Brighton Rocks International Film Festival (BRIFF) welcomes submissions for the 5th 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. Our primary concern is how best to curate and screen your work.

The 5th Annual Festival is scheduled for 22-24 July 2022. 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.

Brighton Rocks' 4th Festival (23-25 July 2021) screened 125 films to an audience of more than 250 attendees.

Please see www.rocksfestivals.com/briff 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.

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 22-24 July 2022. 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 LGBTQ FILM
BEST MICRO-BUDGET 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 24 June and WINNERS on 3 July. BEST FILM and all other awards will be revealed on 24 July at the Screening Event.

*NB. Brighton Rocks screens OFFICIAL SELECTIONS!*

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 2018.
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

"Made in Brighton" - at least 2 scenes must be set/filmed in Brighton. All genres eligible.
"Micro Budget Film" requires a production budget of less than £1000.
"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.​
56 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rose Collis

    BRIFF sets the standard for how indie film festivals treat film-makers and audiences - with respect, consideration and intelligence. It's been an honour to be part of it.

    August 2021
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  • Andrew McGee

    A great festival with a wonderful selection of film, a lovely venue, and clear communication. It was a pleasure to finally see our short film on the big screen with an audience for the first time, and we were honoured to come away with the Best Sci-Fi Film award. The team behind the festival are obviously passionate and very supportive of independent filmmakers. Recommended!

    August 2021
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  • Keith Allott

    Excellent festival, dedicated to screening short films in the best possible way. Great communication. Certainly a film festival we will be submitting to again and would advise other filmmakers to as well.

    August 2021
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  • Olivia Waring

    You're in good hands with this festival, which is committed to making a selection of eclectic pieces by filmmakers of all ages, including many who are just starting out in their careers. It was a total delight to attend a physical film festival finally - particularly as it was held in the beautiful Art Deco Rialto in Brighton. Seeing my short Flora & Fauna screened in front of a live audience for the first time was mind-blowing and thankfully people enjoyed it I think. Feedback and comments were plentiful and I will cherish them, as well as the award! Thank you.

    August 2021
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  • Jenny Pill

    Brighton Rocks was my first film festival experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone involved was friendly, communicative and helpful. The selection of films throughout the 3 days was amazing and I was so inspired watching what other people had done. It was brilliant to meet and talk to other filmmakers. The location right in the centre of Brighton was excellent. I will be back next year to attend the festival, for sure! Thanks Dr James and everyone at Brighton Rocks.

    July 2021
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