The 2026 BHFF FILM FESTIVAL is coming up Oct. 2 - 4, 2026.

ENTRIES ARE NOW CLOSED. NOTIFICATION DATE WAS JUNE 30.

We're looking forward to seeing you all at the Festival. 

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HOST HOTEL

DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown Rapid City Convention Center

Reserve your room today:

Call 800-445-8667 to book your room.

 

Filmmakers can pick up passes and bags at the BHFF table at the Journey Museum

any time during the Festival starting at 5:30 PM on Friday Oct. 2.​

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There will be a FILMMAKER RECEPTION in the Pioneer Room at the Journey Museum in Rapid City on Saturday from

5:15 - 6:15 pm. Meet other filmmakers and network with those in the film industry while enjoying great food.

This room will also be available throughout the Festival for relaxing and networking.

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Saturday, Oct. 3 there will be FILMMAKER PANELS from 10 am to noon hosted by Alicia Garcia, Lawyer and Emmy Nominated News Anchor/Executive Producer/Reporter. Watch for topic details in the coming weeks.

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Awards & Prizes

Winning films in Feature Narrative, Feature Documentary, Short Narrative and Short Documentary competition receive custom bronze sculptured trophies - the coveted “Bronze Fedora” valued at over $1,000. The winning Student film receives the "Rising Star" award. A new award introduced this year is the "Reel SD Film" award which will be given out to the best film with scenes shot in South Dakota.  The "People's Choice" is voted upon by the audience over the course of the festival and is given out at the end of the Festival.
 

NOTE: Overseas filmmakers who do not attend the Festival to receive their awards will need to pay for shipping the awards or provide an address for the festival to mail the award to within the US. BHFF cannot guarantee shipping outside the US due to new regulations.

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Black Hills Film Festival

PO Box 1231

Rapid City, SD 57709

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2027 FILM ENTRY DEADLINES​​​

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Click on FilmFreeway logo below to enter in November 2026 for the 2027 Festival.