– What opportunities are available for independent filmmakers at the Raindance Film Festival?
Must-Attend UK Film Festivals in 2024: Submission Deadlines, Dates, and Contact Info to Know
Being a filmmaker or film enthusiast, attending film festivals can be an enriching and exciting experience. In the UK, there are several prestigious film festivals that attract filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world. If you are looking to showcase your work, network with like-minded individuals, or simply enjoy some great films, here are some must-attend UK film festivals in 2024 along with submission deadlines, dates, and contact info you need to know.
1. BFI London Film Festival
– Submission Deadline: TBD
– Festival Dates: October 2 – 13, 2024
- Contact Info: [BFI London Film Festival Website](https://www.bfi.org.uk/london-film-festival)
The BFI London Film Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the UK. It showcases a diverse selection of films from around the world and attracts top industry professionals. If you want to be a part of this iconic festival, be sure to mark your calendars and submit your film before the deadline.
2. Edinburgh International Film Festival
– Submission Deadline: TBD
– Festival Dates: June 19 – 30, 2024
– Contact Info: [Edinburgh International Film Festival Website](https://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/)
The Edinburgh International Film Festival is the longest-running film festival in the UK and offers a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers. With a rich history and a reputation for showcasing groundbreaking films, this festival is a must-attend event for anyone in the film industry.
3. Sheffield Doc/Fest
– Submission Deadline: TBD
– Festival Dates: June 6 – 11, 2024
– Contact Info: [Sheffield Doc/Fest Website](https://sheffdocfest.com/)
Sheffield Doc/Fest is one of the leading documentary festivals in the UK and attracts filmmakers, industry professionals, and documentary enthusiasts from around the world. With a focus on innovative and thought-provoking documentaries, this festival is a great place to discover new talent and engage with important social issues.
4. Raindance Film Festival
– Submission Deadline: TBD
– Festival Dates: September 18 – 29, 2024
– Contact Info: [Raindance Film Festival Website](https://www.raindance.org/)
The Raindance Film Festival is known for its support of independent filmmakers and cutting-edge cinema. With a strong focus on creativity and originality, this festival offers a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals. If you are an independent filmmaker looking to make a mark, this festival is a must-attend event.
5. Manchester International Film Festival
– Submission Deadline: TBD
- Festival Dates: March 7 – 17, 2024
– Contact Info: [Manchester International Film Festival Website](https://www.maniff.com/)
The Manchester International Film Festival is a hidden gem in the UK film festival circuit. With a diverse selection of films and a strong emphasis on storytelling, this festival offers a unique platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with audiences. If you are looking for a welcoming and inclusive festival experience, this is the place to be.
attending film festivals in the UK can be a valuable and rewarding experience for filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike. Whether you are looking to showcase your work, network with industry professionals, or simply enjoy some great films, these must-attend UK film festivals in 2024 are sure to offer something for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendars, submit your film before the deadlines, and make the most of these exciting events.
Discovering the vibrant landscape of film festivals in the UK is an enriching experience. With approximately 50 diverse festivals taking place annually across the country, there is an eclectic range of cinematic showcases catering to various tastes and interests, from local gems to global extravaganzas.
For inclusion in this eclectic list, festivals must run for a minimum of four days and feature a selection of compelling films. If you want your festival to be highlighted here, feel free to reach out to us for consideration.
Admission numbers are estimated based on averages or recent data provided by the festivals themselves.
August Festivals
Africa In Motion
Director: Elizabeth Chege
Next Edition Dates: August 31-September 8, 2024
Attendees: 650
Support: Screen Scotland, Filmhub Scotland
Guests: Rosine Mbakam, Amil Shivji, Ntare Mwine
About: Africa In Motion, the UK’s largest African film festival held in Edinburgh, celebrates and promotes African and Black diaspora artists. Noteworthy for its focus on the Black diaspora’s impact in music, the festival has explored genres like punk and death metal.
Standout Moment: Collaboration with Lupita Nyong’o on a YouTube animation project.
Submission Deadline: TBA for 2025
Contact: [email protected]
Chichester International Film Festival
Directors: Walter Francisco, Anne-Marie Flynn
Next Edition Dates: August 9-25, 2024
Attendees: 8,300
Support: BFI’s Film Hub South East
Guests: Ralph Fiennes, Kathleen Turner, John Lithgow
About: Celebrating over 30 years, Chichester is the largest film festival on the South Coast, showcasing about 150 feature films annually. The 2023 edition featured 25 UK premieres and retrospectives on Hugh Bonneville and Cate Blanchett. With screenings across seven venues, highlights include open-air showings in Priory Park and silent movies with live music at St. John’s Chapel.
Standout Moment: Q&A with Alec Guinness discussing ‘Tunes Of Glory’.
Submission Deadline: May 3, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF)
Director: Paul Ridd
Next Edition Dates: August 15-21, 2024
Attendees: 10,300
Support: Screen Scotland, Scottish government funding
Guests: John Huston, Gene Kelly, Jennifer Lawrence
About: Established in 1947 as the International Festival of Documentary Films, EIFF stands as the world’s oldest continuously operating film festival. After a challenging year, the festival’s 2023 edition was a joint effort with Edinburgh International Festival and saw changes in leadership. Andrew Macdonald took over as chair, and Paul Ridd from Picturehouse became the director. More updates on the 2024 edition are anticipated.
Standout Moment: Various interactions like Bette Gordon reconnecting with Fran Rubel Kuzui after 30 years and memorable conversations sparked by different projects.
Submission Deadline: April 19, 2024
Contact: https://www.edfilmfest.org.uk/contact/
FrightFest
Directors: Greg Day, Alan Jones, Paul McEvoy, Ian Rattray
Next Edition Dates: August 22-26, 2024
Attendees: 8,500
Support: Sponsors, ticket sales
Guests: Guillermo del Toro, Christopher Nolan, Simon Pegg
About: FrightFest has become a London tradition, gathering horror enthusiasts in Leicester Square every August bank holiday weekend since 2000. Known for premiering top names in the genre, the festival featured works like Joe Stephenson’s ‘Doctor Jekyll’ in 2023. Apart from the August event, FrightFest also hosts special Halloween screenings and a two-day ‘terror-thon’ in Glasgow.
Standout Moment: The remarkable three-minute applause for George A Romero and Guillermo del Toro’s accolade of calling the festival ‘the Woodstock of Gore’ among other cherished memories.
Submission Deadline: June 1, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
September Offerings
London Spanish Film Festival
Director: Joana Granero (festival director), Patricia Pérez (head of programming)
Next Edition Dates: September 18-25, 2024
Attendees: 2,000
Support: Spanish embassy, sponsorships, ticket sales
Guests: Victoria Abril, Javier Bardem, Maribel Verdú
About: The esteemed London Spanish Film Festival has been a key platform for contemporary and classic Spanish cinema for almost two decades. Hosting a ’Spring Weekend’ annually, the festival recently premiered Juan Diego Botto’s ‘On The Fringe’ and Mikel Gurrea’s ‘Cork’. An award for the best film is presented by a panel of judges.
Standout Moment: Exciting sightings of celebrities like Steve Buscemi and Mike Leigh attending film screenings.
Submission Deadline: May 31, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Odyssey
Director: Hiu Man Chan
Next Edition Dates: September 9-29, 2024
Attendees: 2,500
Support: Sponsorship, ticket sales
Guests: Lim-Chung Man, Alex Law, Tessa Keswick
About: Established in 2021, Odyssey is dedicated to showcasing films from Greater China and Chinese communities globally. Focusing on cultural connectivities, the festival provides a platform for diverse narratives and perspectives.
Discovering Film Festivals
Film festivals are a thriving aspect of the entertainment industry, offering a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work to a global audience. Each year, numerous festivals take place around the world, each with its unique theme and selection of films. In 2023, for instance, the Odyssey Film Festival made history by curating its program based on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, aligning with the theme of “Global Sustainability.” This innovative approach transformed the festival strands into representations of the Sustainable Development Goals, a concept that had not been previously explored by filmmakers.
One prominent festival in the UK is the BFI London Film Festival (LFF), established in 1957 as the country’s largest film festival. With over 300 films, TV series, and virtual reality installations featured in its program, LFF attracts a substantial audience of 290,000 attendees, including online viewers. Notable guests like Robert DeNiro, Jennifer Lawrence, and Daniel Craig grace the festival with their presence, adding to its allure and prestige. The festival also provides a platform for emerging filmmakers and hosts an industry program that includes co-production events and talent development schemes.
October Festivals
BFI London Film Festival (LFF)
Under the directorship of Kristy Matheson, the next edition of LFF is scheduled for October 9-20, featuring a diverse range of cinematic experiences. The festival’s funding sources include revenue, government grants, and in-kind services, ensuring its continued success and growth. LFF’s awards program recognizes outstanding contributions in various categories, including best film, documentaries, and short films. Noteworthy moments at LFF include the introduction of ambitious films like “The Kitchen,” resonating with audiences and showcasing London’s creative spirit.
Bolton International Film Festival
Initially a community arts project, the Bolton International Film Festival has evolved into a significant event, featuring titles from emerging filmmakers and hosting industry events on sales, distribution, and screenwriting. With notable guests like Diane Morgan and Julie Hesmondalgh, the festival attracts a diverse audience and provides a platform for talent from marginalized backgrounds.
British Urban Film Festival (BUFF)
As the longest-running Black-owned film festival in the UK, BUFF shines a spotlight on diverse voices and narratives. The festival’s relocation to Leeds and Halifax in 2023 signifies its growth and expanding reach. With a focus on underrepresented communities, BUFF aims to amplify voices that are often overlooked in mainstream media.
Cambridge Film Festival
Established in 1977, the Cambridge Film Festival is the second-longest-running festival in the UK, showcasing around 100 films annually. In addition to screening premieres, the festival runs a Youth Lab for young critics and hosts an industry day for aspiring filmmakers. The festival’s history of discovering new talents, such as Christopher Nolan, highlights its significant contribution to the film industry.
Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People
Catering to a younger audience, the Cinemagic Festival in Belfast features prominent guests like M. Night Shyamalan and Saoirse Ronan, inspiring the next generation of filmmakers. The festival’s Young Filmmaker Competition has launched the careers of talented individuals like Lee Cronin and the Tohill brothers, demonstrating its role in nurturing new talent in the industry.
Exploring Diverse Film Festivals
From mainstream events like the BFI London Film Festival to niche festivals like the British Urban Film Festival, the UK’s film festival landscape offers a rich tapestry of cinematic experiences. Each festival contributes uniquely to the cultural fabric of the country, celebrating diversity, creativity, and innovation in filmmaking. As these festivals continue to evolve and grow, they play a vital role in shaping the future of the film industry, nurturing emerging talent and providing a platform for underrepresented voices to be heard.
Exploring Unique Film Festivals Across the UK
Discovery Film Festival
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Next Edition: To be confirmed (Last held in October 2023)
Attendees: 800
Financing: Supported by Creative Scotland
Overview: The Discovery Film Festival, situated at Dundee Contemporary Arts, caters to a young audience with a pay-what-you-can approach. Run by a team of youthful ambassadors aged 15-19, the festival offers various educational initiatives and solely features in-house programming.
Highlight: Unearthing budding talent ahead of their acclaim, such as Taika Waititi with ”Boy” in 2010 and Alicia Vikander’s “Kronjuvelerna (The Crown Jewels)” in 2012.
Submission Deadline: Yet to be announced
Contact: [email protected]
Doc’n Roll Film Festival
Curators: Colm Forde and Vanessa Lobon
Next Edition: October 24 – November 10, 2024
Special Guests: Björk, Jarvis Cocker, Foals
Attendees: 9000
Financing: Ticket sales, in-kind sponsorships, and film submissions
Overview: Celebrating its 11th year, this UK-wide event focuses on showcasing independent music documentaries in London and 12 other cities. Doc’n Roll also spearheads a UK event cinema, distribution, and worldwide sales service for indie music documentaries.
Memorable Moment: Meeting Björk during the festival’s inception added an unexpected enchantment to the debut event according to Vanessa Lobon.
Submission Deadline: July 18, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
FilmBath Festival
Organizer: Jasmine Barker
Next Edition: October 8-17, 2024
Paid Admissions: Not disclosed
Funding: Supported by BFI and IMDb
Overview: Formerly known as Bath Film Festival and endorsed by Ken Loach, FilmBath grants awards like the IMDb film awards, including the new filmmaker and Script to Screen prizes. This event champions female filmmakers through its F-Rating system and screens acclaimed international titles.
Submission Deadline: July 1, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Folkestone Documentary Film Festival
Directors: Charlie Phillips and James Collie
Next Edition: October 17-20, 2024
Attendees: 1500
Funding: Backed by Film Hub South East Film Exhibition Fund, Creative Folkestone, and Folkestone Town Council
Notable Guests: Marie Lidén, Laura Wadha, Kim Hopkins
Overview: Originating as a documentary film club, this festival has swiftly made its mark on the UK scene with unique offerings. Folkestone hosts engaging industry sessions for emerging documentary filmmakers and communal meals as a concluding festival tradition.
Submission Deadline: May 6, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Grimmfest
Director: Simeon Halligan
Next Edition: October 3-6, 2024
Paid Admissions: Figures not available
Funding: Supported by ticket sales and sponsorships
Notable Guests: Reece Shearsmith, Mick Garris, Alice Krige
Overview: Held annually in Manchester, Grimmfest spotlights a limited selection of genre films, including premieres. Established in 2009, the festival is managed by filmmakers with their production arm, Grimmfest Films.
Submission Deadline: August 2, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Iris Prize LGBTQ+ Film Festival
Director: Berwyn Rowlands
Next Edition: October 8-13, 2024
Paid Admissions: 11,200
Funding: Supported by various organisations including The Michael Bishop Foundation, BFI, and Creative Wales
Notable Guests: Dee Rees, Simon Russell Beale, Cheryl Dunye
Overview: Iris Prize in Cardiff, running for 17 years, focuses on queer narratives and offers substantial awards like the £30,000 short film prize. The festival also invests in British documentary filmmaking through its Documentary Film Finance Fund.
Submission Deadline: June 2, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Little Venice Film Festival
Director: Marc Cameron
Next Edition: October 22-27, 2024
Paid Admissions: Not available
Funding: Supported by Westminster Community Arts Fund, Little Venice, Hyde Park, Westbourne ward, and Zopa Bank
Notable Guests: Troy Kotsur, Ferdia Walsh-Peelo
Overview: Located in Little Venice, this festival showcases cinema centered on marginalised communities alongside British and international independent films. Specialised screenings cater to disabled, deaf, blind, and neurodivergent audiences.
Memorable Moment: Watching the impact of screenings for deaf and blind individuals was touching for all attendees, including Oscar winner Troy Kotsur.
Submission Deadline: October 1, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Native Spirit Festival
Director: Tweed
Next Edition: October 12-November 7, 2024
Paid Admissions: Data not available
Funding: Private sponsorships, donations, and sales
Notable Guests: Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, Asinnajaq, Red Haircrow
Overview: The first of its kind in the UK, Native Spirit celebrates Indigenous filmmakers and Narrative Sovereignty through non-competitive showcases and accompanying talks and performances across the UK and Spain.
Memorable Moment: The 2011 visit by Indigenous Elders from various American communities, with the oldest participant aged 115, remains etched in the festival’s history according to Tweed.
Contact: Not available
Submission deadline: March 20, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Discovering Film Festivals in November
The International Horror Festival of Wales – Abertoir
- Festival Director: Gaz Bailey
- Next Edition: November 14-17, 2024
- Paid Admissions: 4,000-4,500
- Funding: Ffilm Cymru Wales, Film Hub Wales
- Notable Guests: Sean S Cunningham, Herschell Gordon Lewis, Gary Sherman
- Overview: Located in a small Welsh town, Abertoir showcases a variety of horror films ranging from Hollywood blockbusters to independent shorts. The festival includes theater performances, concerts, and educational masterclasses. It also features a short film competition with awards for both audience favorites and the best European short film.
- Memorable Moment: An unforgettable screening of “Alien” for the 40th anniversary, introduced from space with a special device by writer Ron Shusett, played against the backdrop of the stars and Earth’s curvature.
- Submission Deadline: June 30, 2024
- Contact: [email protected]
Belfast Film Festival (BFF)
- Festival Director: Michele Devlin
- Next Edition: TBC (Previous edition: November 2-11, 2023)
- Paid Admissions: 10,000
- Funding: Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, Film Hub Northern Ireland, BFI, British Council
- Notable Guests: Jamie Dornan, Kenneth Branagh, Clio Barnard
- Overview: Established in 1995 alongside a city-wide arts festival, Belfast Film Festival is known for its unique site-specific screenings. It highlights local talents through competitions and international collaborations. Additionally, it hosts a sister festival in June, Docs Ireland.
- Memorable Moment: Director Michael Moore ordering a pizza delivery during a Q&A session at the festival due to a busy schedule.
- Submission Deadline: August 30, 2024
- Contact: [email protected]
CineCity The Brighton Film Festival
- Festival Director: Tim Brown
- Next Edition: November 8-17, 2024
- Paid Admissions: 10,000
- Funding: BFI Fan
- Notable Guests: Agnes Varda, Nick Cave, Ben Wheatley, Peter Strickland
- Overview: CineCity celebrates world cinema along the South East coast, hosting its 21st edition in 2023. It features various awards and showcases local talents, emphasizing emerging filmmakers.
- Submission Deadline: September 13, 2024
- Contact: [email protected]
French Film Festival UK
- Festival Director: Richard Mowe
- Next Edition: November 6 – December 12, 2024
- Paid Admissions: 19,565
- Funding: Sponsorship, Unifrance, Screen Scotland, French Institute, National Lottery Film Festival and Screen Programme Fund
- Notable Guests: Vincent Perez
- Overview: Showcasing French cinema in over 40 locations across England and Scotland, the festival promotes cultural exchange between filmmakers. It collaborates with various film festivals and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2022.
- Memorable Moment: Actor Jean Reno being gifted a limousine from a town reception during the festival.
- Contact: [email protected]
Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF)
- Festival Director: Chris Fell
- Next Edition: November 1-17, 2024
- Paid Admissions: 27,300
- Funding: BFI, Leeds City Council
- Notable Guests: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Ken Loach, Patrick Stewart
- Overview: The only major festival organized by a local council, LIFF has been a prominent event for 37 years. It features diverse films and collaborates with international partners, including a special spotlight on African women creators.
- Memorable Moment: The screening of “Aftersun” with the presence of the lead actor and his family in attendance.
- Submission Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Contact: [email protected]
London International Animation Festival (LIAF)
- Festival Director: Nag Vladermersky
- Next Edition: November 22-December 1, 2024
- Paid Admissions: 3-3,500
- Funding: Film London, Arts Council
- Notable Guests: Don Hertzfeldt, Jacques Drouin, Barry Purves, Elizabeth Hobbs
- Overview: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, LIAF showcases a variety of animation styles from around the world, emphasizing that animation is not limited to children. It offers prizes for international and British films, as well as categories for children’s and abstract films.
- Submission Deadline: July 31, 2024
- Contact: [email protected]
London Korean Film Festival (LKFF)
- Festival Director: Eunji Lee
- Next Edition: TBC (Previous edition: November 2-16, 2023)
- Paid Admissions: 4,000
- Funding: Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Korean Film Council
- Notable Guests: Choi Dong-Hoon, Im Sang-Soo, Jeon Go-Woon
- Overview: Highlighting Korean cinema for an international audience, LKFF showcases a variety of films and fosters cultural exchange. It is the world’s longest-running festival dedicated to Korean cinema.
- Contact: [email protected]
In 2023, the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK) organized the Korean Film Festival, the largest of its kind outside of Korea, to celebrate 140 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and the UK. The festival took place at the BFI Southbank and featured a variety of Korean films and cultural events. The festival is a major highlight in the UK’s cultural calendar, attracting film enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Next on the list is the Manchester Animation Festival (MAF), set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024. With paid admissions reaching 8,000, MAF is the largest animation festival in the UK. Notable guests have included industry veterans like Peter Lord, Joanna Quinn, and Barry Purves. The festival offers a platform for showcasing animated features, shorts, and immersive films, along with hosting an Animation National Forum day for industry discussions and networking opportunities.
The UK Jewish Film Festival, led by Michael Etherton, is dedicated to exploring Jewish life through films from around the world. With over 10,000 paid admissions, the festival includes screenings in UK cinemas and online platforms. Notable guests have included Keira Knightley, Helena Bonham Carter, and Steve McQueen. The festival also commissions short films through two film funds, fostering new talent within the industry.
Previously in 2024, various film festivals took place across the UK, including the Horror-on-Sea Film Festival in January, the BFI Future Film Festival in February, and the Glasgow Film Festival and Keswick Film Festival. Each event offered a unique platform for showcasing diverse cinematic experiences and engaging with industry professionals. The festivals welcomed notable guests, screened a range of films, and provided opportunities for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work.
Borderlines Film Festival
Director: Naomi Vera-Sanso
Attendees: 22,000
Next Edition: March 1-17, 2024
Support: BFI Audience, The Elmley Foundation, Hereford City Council
Guests: Terence Davies, Toby Jones, Stephen Frears
Description: Borderlines is the UK’s largest rural film festival, spanning across Herefordshire, Shropshire, Malvern, and the Welsh borders. The festival’s focus is to bring cinema to local communities, hosting screenings at unique venues like village halls, bookshops, and churches.
Submission Deadline: December (TBC)
Contact: [email protected]
Crystal Palace International Film Festival (CPIFF)
Director: Roberta Gallinari
Next Edition: February 29-March 23, 2024
Attendees: 2,200
Support: Local company sponsors, film submissions, ticket sales
Guests: Paul Weller, Johnny Vegas, Mike Reiss
Description: Crystal Palace takes place at various venues in southeast London, emphasizing the social aspect of film watching. The festival also presents a Rising Star award, offering a young filmmaker paid work experience in the industry.
Submission Deadline: December 2, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
Manchester Film Festival (MFF)
Director: Neil Jeram-Croft
Next Edition: March 15-24, 2024
Attendees: 5,800
Support: Sponsors, ticket sales, film submissions
Guests: Simon Pegg, Shia LaBeouf, Mark Gatiss
Description: Celebrating its 10th edition, MFF features Q&A sessions after every screening and nightly after-parties. The festival also offers an industry program with over 20 panels, awards, an un-commissioned screenplay competition, and memorable experiences like the Love Without Walls after-party.
Submission Deadline: November 2024 (TBC)
Contact: [email protected]
Oska Bright Film Festival
Head Programmer: Matthew Hellett
Next Edition: March 11-17, 2024
Attendees: 3,500
Support: BFI
Guests: Steve Oram, Ben Wheatley, Andrea Arnold
Description: Oska Bright is a leading festival showcasing films by individuals with learning disabilities or autism. It features around 100 films annually, promotes accessible screenings, offers venue training, and supports aspiring filmmakers. Oska runs every two years and tours other festivals in non-festival years to present features, workshops, and seminars.
Submission Deadline: May 2024 (TBC)
Contact: [email protected]
Queer East Film Festival
Director: Yi Wang
Next Edition: April 17-28, 2024
Attendees: 5,000
Support: BFI, Arts Council England
Guests: Anucha Boonyawatana, Perci Intalan, Tsai Ming-liang
Description: Queer East showcases LGBTQIA+ films from east and southeast Asia across London venues. The festival’s focus is on representing queer Asian communities and spotlighting emerging talent, aiming to provide exposure to cultures and stories not commonly seen.
Submission Deadline: January 2025 (TBC)
Contact: [email protected]
Carmarthen Bay Film Festival
Director: Simon Howlett
Next Edition: May 20-23, 2024
Support: Film Hub Wales, Wales Interactive, Lunix OM, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Film Carmarthenshire
Guests: John Parr, Jamie Anderson, Benjamin Field
Description: Running since 2012, Carmarthen Bay takes place in Llanelli, Wales, offering free screenings. The festival has expanded to include Ffresh Festival for media art students in Wales and International Media Festival of Wales, recognizing filmmaking and content creation.
Submission Deadline: February 2025 (TBC)
Contact: [email protected]
Romford Film Festival / Romford Horror Film Festival
Directors: Spencer Hawken and Natalie Bays
Next Edition (RIFF): May 24-28, 2024
Next Edition (RHIFF): February 29-March 3, 2024
Attendees: 2,000
Support: In-kind support
Guests: Robert Davi, Luke Goss, Rutger Hauer, Giovanni Lombardo Radice
Description: Romford hosts two festivals, one mainstream and one horror-themed, collaborating with the Eurasian Creative Guild to showcase central Asian films rarely seen in the UK. The festival’s highlight was successfully operating post-Covid lockdown in 2020, attracting a record attendance.
Submission Deadline: March (RIFF), December (RHIFF)
Contact: [email protected]
London Indian Film Festival (LIFF)
Director: Cary Rajinder Sawhney
Next Edition: June 17 - July 3
Attendees: 8,000
-10,000 Funding: Bagri Foundation, BFI, Film Hub Network
Notable guests: Shekhar Kapur, Gurinder Chadha, Asif Kapadia
About: The London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), being Europe’s largest annual South Asian Film event, is held simultaneously in London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds. The festival showcases UK premieres of films from the region and includes events like Brit-Asian Shorts and the Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition. LIFF attracts a significant non-Asian audience, with the director describing it as the “punk rock of Indian film festivals.”
Memorable moment: “Being one of the three festivals still standing in May 2020 lockdown, when we switched our program online and tripled our audience.” — Cary Rajinder Sawhney.
Submission deadline: March 2025 (TBC)
Contact: [email protected]
Sheffield DocFest
Festival director: Annabel Grundy (managing director), Raul Niño Zambrano (creative director)
Dates of next edition: June 12-17, 2024
Paid admissions: 35,000
Funding: Sheffield City Council, BFI, sponsorship, project grants
Notable guests: Michael Moore, Paul Greengrass, Werner Herzog
About: Sheffield DocFest, the UK’s largest documentary festival, completed its 30th anniversary in 2023. The festival screens world premieres, hosts an industry strand featuring MeetMarket, and showcases award-winning documentaries. DocFest also presents awards in various categories like Competition, first feature, short, youth jury, audience, alternate realities, and the Tim Hetherington award.
Memorable moment: “Opening night of the 2022 edition with the UK premiere of Moonage Daydream by Brett Morgen. It was a magical moment to screen the film in the iconic Sheffield City Hall where Morgen himself mixed the sound live during the screening.” — Raul Nino Zambrano.
Submission deadline: March 2025 (TBC)
Contact: [email protected]
Raindance Film Festival
Festival director: David Martinez (executive director); Martyna Szmytkowska, Malaika Bova, Suzanne Ballantyne (artistic directors)
Dates of next edition: June 19-29, 2024
Paid admissions: 16,000
Funding: Film London, BFI
Notable guests: Olivia Colman, Jude Law, Sally Hawkins
About: Raindance Film Festival, situated in London’s West End, is a platform for independent films. The festival, celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, also founded the British Independent Film Awards (Bifas) and presents awards for best UK feature and best debut feature. Raindance recently moved its annual dates from October to June and offers a script competition alongside its industry showcase.
Memorable moment: “At my first Raindance in 2012 Alan Rickman showed up uninvited at our Opening Gala on Haymarket. He asked for Elliot [Grove, Raindance founder] and told him he wanted to ‘just want to quietly sit on the back of the room, no photos’. That to me proved the reach of Raindance, the love and support from the local industry, and the relaxed environment we create at the festival.” — David Martinez.
Submission deadline: February 2025 (TBC)
Contact: [email protected]
Ramsgate International Film and TV Festival
Festival director: Sylvie Bolioli
Dates of next edition: June 25-30, 2024
Paid admissions: 1,000
Funding: Film Hub South East, BFI, Kent Community Project, Ramsgate Town Council
Notable guests: Valarie Leon, Nick Broomfield, Rupert Jones
About: Ramsgate International Film & TV Festival, despite facing closure, was saved by a group of enthusiasts and filmmakers, including patron Brenda Blethyn. The festival hosts a diverse program at makeshift venues and presents a major sculptural “Anchor” award. Notable guests have appreciated the unique and warm atmosphere created by the locals.
Memorable moment: “When French actor/filmmaker Clémentine Célarié and her producer arrived for the UK premiere of Pierre Et Jeanne, they were a bit shocked to discover their film would be screening at a constructed screen created in a youth arts project building as the town had recently lost its cinema. But the filmmakers soon warmed to the environment and atmosphere that the locals had created for the festival. The producer even donated his airfare back to the festival on realizing its plight.” — Sylvie Bolioli.
Submission deadline: February 2025 (TBC)
Contact: https://ramsgateiftvfest.org/contact-us-2/
Sundance Film Festival: London
Festival director: Clare Binns (Picturehouse), Kim Yutani, Ana Souza, Mike Plante (programmes), Wendy Mitchell (producer)
Dates of next edition: June 6-9
Paid admissions: Unavailable
Funding: Sundance Institute, sponsorships, partnerships
Notable guests: Ben Whishaw, Tobias Menzies, Emilia Jones
About: Sundance Film Festival: London, marking its 10th anniversary, showcases highlights from the iconic parent festival. The festival offers an audience award for all titles and features a curated program by Picturehouse Central and the Sundance Institute. Sundance London also includes an industry strand with networking events, pitching panels, and masterclasses.
Memorable moment: “The opportunity to present Gregg Araki with a Gregg’s vegan sausage roll was also not missed this year.” – Paul Ridd (formerly Picturehouse)
Submission deadline: N/A
Contact: [email protected]
Windrush Caribbean Film Festival
Festival director: Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe
Dates of next edition: June 1-30, 2024
Paid admissions: 350
Funding: BFI, sponsorship
Notable guests: Adjani Salmon, Clint Dyer
About: The Windrush Caribbean Film Festival was established in response to the Windrush scandal, celebrating the rich storytelling heritage of the Caribbean community in the UK and globally. The festival aims to showcase Black creatives on screen and highlight the contributions of the Windrush generation to the UK.
Memorable moment: “Our 2023 edition was also the 75th anniversary of the Windrush ship arriving at Tilbury Docks. There were many memorable moments including the London premiere of cricket documentary 501 Not Out, which was attended by Brian Lara who flew in from Trinidad and Tobago during the week of the 1st Ashes test match.” — Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe
Submission deadline: December 31, 2023
Contact: [email protected]
