Berlin Student Film Festival

Award categories include Best AI-Assisted Film, Animation, Cinematography, Costume Design, Diversity & Inclusion Film, Documentary, Editing, Female Director, LGBTQ+ Film, Music Video, Poster Design, Scenography & Set Design, Social Impact Film, Sound Design, Trailer and Visual Effects. The FilmFreeway entry categories also include Best Drama. Recognition may include trophies, certificates and the official BSFF laurel. The festival describes its trophy as cement and bronze; additional prizes may include cash, internships or filming equipment, subject to announcement.

Students, recent graduates and first-time or emerging filmmakers from all countries may submit. Applicants must be of legal age in their country of residence; minors need written consent from a legal guardian. Films not in English require English subtitles. All music and copyrighted material must be licensed, and applicants must hold the rights and permissions needed to submit and exhibit the film. BSFF and kulturspace staff, board members, contractors and volunteers, jury members and their immediate households, and related entities are ineligible. Entries are accepted through FilmFreeway. Incomplete entries are excluded, fees are non-refundable, and only the first submitted version is reviewed. Selection decisions are final. Applicants must approve FilmFreeway download requests. Filmmakers retain ownership and grant a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence for festival screenings and non-commercial promotional and archival use. The licence may be revoked in writing before selection, shortlisting or an award; afterwards it is irrevocable for archival and promotional purposes. The published terms are governed by German law.