Buffalo Movie & Video Makers

Now that the The Screening Room Cinema & Arts Cafe is in the process of finding a new home, Buffalo Film Academy continues to meet monthly in alternate locations.

Join us for a special fourth-Monday BFA Filmmakers Gathering Night:

MARCH 23, 2026 from 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Location: Santora’s Pizza Pub & Grill, 7800 Transit Rd., Williamsville 14221

RSVP: [email protected]

As everyone knows by now, the Screening Romm will be closing its doors at the end of February. We will have our February meeting there as scheduled on February 16th at 7pm.

When we have secured and finalized our new meeting place we will announce it here and by way of email to members.

We are also asking for volunteers to help Bob with moving when the time comes.

Thank you
Rob Bork

BUFFALO FILM ACADEMY ANNOUNCES
FALL FILM FESTIVAL
Fall Film Festival: 7 minute maximum run time including title and credits
Due: DECEMBER 5, 2025 via email (TBA)
Shown: December Meeting/Christmas Party
Winner(s): Announced and shown at December Meeting/Christmas Party

RULES:

1. Must have been filmed within the last 2 years.
2. Must be submitted by the Director. We recognize films are a collaboration of talents and skills, but ultimately the film is the product of the director.
3. Submission is free to current Members. Non-members may submit a film for a $20 fee, thereby becoming members.
4. AI and stock footage will be limited to less than 25% of the film but we recognize some genres may have more than others. Contact the Board to plead your case.
5. Special effects and stock photographs do not count against the stock footage limit.
6. Films may be G, PG, PG-13 or R rated. No EXPLICIT s*x, violence or drug use. If your film is "R" rated, place a warning prior to the start of the film. Decisions of appropriateness of the film will be made by the BOD. Decisions will be final.
7. Any film footage, special effects, sound effects, music, or photos not created by film maker and/or crew must either be owned by the submitter or licensed for use in that film. You will be asked for proof.

Prizes will be awarded for:
Audience Favorite (decided by present member audience voting at meeting)
Best Film
Best Script
Best Acting
Best SFX
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Audio.
Awards subject to change based on entry number.

DO NOT miss the October 20th meeting if you are thinking of using stunts, guns or fire in your next short film.

We have an AI Workshop this Saturday October 4 @ 9am you will not want to miss. It will help you in writing, shooting and definitely in the upcoming BFA Workshops

This just in from our friend Lance Watsky:

There is an event on Sunday that members of the Buffalo Film Academy may like:

EC200 Speaker Series: Rich Newberg and Tim Bohen

Buffalo Naval Park’s Hangar Building

Sunday, September 21, 2–3 p.m.

TV newsman Rich Newberg and author Tim Bohen present “Charting the Course for Canalside: The Erie Canal Legacy Lives On.”

They will discuss the development of Canalside, from the initial concept to the grand opening ceremonies. Learn about the history of the Canal District in Buffalo and the legacy of the grain scoopers to the launch of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. Balladeer Doc Stuart will also perform a few numbers that finished first in Erie Canal original song writing competitions.

FIRST MEETING. of the Year
This coming Monday
September 15th @ 7pm
Same Place: The Screening Room Cinema & Arts Cafe
Same Membership: $20 FOR THE YEAR!

Buffalo Film Academy — Monday Nights Are Back

Last year we rebuilt Monday nights—new format, stronger sessions, better films. This year, we’re taking it even further.

Season Kickoff: What We Did Over Summer Vacation

We’re starting off with a celebration. At the first meeting we’ll:

Screen our 48-Hour Film Festival entry

Share behind-the-scenes photos and stories from the shoot

Hear from the actors and crew about their experience

Host a Q&A session where you can ask anything about the process

It’s the perfect way to kick off the new season—celebrating what we’ve made and setting the stage for what comes next.

WE MADE A MOVIE
The BFA and a lot of my friends worked on a movie for the 48Hour Film Festival
Come see it this Sunday at the North Park Theatre @ 10 am