BWiFFdocs 2026

About the Festival

BWiFF will be presenting a special documentary exclusive event called BWiFFdocs 2026 at the Palatine Public Library in Palatine, Illinois, located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, from April 20-30, 2026. All screenings will be free to attend. The BWiFFdocs Awards ceremony will be privately recorded and streamed live to the public via YouTube on May 6, 2026.

Every year, the festival exhibits films from around the globe that compete for a variety of awards. Judges experience each film along with the audience. Throughout the festival, filmmakers are encouraged to participate in Q&A's (in-person or virtually) moderated by a festival judge and partake in any potential panels.

BWiFF continues to build a reputation for exhibiting rare and compelling independent films while bridging the gap between the film-goer and the filmmaker.

Awards & Prizes

Best Feature
Best Short
Audience Favorite
Best Director
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score

*Awards are subject to change without notice. There must be at least two films in each category to be eligible. Each year, awards may be added or subtracted from the list above at the discretion of our guest judges.

2026 Submission Dates

Call for Entries Open
September 8, 2025

Early Deadline
November 7, 2025

Regular Deadline
December 19, 2025

Late Deadline
January 30, 2026

2026 Competition Venue

Palatine Public Library
700 N. North Court
Palatine, Illinois 60067

2026 Hotel Partner

Hampton Inn & Suites
Chicago Deer Park
21660 West Lake Cook Road
Deer Park, Illinois, 60010