Brighton International Animation Festival is the first of it’s kind! Set on the sunny coast of Brighton, England it is a 3 day annual not-for-profit festival every April run by animators for everyone. The vision of the festival is that it embraces international partnerships and encompasses a global perspective, in addition to providing an accessible place for people to learn about the medium. 
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In addition to film screenings of both specially curated and in competition programmes, the festival offers hands on animation workshops and talks from industry speakers. This allows both animators and non-animators alike to come and learn about the medium in both an artistic and commercial context.
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Awards & Prizes

Awards will be awarded in the categories of Best UK, Best International and Best Student film and the prize is a license from TV paint the festival sponsors. Additionally there is an augmented reality exhibition at the festival with Best AR award awarded. This is advertised through the festival instagram @brightonanimation

Rules & Terms

Brighton International Animation Festival does not have premiere status requirements.

For accessibility purposes all selected films must provide captions burnt into the video file (in English) is selected. If filmmakers don't supply this the festival has a right to disinclude the film. Please find here an article on Descriptive Subtitles and why it matters https://www.independentcinemaoffice.org.uk/blog-an-equal-experience-why-descriptive-subtitling-matters/

Films must have been made since 2024.

Any animated technique is eligible as well as any genre such as Documentary, Narrative, Music Video, Experimental etc. TV series episodes/pilots are accepted.

Brighton International Animation Festival reserves the right to determine the eligibility of any projects submitted. If accepted, you must be able to provide the festival with a downloadable high-resolution export of your film, as well as at least one high-quality still image for promotional purposes.

For purposes of submission, all films must be submitted as online screeners through FilmFreeway. Submitted films must be complete. Works-in-progress will not be accepted.
It's not possible to send work to review before submitting.

All material in your film must be your own original work - you must have the rights to all images, music, and on-screen talent featured in your film. Films that do not adhere to copyright laws will be disqualified.

If the requested materials aren't submitted by the date stated and correspondence on the matter isn't engaged with the festival has the right to dis-include the film from the festival.

By submitting your film, you acknowledge that you are giving permission to Brighton International Animation Festival to utilise still images and trailers from your film for non-commercial use in promoting the event, and potential inclusion for any future pop up events.

Previously submitted films aren't eligible for resubmission.

Submission fees are non refundable.
58 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Benjamin Verrall

    Thank you so much BIAF! The Wavelength team had such a lovely time attending this year. The communication was excellent, and the festival had such an exciting and welcoming atmosphere, with loads of brilliant films and filmmakers. It was really inspiring - highly recommend for anyone thinking of applying or attending.

    May 2026
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  • Emmanuel Edem Foli

    Had a great time at the festival. I really enjoyed watching the diverse films and seeing all the different animation forms and techniques. The interactive experiences and exhibitions were also exciting, and I learnt a lot from the talks and sessions with professionals in the industry. It was also great connecting with other animators and animation lovers all in one space. I left feeling inspired.

    May 2026
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  • Nikolaus Jantsch

    A truly lovely festival that I highly recommend visiting. I had a fantastic time there and got the chance to watch some incredibly strong and thought-provoking animated films. The artistic quality and creativity on display were genuinely impressive, making it a memorable experience overall.

    May 2026
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  • Mariana Leal

    BIAF was a welcoming, inspiring festival full of great people and events! The screenings had a wide range of amazing films with a special focus on materiality and LGTB+ representation. The festival's attention to detail in accessibility was very heartwarming as well. Can't wait to attend again next year!

    April 2026
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  • Dougal Vecqueray

    I had a wonderful time at BIAF! An incredible selection of film screenings and interactive experiences. I felt welcomed and comfortable being around animation enthusiasts and other filmmakers. Definitely recommend BIAF!

    April 2026
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