​​Brighton Rocks International Film Festival (BRIFF) welcomes submissions for the third year running.​​ ​ ​In 2019 we screened over 100 films - 2020 promises to be even bigger.

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 the submission window deadline.

The 3rd Annual Festival will combine screenings and talks by filmmakers, live music and more, and will be held at Brighton’s RIALTO on 20-21st June. 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 https://www.rocksfestivals.com/briff-home.html for more information.

In addition to our main festival, BRIFF also supplies films for BYLINE FESTIVAL (bylinefestival.com), 29-31 August 2020. This fabulous 4-day event, held in 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.
• 15 Category Winners are given a FESTIVAL SCREENING at Brighton's RIALTO on 20-21 June 2020. 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 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 20 May and WINNERS on 1 June 2020. BEST FILM and all other awards will be revealed on 21 June 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 Film" - at least 2 scenes must be set/filmed in Brighton. All genres eligible.
"Indie (low or no budget)" means less than £1000.
"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 at least 2 crew members in full-time education.​
23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Kim Jarred

    A lovely festival with a really friendly vibe. Was thrilled to have a screening of my first film and to see many other really wonderful films. Thoroughly enjoyable weekend!

    October 2019
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Kim :) Hope you are well!

  • Paul London

    What a fantastic film festival! People who really like film makers and independent films.

    September 2019
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  • 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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