top of page

Louisiana Bayou Film Festival (LBFF)

Rules & Regulations

1 

Festival Overview

The Louisiana Bayou Film Festival (LBFF) celebrates independent filmmakers and powerful storytelling from diverse voices. The festival showcases original short films that demonstrate creativity, compelling narratives, and strong production quality.

2

Eligibility Requirements

Film Length

  • Submissions must be 10 minutes or less, including credits.

Production Location

  • Films do not have to be shot in the state of Louisiana.

Production Dates

  • Films must have been shot between January 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026.

  • Films produced outside of this date range are not eligible.

Proof of Production Dates

  • Filmmakers must provide verifiable proof that the film was shot within the eligible production window (see Section 3).

Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) Requirement

  • All submissions must include behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos and/or videos from the production.

Original Work & Rights

  • All submissions must be original works.

  • The submitting filmmaker must own or have secured all rights to the film, including music, images, and performances.

3

Proof of Production Dates (Required)

All submissions must include proof that the film was shot between January 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026. Acceptable materials include one or more of the following:

  • Behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos and/or videos from the production

  • Call sheets or production reports showing shoot dates

  • Camera metadata or time-stamped raw footage

  • Location permits or rental agreements indicating shoot dates

  • A signed affidavit from the director or producer confirming production dates

Failure to provide BTS materials and valid documentation may result in disqualification.

4

Submission Fee

  • Submission Fee: $150.00 USD (non-refundable)

  • All fees must be paid at the time of submission.

  • Submission fees do not guarantee selection.

5

Submission Deadline

  • Final Deadline: May 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM (CST)

  • Late submissions will not be accepted.

6

Selection Process

  • A total of 15 films will be officially selected.

  • Official selections will be notified via email and/or the submission platform.

  • The festival reserves the right to determine final programming order and screening schedules.

7

Judging Criteria

  • Films will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Creativity: Originality, artistic vision, and innovation

  • Storytelling Cohesiveness: Narrative clarity, pacing, and emotional impact

  • Quality: Overall production value, including cinematography, sound, editing, and performances

  • All judges’ decisions are final.

8

Exhibition & Promotional Rights

  • By submitting a film, the filmmaker grants the Louisiana Bayou Film Festival the right to:

  • Screen the film during the festival

  • Use clips, stills, BTS content, and trailers for promotional, marketing, and press purposes (including online and social media)

  • Filmmakers retain full ownership of their films.

9

Disqualification

  • Films may be disqualified for, but not limited to, the following reasons:

  • Exceeding the 10-minute runtime

  • Failure to meet production date requirements

  • Failure to provide required BTS materials

  • Missing, false, or misleading documentation

  • Offensive or unlawful content

  • Violation of copyright or intellectual property laws

10

Agreement

  • By submitting a film, the filmmaker acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all rules and regulations of the Louisiana Bayou Film Festival.

11

Awards & Prizes

  • The Louisiana Bayou Film Festival will present the following awards:

  • 1st Place: $2,500.00

  • 2nd Place: $1,500.00

  • 3rd Place: $500.00

  • Fan Favorite Award: $500.00

  • Total Prize Pool: $5,000.00

12

Award Determination

  • 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place winners will be selected by the official festival judging panel based on creativity, storytelling cohesiveness, and quality.

  • The Fan Favorite Award will be determined by audience voting during festival screenings.

  • All prizes will be awarded to the submitting filmmaker or designated representative.

  • Prizes are subject to applicable taxes. Winners are responsible for all tax obligations.

13

Trailer Requirement for Selected Films

  • Officially selected films must submit a 60–90 second trailer upon selection.

  • Trailers will be used for festival promotion, marketing, social media, and press coverage.

  • Failure to submit a trailer within the requested timeframe may affect promotional placement.

bottom of page