Brighton Rocks International Film Festival (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. We aim to inform you of a successful Official Selection status within one month of each submission window deadline.

The 2nd Annual Festival, combining screenings and talks by filmmakers with audio-visual installations, live music and more, will be held at Brighton’s RIALTO on 12-13 July 2019. Attendees will also be invited to discuss their films in a social setting in Brighton.

RIALTO is a former Gothic Chapel in the heart of Brighton that is now a bohemian and stylish theatre. The venue boasts a screening space with 90 seats, beautiful art deco bar and labyrinth of corridors, making it the perfect forum for indie and underground filmmakers to share experiences and get their creative juices flowing.

Please go to www.brightonrocks.org for more information.

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.
• 15 Category Winners are given a FESTIVAL SCREENING at Brighton's RIALTO on 12-13 July.
BEST ANIMATION
BEST ART HOUSE FILM
BEST BRIGHTON FILMMAKER
BEST COMEDY
BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)
BEST DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
BEST DRAMA
BEST FANTASY/HORROR/SCI-FI
BEST FEATURE FILM
BEST INDIE/LOW-BUDGET SHORT
BEST LGBTQ FILM
BEST MICRO MOVIE
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
BEST PHONE MOVIE
BEST STUDENT FILM
• Additional Awards for:
BEST ACTOR
BEST ACTRESS
CINEMATOGRAPHY
DIRECTOR
EDITING
ORIGINAL SCORE
SCREENPLAY
SPECIAL EFFECTS

FINALISTS will be announced on 15 June and WINNERS on 16 June 2019. BEST FILM and all other awards will be revealed on 13 July 2019 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 2016.
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

"Brighton Filmmaker" - director must live or have a demonstrable connection with the city OR the submitted film must be set in Brighton. All genres eligible.
"Indie (low or no budget)" means less than £2000.
"Phone Movies" must consist of 75% phone footage.
"Micro Movies" must have a runtime of less than 4 minutes, including credits.
"Student Films" must have a director and at least one other crew member in full-time education.​
21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Marion Donnellier

    I was delighted to have my first film premiered at Brighton Rocks Film Festival. A very supportive and friendly environment with a fabulous selection of films by emerging filmmakers.

    August 2019
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  • Emma Pitt

    Thanks so much to James and team for selecting The Ballad of a Haunted Man to be screened at Brighton Rocks, and for awarding us Best Fantasy/Horror. This is a wonderful festival, well organised, a lovely venue and great communication. We had a great time, it was a very supportive, friendly atmosphere and I would highly recommend it.

    August 2019
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  • Jakob Thomsen

    I couldn't attend but I'm honored my film was selected for the festival.

    July 2019
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  • Gavin Irvine

    The superb Brighton Rocks Film Festival - fab venue, fab films, fab band - just a great vibe all-in-all. So honoured to have been a part of this magical event. I highly recommend it.

    July 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Gavin! Please stay in touch :)

  • Andrew Finch

    A small festival with a very big heart. I'm incredibly glad that I came across Brighton Rocks only a few months after finishing editing my first film, which is based on Brighton's subcultural movements over the past 30 years. It went on to win the 'Brighton Film' category, which I'm still over the moon by.

    James, the festival director, was hugely encouraging and supportive throughout the submission process and made communication a pleasure. The festival itself was wonderful; an eclectic mix of ages, backgrounds and voices, all passionately devoted to their craft.

    Brighton Rocks was the first festival to show my first ever film, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

    Here's to BRFF 2020!!

    July 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Cheers Andrew! That's wonderful :)