Bournemouth International Film Festival

Your first film deserves a real premiere.
Bournemouth International Film Festival is where tomorrow’s great filmmakers are born under the spotlight of industry leaders, coastal elegance, and real opportunities.

✅ Black Tie Awards Night
✅ Industry Networking and Masterclasses
✅ Screenings by the Sea in Bournemouth
✅ Physical Trophies and Press Exposure
✅ Career-Springboard Event for First-Time Creatives

Calling all dreamers, storytellers, and trailblazers, your moment starts here! BIFF2025 is open for submissions, and we can’t wait to discover your voice. Whether it’s your first script, your first short film, or your first big idea, we believe in the power of beginnings. Join a vibrant community that celebrates new perspectives and fresh stories. Submit today and let’s bring your vision to the big screen!

Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF)
3–4 October 2025 | Hilton Bournemouth | UK

"At Hilton Bournemouth, we’re very passionate about supporting the local creative community. We are very proud to be hosting this year’s BIFF. We’ve welcomed a range of inspiring artistic events in the past, and we’re committed to making the hotel a hub for creativity. We can't wait to work closely with the BIFF team to create a fantastic couple of days!" Ben Pilling - B2B Cluster Sales Executive - Hilton & Hampton Bournemouth

Where bold stories begin.
Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) is a purpose-driven, filmmaker-focused festival championing first-time creators, bold storytelling, and independent voices from around the world.

Held over two dynamic days at the prestigious Hilton Bournemouth, BIFF combines screenings, talks, workshops, and a black-tie awards night to celebrate the next generation of talent in film and screenwriting.

As a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), BIFF reinvests profits into filmmaker development, bursaries, education, and community-led cultural initiatives.

What Makes BIFF Different?
The theme of BIFF 2025 is empowerment, whether it’s through the stories told on screen or the act of submitting a film for the first or even second time. This is a festival where bold voices rise, and new talent takes its place.

Career-Boosting Exposure – Selected films and scripts are showcased in front of audiences, industry professionals, and talent scouts.

Filmmaker-Centric Experience – Run by people who work in the industry and understand what new creators need.

Script-to-Screen Opportunity – The winner of our short film script competition will have their screenplay produced and premiered in Dorset.

Inclusive & Accessible – Affordable submission fees, student categories, and a strong focus on underrepresented voices.

Networking That Matters – Panels, Q&As and informal events designed to connect emerging filmmakers with real opportunity.

What We’re Looking For
🎞 Short Films
Narrative
Documentary
Animation
Experimental
Genre (Horror, Comedy, Sci-Fi, LGBTQ+, Thriller and more)
Student Films

📜 Short Film Scripts
Up to 15 pages
Any genre
Open to writers worldwide
The winning script will be produced in 2026 and screened at BIFF

🎬 Feature Films
Narrative and Documentary
UK and International entries welcome
Strong emphasis on emerging talent and debut works

Awards & Recognition
Best UK Short
Best International Short
Best Director
Best First-Time Filmmaker
Best Screenplay (Short Script)
Best Student Film
Best Documentary
Best Cinematography
Audience Choice Award
And many more across short, feature and script categories

All winners receive e-certificates and selected awards include physical trophies. Every script submission receives a brief reader's report.

Why Submit to BIFF?
Your work seen by a panel of experienced judges and industry professionals
Networking and career development opportunities during the festival
Coverage through BIFF’s press, social channels, and regional media
Be part of a festival that exists to support your career, not just screen your film

Submission Guidelines
Short films: Under 25 minutes
Feature films: Over 60 minutes
Scripts: Max 15 pages (short film format)
All genres welcome

Non-English language films must have English subtitles

Join us in Bournemouth for a film festival built for filmmakers.
Submit now.

Hilton Bournemouth | 3–4 October 2025