Brighton Rocks International Film Festival (BRIFF) welcomes submissions for the 4th year running.​​ ​

BRIFF is a young festival with big ambition – to become the UK’s main festival for indie and underground cinema. The city of Brighton is a mecca for artists and creatives from all walks of life. It is also a state of mind, an attitude, a spirit: one that dares to be itself. If your film embodies our ideals and aspirations, we want to help it get the recognition it deserves! When you submit to Brighton Rocks, we pledge that your film will be reviewed by professionals with TLC.

The 4th Annual Festival is scheduled for 24-25 July 2021. In addition to multiple screenings, attendees will enjoy talks, networking sessions and the chance to socialise with fellow filmmakers in Brighton. Our venue, RIALTO, is a former Gothic Chapel in the heart of Brighton that is now a bohemian and stylish theatre. It boasts a 90 seat auditorium, beautiful art deco bar and labyrinth of corridors, making it the perfect place to get your creative juices flowing.

In 2020, ROCKS FESTIVALS developed an exciting platform for online screenings as a response to Covid-related venue closures. It features the "Rocks Screening Room," a custom-designed Virtual Cinema.

Please see: https://www.rocksfestivals.com/briff-home.html for more information.

FYI, ROCKS FESTIVALS comprises of BRIGHTON ROCKS, LONDON ROCKS (www.filmfreeway.com/lriff) & LOS ANGELES ROCKS (www.filmfreeway.com/losangelesrocks). We will share discount codes for our sister events throughout the year.

BRIFF also supplies films for BYLINE FESTIVAL (bylinefestival.com), 27-30 August 2021. This fabulous 3-day event, held in the heart of the Sussex countryside, provides exciting screening opportunities, particularly for documentary filmmakers. Bring sun cream and wellies, and prepare for life-changing encounters ...

FYI, Brighton is a place like no other. It is . . .

• the most popular seaside destination in the UK.
• the setting of some of the UK’s best films, such as Brighton Rock and Quadrophenia.
• home to a thriving music, theatre and arts scene.
• home to the UK’s biggest LGBTQ scene outside of London.
• represented by the UK’s only Green Member of Parliament.

Awards & Prizes

• There will be one BEST SHORT FILM.
• 14 Category Winners are given a FESTIVAL SCREENING at Brighton's RIALTO on 24-25 July 2021. Selected Finalists will also be screened.
BEST ANIMATION
BEST BRIGHTON FILM
BEST COMEDY
BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)
BEST DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
BEST DRAMA
BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM
BEST FANTASY/HORROR/SCI-FI
BEST FEATURE FILM
BEST INDIE/LOW-BUDGET SHORT
BEST LGBTQ FILM
BEST MICRO MOVIE
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
BEST STUDENT FILM
• Additional Awards for:
BEST ACTOR
BEST ACTRESS
CINEMATOGRAPHY
DIRECTOR
EDITING
MISE EN SCENE
ORIGINAL SCORE
SCREENPLAY
SPECIAL EFFECTS

FINALISTS will be announced on 25 June and WINNERS on 4 July. BEST FILM and all other awards will be revealed on 25 July at the Screening Event.

*Brighton Rocks screens ALL WINNING FILMS and as many FINALISTS as possible!*

Rules & Terms

BRIGHTON ROCKS accepts narrative, documentary and experimental films, music videos, micro, short and feature films.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
All films must be in English or have English subtitles.
Production must have been completed after 1 January 2017.
There is no limit on the number of submissions.
All films must have an online screener.
Filmmakers retain the rights to their films.
Filmmakers are responsible for acquiring copyrights, licenses and releases for media used in their films.
By submitting their film, filmmakers gives Brighton Rocks the right to post their posters, trailers, website and social media links on our website.
Brighton Rocks reserves the right to move films into categories different from the one(s) submitted to.

RULES REGARDING CATEGORY SUBMISSIONS

"Low/No budget" requires a production budget of less than £1000.
"Made in Brighton" - at least 2 scenes must be set/filmed in Brighton. All genres eligible.
"Micro Movies" must have a runtime of less than 4 minutes, including credits.
"Student Films" must have at least 2 crew members in full-time education.​
36 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Asaf Yecheskel

    While we didn’t get the chance to attend the festival (obviously, due to the COVID19) communication was great and we were well informed. Thank you for selecting "Planted" and I look forward to collaborating with you again in the future.

    September 2020
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  • Oliver Guy-Watkins

    Great event. James is extremely passionate about film and engaged in helping to promote the selected films outside of just this festival.

    September 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the kind words Oliver!

  • ursula woods

    I shared some emails with BRFF initially which was lovely and personal, but I was surprised when there was no instagram updates, facebook shares, film announcements or any online profile for their mostly online event. Their website was never updated for the festival either. When I did find my film, the title had been misspelled. I know it's been a rough year with the pandemic, so I'm sorry if this seems harsh. But there have been wonderful online events in other festivals. I do appreciate the inclusion, thank you.

    September 2020
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    Response from festival:

    hi Ursula,
    We're sorry it wasn't such a positive experience for you. Re: social media, our website was updated for the festival and our Facebook page was quite prolific during the festival period! Re misspelling, sorry for this. An email would have resolved the problem.
    Best wishes,
    BRIFF

  • Hélèna Serra

    A really nice film festival !! The team did their best to bring the audience a great experience despite the covid crisis.

    August 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Hélèna! :)

  • Mary Ann Pianka

    The selection of films was so, so great and very well rounded. It was a joy to explore the program. The BRFF team was friendly and supportive, and they did a great job of adapting everything to an 'online only' setup. Highly recommended!

    August 2020
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the kind words Mary Ann :)