The Bokomorebi International Film Festival is a poetic and purposeful celebration of the seventh art - cinema - as a force for connection, compassion, and positive world change.
Brought to you by Studio Bokehgo, our mission is to bring together pioneering filmmakers whose work is rooted in authenticity, ethics, and the belief that storytelling can make the world better. At Bokomorebi, connection and community are at the heart of everything we do.
In our second year, the overarching theme of this year’s Bokomorebi is Peace and Harmony. This year’s festival intends to pull the definition and appreciation of 'peace' away from abstraction - To look at it’s meaning, its reality, and its application. And then alongside this we explore harmony - to look at the connection and rhythms of harmony, and how we can drive it through ethical, authentic and compassionate storytelling.
The festival is really exploring the potential in community based showcase - and will be curating a series of events throughout September, October and November, bespoke to the films, speakers, communities, partners and subjects we are looking to reach and that we find connection with along the way. Much of the activity will be in Yorkshire, with some potential events further afield. The festival is looking at dynamic and bespoke ways to support new and innovative voices in cinema, with the hope of bringing together the incredible work of film and photography artists, to meet with receptive audiences.
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We curate unique categories not found at any other festival — celebrating joyful, curious, bold, and visionary cinema that speaks from the soul. Bokomorebi is not just a showcase, but a catalyst: for dialogue, for collaboration, and for reimagining what film festivals can be.
At its heart the festival is about connection through filmmaking. It is a non competitive festival, interested in curating essential film for audiences. Our categories are around Joy, Curiosity, Pioneers, Our World, Peace, Humanity and Dreamers, with then a dedicated emerging filmmakers initiative called Rays of Hope. The festival will be made up of varied events including a showcase of short films, feature films, talks, workshops, events and a and connecting opportunities designed at celebrating and amplifying authentic voices in filmmaking who are searching to empower a better world.
Bokomorebi is a lighthouse for filmmakers and audiences seeking cinema that is not only beautiful, but meaningful - a celebration of art that connects us, challenges us, and invites us into a kinder, more collaborative world.
We are interested in the filmmakers, artists, and storytellers whose work exists beyond the industry norms - films that needed to be made because of the passion, love and reason behind them.
At Bokomorebi, it is not a competition, but a platform. We break from the traditional hierarchical awards model - instead, we celebrate each selected film as a meaningful contribution to our shared cinematic journey.
Every film in the festival is elevated, not ranked. We offer bespoke recognition that honours the unique voice, process, and impact of each work. Examples of past acknowledgements include:
The Visionary Award – for films with a bold and poetic voice
Cinematic Pioneer – for work that explores new territory in form or content
Seeds of Change – for stories that inspire positive action
Beautiful Curiosity Award – for films that open unexpected windows onto the world
Our ‘awards’ are framed through a lens of holistic growth and support - designed to amplify the visibility of your film, your crew, and your mission. Selections may also be profiled across our networks, invited for talks, or showcased in future Bokomorebi projects and educational platforms.
This isn’t just about screening. It’s about celebrating your story in all its depth.
