The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival is a film festival in the United States held in Buffalo, New York which showcases over 35 films annually. The inaugural festival was held March 26-21, 2007. The festival is held in the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, New York.
Established in 2007, the festival features independent films from the USA and worldwide with a special category for Western New York filmmakers. The program includes feature films, student films, short films, music videos and animated films. The event is produced by Captures Entetertainment.
The 2015 event took place from April 10 until April 18.
In addition to film screenings, industry leaders and others will present seminars and panel discussions on topics of interest to filmmakers, screenwriters, and entertainment industry professionals. Opening and Closing Night Galas, Filmmaker Receptions, and a Festival Expo featuring products and services from BNFF Sponsors and others are held during the festival. A Film Market is held during Festival Week, to provide filmmakers, distributors, and buyers the opportunity to network, and conduct business.
The festival presents the following awards:
JURY AWARDS
Best Feature Film, Best Animation Film, Best Student Film, Best Screenplay, Best Short Film, Best Documentary Film, Most Promising Director, The Falls Award – For Best West NY Film.
AUDIENCE AWARDS
Best Feature Film, Best Animation Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Music Video, Best Short Film, Best Student Film, Best West NY Film
GENRE AWARDS
Best Drama, Best Thriller, Best Docudrama, Best Action/Adventure, Best Comedy, Best Original Concept
In 2011, Jeffrey W. Pike's Love and Defiance received the award for Best Screenplay in Short film.