Welcome to another round of Bitcoin News’ interview series where we dive into the stories of Bitcoiner operators to help readers get a better understanding of what makes Bitcoin businesses “tick”.
Our goal is to put together the most in-depth set of interviews with similar themes to provide insight into what it takes to run a Bitcoin company and the ethos and values of different Bitcoin firms in the industry.
From Bitcoin OG’s to Startups to Operators, we dive into discussions with anyone and everyone in the Bitcoin world to help provide newcomers with a fun and interesting Bitcoin encyclopedia of knowledge and wisdom that may one day help them, should they wish to contribute to Bitcoin.
Read on below for our latest interview with the Bitcoin FilmFest team.
Bitcoin News: When was the first moment you became passionate about Bitcoin? Where were you and what makes that moment memorable?
BFF Team: It’s hard to speak for the entire team. Bitcoin FilmFest is run by a small group of individuals—all freedom fighters at heart—yet coming from different backgrounds like human rights, privacy, libertarian movements, activism, and more.
Each of us has their own story about discovering Bitcoin, with different memorable moments along the way. What connects us all is the importance of freedom as well as empowering people in their actions and creative expression.
Sometimes, within the team, we say that our mission is to “unfiat the culture”—making it solid, built on truth and integrity. The “aha moments” we’ve all had with Bitcoin may differ, but they’re likely closely tied to this vision.
Bitcoin News: What do you interpret to be Bitcoin’s core philosophy? How do you best embody this ethos on a regular basis?
BFF Team: It builds on the message shared above. Individual sovereignty, truth, proof of work, and long-term thinking, to be precise. Our goal is to support creative expression, original perspectives, and the importance of freedom while blending entertainment and education.
Bitcoin plays a key role in that, not just by raising awareness but by giving talented creators the means to tell unique stories and making it easier to fund and distribute their work.
Bitcoin News: In your particular Bitcoin niche, how do you measure success? Which singular factor contributes most to achieving this metric?
BFF Team: In a way, we’re reshaping the world of independent cinema. It’s not an easy job, but it’s definitely rewarding, and we truly believe in it. Working closely with so many creative minds who share similar values, we’re happy to see our actions help their work be seen and heard.
One of our biggest successes is that Bitcoin FilmFest, a project built by just a group of volunteers, has been running for over two years now, serving as a networking hub and a dynamic space for creators and cinema fans alike.
Also, the fact that many people are excited to join us this May for the third annual edition of our festival shows that our work matters, motivating us to continue.
Bitcoin News: Where do you see the greatest potential for innovation within the Bitcoin media landscape?
BFF Team: There are many areas that are still hard to imagine and would require a larger group to discuss potential scenarios. Let’s save that for anyone joining us at BFF25 in Warsaw this May, as one of the points included in the agenda.
However, to highlight one of the simplest and already visible changes: breaking free from censorship and central control, which consequently brings more authenticity and broader perspectives to the vast world of media.
Bitcoin enables various parties in the entire industry—whether directors, producers, streaming platforms, and so on—to act more independently. This independence from traditional gatekeepers and flawed financial systems is revolutionizing the art of filmmaking and the relationship between creators and fans.
Bitcoin News: Would you consider yourself a Bitcoin maximalist? If yes, why? If no, why not?
BFF Team: Again, not to generalize our entire team, but we lean more toward life and freedom maximalism. Our project is Bitcoin-only, so we don’t really engage with altcoins, Web3, or anything like that.
At the same time, we keep coming across more and more films that aren’t directly about Bitcoin but still align with its ethos. We want to support them as long as they tell authentic stories and uncover truths that mainstream media often tries to hide or suppress.
Take The Matrix trilogy, for example—never mentions Bitcoin, yet it resonates deeply with the values shared by our community.
Bitcoin News: What lessons from Bitcoin’s “early days” do you wish new entrants knew?
BFF Team: Probably each member of our team could share their own unique lessons. But to keep it simple:
1. Don’t focus too much on the price in fiat terms; one Bitcoin equals one Bitcoin.
2. While the technical aspects of Bitcoin are, were, and will continue to be very important, don’t think of it as just a freedom tech and money. It connects a wide range of areas, with culture and art being among them, which can help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Bitcoin News: Who are the most impactful Bitcoin relationships you have in the ecosystem and how do you maintain/nurture them over time?
BFF Team: When working in the cinema industry, probably the most impactful relationships are those we have with people directly involved in this ecosystem. These include individuals and projects focused on for example: film and video-making, production, distribution, and fundraising.
Of course, a huge part of this is who we call “Binema Ambassadors”—anyone who helps us continue our mission by supporting our existence directly and spreading the word.
When it comes to nurturing such connections, an honest approach and regular communication make a big difference. In everything we do, we strive to show respect and appreciation toward the people we work with, aiming for long-term relationships.
We are still a small project, as are many of those we collaborate with. Staying humble and focused on our shared goals—where understanding, mutual respect, and creativity lead the way—is what we believe in, and what will pay off over time.
Bitcoin News: What are you most excited for at BFF25 this year?
BFF Team: Thanks for asking! There are indeed a few exciting areas planned for this edition of our festival, actually happening for the third time already. BFF25, Warsaw, Poland, May 22-25, for anyone who hasn’t heard yet. The event page is already live, and it will offer more details in the coming weeks.
Some highlights include, of course, premieres of new films and direct meetings with their creators, along this years’ extra focus on AI cinema, business networking, and even more sponsorship/funding opportunities for people involved in this space.
Like the last two editions, we’ll have some great live concerts, thematic zones dedicated to art, culture, philosophy, and deeper consciousness.
Plus, with two additional parties (Pizza Day and 100M), as well as Nostr-focused themes, and the biggest gathering of Polish libertarians (Weekend of Capitalism) all happening alongside BFF25, our attendees will definitely have plenty of interesting options to enjoy.
We hope you join us to experience it firsthand, and then let’s have this chat again in a few months 🙂
Bitcoin News: What advice would you give to a fresh Bitcoiner aiming to leave their mark on the ecosystem?
BFF Team: The list would be much longer if each member of our team shared their own advice. For the sake of one concise message, let’s share these:
Be genuine in your actions and focus on building relationships with others.
Over time, you will discover your niche—specific areas where you can contribute the most using your skills. Also, try to join local meetups and gatherings, both big and small, to experience the space in practice, and connect with others in real life.
Finally, don’t be afraid of any challenges that come your way; stay focused and learn from every step of your journey.
Bitcoin News: When Bitcoin has reached global adoption, how would you like your contribution to Bitcoin’s history to be remembered?
BFF Team: Interesting question that could itself be a topic for an interview. We’d like to see “Orange-Pill Cinema”—or as we jokingly call it, “Binema” (Bitcoin + Cinema)—continue to evolve.
It will likely take many different directions compared to what we’re doing today, but there is a vital role for it in the future, even when we reach the stage of global adoption.
Cinema is a powerful medium that can serve as both inspiration and manipulation, shaping our thoughts, influencing our decisions, and impacting our actions. We want it to stay close to integrity, creativity, and freedom.
Global adoption itself doesn’t guarantee these principles. It would be nice if future generations remember that Bitcoin FilmFest contributed to this ‘revolution’, but what matters more is that they continue nurturing a culture built on genuine values and independent expression.
Bitcoin News: If you could go back in time and ask Satoshi just one question, what would it be?
BFF Team: To bring a bit of humor to the end of our conversation: Did he imagine Bitcoin and cinema going hand in hand, and would he agree to be a special guest at our festivals?
