New York, New York – USA
November 14 to 18, 2012

The 9th Annual BIG APPLE FILM FESTIVAL (BAFF), is a four-day showcase of the best in independent cinema from around the world. Through its special focus on New York filmmakers and films, BAFF shines a light on one of the most eclectic and electric urban landscapes in the world, while connecting participants with a formidable network of filmmakers and honoring some of the brightest stars of today and tomorrow. The Festival has been praised not just for its program and exposure opportunities, but also for the overall experience of attending; Moviemaker has named BAFF among its “Top 25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” and one of the “Coolest 25 Film Festivals.”

Each year, with its New York Emerging Talent Award, BAFF singles out of the most promising and influential talents in independent film. The festival’s knack for spotting a rising star has proven unquestionable – previous recipients of the award have included Rachel Bean (500 DAYS OF SUMMER), Aaron Stanford (X-MEN), and Academy Award-nominee Jesse Eisenberg (THE SOCIAL NETWORK). Other BAFF awards have honored producer Anthony Bregman (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND), Academy Award-nominee Haley Joel Osment (THE SIXTH SENSE), and Tony Award-winning and Emmy-nominated actor Alan Cumming (“The Good Wife”). This year BAFF will present its Golden Apple Award to documentarian Morgan Spurlock (SUPERSIZE ME).

Presented by the Big Apple Film Society, BAFF unfolds at the world-famous Tribeca Cinemas and celebrates the rich diversity of filmmakers, film audiences, and film characters that New York City has to offer. Love stories, family dramas, futuristic thrillers, and rule-breaking think-pieces dominated last year’s festival, and this year’s offerings promise to be just as varied. Interactive panel discussions allow guests to engage directly with representatives from the New York film community, including representatives from Samuel Goldwyn Films, HBO, Current TV, and Magnolia Pictures. BAFF is not merely a place to enjoy great cinema – it’s a place to network and nurture or launch a career.

UPCOMING DEADLINE
August 1, 2012 – Regular Deadline

MISSION AND OBJECTIVE
BAFF is dedicated to showcasing and promoting the highest quality films from the New York City independent film community, as well as specially selected films from across the country and around the world. The festival seeks to highlight films and filmmakers that reflect the unique qualities of New York City and to celebrate the great city of New York through the exhibition of innovative and diverse filmmaking.

MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
A number of BAFF official selections and filmmakers have gone on to much success. After its screening at the festival, Andrew Bowler’s comedy short TIME FREAK secured an Academy Award nomination. LOLA VERSUS, a film by BAFF award-winner Zoe Lister-Jones and fellow BAFF alumnus Daryl Wein, has since been released in theaters. BAFF Cityscape Award-winner THE PILL launched into 45 million homes in March of this year thanks to Cable Movies on Demand, and became the second most-watched film in the independent category on iTunes.

For an enjoyable festival experience and the chance at post-festival success in a variety of formats, submit your work to the Big Apple Film Festival today!