We are looking for bold, original, and memorable storytelling. Whether your project is a short film, feature film, documentary, screenplay, experimental work, comedy, horror, drama, science fiction, or something completely unique, we want to see creative voices that take risks and leave an impact. We celebrate exceptional storytelling above all else.

Is every submission reviewed?

Yes. Every submission receives genuine consideration from our review panel. BDFA is a selective competition, meaning Official Selection status is earned through merit. Projects are evaluated on their strengths in storytelling, creativity, execution, and overall impact.

What awards does BDFA present?

BDFA recognizes excellence across a wide range of categories for both films and screenplays. Awards may include Best Feature, Best Short Film, Best Script, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Story, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Champion Award, and many more. Categories may vary from season to season based on submissions received.

Why submit to The Best Damn Film Awards?

Since launching in December 2022, BDFA has reviewed hundreds of submissions, officially selected more than 90 projects, and presented over 180 awards to filmmakers and writers from around the world. In addition to awards recognition, every Official Selection receives a custom promotional quote that can be used on posters, websites, and marketing materials. Our goal is to provide meaningful recognition and celebrate independent creators who deserve to be seen.

What can filmmakers expect if their film is selected?

Officially Selected films receive more than just a laurel. Every selected filmmaker receives personalized feedback highlighting the strengths of their project and the elements that stood out to our panel. These custom comments are designed to celebrate what your film does well and provide valuable promotional material you can use on posters, websites, social media, press kits, and future marketing efforts. Our goal is to ensure filmmakers leave BDFA with meaningful recognition, whether they win an award or not.

What can screenwriters expect if their screenplay is selected?

Screenplays selected by BDFA receive personalized recognition from our review panel. Each selected script is accompanied by custom feedback discussing its strongest elements, including story, characters, dialogue, structure, concept, or overall execution. These comments are intended to highlight what made your screenplay stand out among the competition and can be used as professional endorsements when promoting your work to producers, agents, contests, and future collaborators. We believe exceptional writing deserves meaningful recognition beyond a simple score or placement.

Do you accept student submissions and submissions from those under 18?

Absolutely. BDFA proudly welcomes student filmmakers and screenwriters, plus emerging creators of all ages. We believe some of the most exciting voices in independent storytelling are just getting started, and we encourage students to submit their work alongside established filmmakers and writers.

In addition to our regular award categories, BDFA may present special recognition for student projects and creators under the age of 18.

If you are under 18 years of age at the time of the submission completion and wish to be considered for Best 18 & Under or other youth recognitions, please notify the festival during your submission or contact us directly. Age information is not always provided through submission platforms, and BDFA cannot guarantee eligibility for youth-specific awards unless we are made aware of the entrant's age.

Student and youth projects are judged using the same standards of creativity, storytelling, originality, and overall impact as all other submissions. Outstanding work can compete for both student-specific recognition and general festival awards.

Are previous winners eligible to submit again?

Absolutely. Many filmmakers and writers return to BDFA year after year with new projects. Each submission is judged independently on its own merits, regardless of previous participation or awards.

Can a project win more than one award?

Yes. A single project may be recognized in multiple categories if it demonstrates excellence in several areas. For example, a screenplay could receive recognition for Story, Character, Dialogue, and Genre categories, while a film may compete across both major and technical awards.