The Bushwick Film Festival is excited to announce the launch of the Bushwick Film Institute (BFI)!

BFI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to elevating community through the power of film, empowering underrepresented storytellers, increasing diversity in film and tv, and sharing unique stories with local and global audiences.

BFI founder and president Kweighbaye Kotee initially began the Bushwick Film Festival (BFF) in 2007 to celebrate independent film in her community. As the festival grew to become one of Brooklyn’s premier movie events, she realized that it was serving a greater purpose: contributing to the borough’s artistic, cultural, and economic growth. BFF’s role in bringing about these positive developments within the community has been awarded by the Brooklyn Borough President and other elected officials. The festival also serves as a platform for emerging and underrepresented filmmakers, expands industry access, creates job opportunities, and brings together an incredible community of storytellers and audiences from all walks of life.

BFI was created with the support of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft to expand upon the work of BFF and make a greater impact through year-round programming. This year, in partnership with the festival’s community partner B&H Photo and Canon, BFI developed its first program: Bushwick Stories!

Please take a moment to watch the short films created by our young storytellers during the Bushwick Stories workshop, explore our initiatives, and support our mission by making a tax-deductible donation. As a nonprofit educational organization, BFI relies on your generous contributions!