The Berkshire International Film Festival is thrilled to be celebrating our 20th anniversary festival, held May 28 – 31, 2026 in Great Barrington and Lenox. BIFF will be holding 20 film events over the next year to commemorate our 20 years. We will bring back films and filmmakers from previous festivals, present new films, celebrate old films, continue our environmental film series and collaborate with other Berkshire cultural organizations to mark this milestone year.
The BIFF will open submissions for filmmakers on October 1, 2025. The call for entries for the nexGen Student Film Competition will also open at that time. Passes for the 20th anniversary festival will be on sale December 1, 2025. To become a sponsor, a Reel Friend, advertise or volunteer for the upcoming festival, please contact us via email: anne@biffma.org or lauren@biffma.org.
“The Berkshires are a community of film lovers. On the first weekend 20 years ago, our community embraced the BIFF with overwhelming gusto. TWO decades later, that response has never wavered, and every expectation for BIFF has been exceeded. That first weekend, BIFF showcased 40 premieres of independent films over a 2-day weekend. The Mahaiwe was not open, the Triplex had not opened the Screening Room, Pearl’s and allium were at the top of Railroad Street, and Deval Patrick was running for Governor! In the last two decades, BIFF has doubled the number of screened films, tripled the number of screens, doubled the number of locations for our screenings, doubled the length of the festival, tripled the number of filmmakers and industry professionals in attendance to share their films, and created a year-round organization dedicated to celebrating the best of independent film,” says Founder and Artistic Director Kelley Vickery. “As we head into our third decade, BIFF continues to celebrate the incredible and inspiring stories we have curated from around the world and from our region. Our regional films from the Berkshires and beyond, celebrate individuals and small businesses making a big impact in social justice, art, farming, music, environmental issues and politics. BIFF is proud to bring to the Berkshires tomorrow’s talented filmmakers and discover their stories, their cultures and their films you may never be able to see again. Where else can you come together and engage with filmmakers, share collectively with your friends, connect with the world around you and across the globe? BIFF nurtures that desire, that passion and that curious spirit. The BIFF truly brings the world to the Berkshires and is here to stay!”
BIFF has become the festival of choice for filmmakers and film lovers who are seeking a unique Berkshire experience and a place to indulge their passion for film. The Festival connects audiences to compelling documentaries, award-winning international releases with incredible parties and events, all just a short drive from New York City or Boston. Over the last two decades, BIFF has been fortunate to have hosted such luminaries such as Arthur Penn, Mike Nichols, Christopher Plummer, Patricia Clarkson, Kevin Bacon, Stephen Lang, Alfre Woodard, Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig, Yo-Yo Ma, Rachel Weisz, Brian Cox and Martin Scorsese and scores of award-winning filmmakers. Films and events will be held throughout both Great Barrington and Lenox, including the Triplex Cinema, the historic Mahaiwe Theatre, and the Lenox Town Hall and area restaurants.
Premiere Sponsors of the 2026 BIFF include the Triplex Cinema, Studio Two, The Red Lion Inn, Berkshire Bank, The Roaring Brook Family Foundation, The Frances Davis Fund, the Annie Selke Companies, Love Today Productions, The Granville House and Old Mill Road Media. Presenting Sponsors include Karen Allen Fiber Arts, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Stella Artois, Haven Cafe, Archer Roose Wines, Abbott’s Livery, Warrior Trading, Fairfield Inn and Dare Bottleshop and Provisions. BIFF’s festival partners include the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and the Lenox Town Hall.
With over 1000 film submissions this past year, the Berkshire International Film Festival has quickly become a destination festival that filmmakers seek due to the enthusiastic audiences it attracts.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
The 20th annual BIFF will be held May 28 – 31, 2026; submissions will open October 1, 2025 and passes will go on sale December 1, 2025.
BIFF’s 20th anniversary gala will be held Sunday, September 6, 2026.
