An international film festival held in Birmingham, England, showcasing and recognising talent on a world stage.

All screenings and many events are free to attend.

Held every November and including features, shorts, documentaries, screen plays, TV pilots and music videos on our main theatre screen, as well support events with special guests.

Distributors, producers and press from all over the world will be on hand to view the films screened and there will be the chance to network with them at the festival too. Many of the industry’s top companies and film schools will also be in attendance offering advice on education and career opportunities.

Other events and networking opportunities will be announced closer to the date. These will include seminars, Q&As, conventions and memorabilia expos.

There will be a high calibre panel of special guest judges, from various areas of the industry, who will review the nominees’ entries and select the winners at the festival’s closing event. The award ceremony will be held at a high-profile venue in the city and be an open ticket event.

Awards & Prizes

STANDARD AWARDS:

Best Film Overall (BFF Bull Award)
Best Feature
Best Short
Best Micro Short (under 5 minutes)
Best Documentary
Best Screenplay
Best Music Video
Best Animated Film
Best TV Show
Best Online Content
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Ensemble cast
Best Cinematography
Best Costume
Best Editing
Best Stunt
Best Hair & Make Up
Best Production Design
Best Fan Film
AUDIENCE AWARD - voted for online and at screenings.

SPECIAL AWARDS
Please identify if your film qualifies for any of the following awards:

Best Young Film Maker (director/producer was under 18)
Best Young Male Actor (lead male actor under 18 at time of filming)
Best Young Female Actor (leadfemale actor under 18 at time of filming)
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best Student Filmmaker
Best Local Film (Birmingham based production, theme or cast and crew)
Best International Film (produced outside the UK or made by a filmmaker born outside the UK)
Best Original Score (Music created for your film specifically)
Best Special Effects (Your effects, digital or practical may be so good, we can't see them)

Please visit the official website to find out the criteria and entry process for the awards.

Rules & Terms

Films must not have had a commercial release prior to submission.
Short films must be under 72 minutes
Feature films must be 72 minutes or longer.

WE DO NOT REQUIRE PREMIER STATUS
73 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Lukas Steinmaier

    Thanks a lot for awarding my short film "Sunday Roast" for Best Student Short 2022! It was our second award and we could not have been happier with the venue: The IMAX is massive and there was a Q&A after each screening block - Great atmosphere and lots of like minded filmmakers.
    Hope to be back this year!

    February 2023
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  • Deborah Sheppard

    Our team thought it was a truly first class event. Thrilled that we had the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful occasion with such talented creatives and so delighted that our short, BARDO: A ROGUE AND PEASANT SLAVE won Best Short Film. The festival organisers, Dean and Kevin, together with their fantastic team have created a truly unique event. Their warmth, hospitality and professional approach is very special. Seeing all the films on such a huge screen was truly amazing to experience and all the Q&As were run extremely well, giving the audience a real insight behind each film project.

    November 2022
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  • Natalie A. Evans

    Great festival with screenings in the very impressive cinema space at Millennium Point on the HUGE screen! Fantastic communication, and so pleased our film ROAD TRIP won 'Best Female Actor'!

    November 2022
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  • Heléna Antonio

    A truly brilliant experience!
    Wonderfully organised and communication was always fast and smooth.
    I was there at the Gala Awards as my film ‘2020’ was nominated, and Kevin was really the perfect host.
    Great environment, with plenty of like minded people to talk about films with.
    Will definitely submit my next project.

    November 2022
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  • Helen Grady

    Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend, but the communication was great throughout the process.

    November 2022
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