Brighton Rocks International Film Festival (BRIFF) is proud to showcase some of the most diverse, original and boundary-pushing films being made today. The festival is one of the UK's main forums for independent and experimental cinema.

Brighton is a renowned hub 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. When you submit to Brighton Rocks, we pledge that your film will be reviewed with tender loving care and if your film embodies our ideals, we will help you to get the recognition it deserves.

**BRIFF is a BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) Qualifying Festival**

The 10th Annual Festival will take place over one week (21 - 27 June 2027) at Dukes at Komedia Picturehouse Cinema, Daltons & The Actors in Kemptown. In addition to screenings, attendees will enjoy networking sessions, talks by industry professionals abd the chance to socialise with fellow filmmakers in Brighton. Please see our website (www.rocksfestivals.com/screenings) for more information.

OFFICIAL SELECTIONS will be notified on or before 12 May 2027
The SCREENING SCHEDULE will be published on or before 15 May 2027
WINNERS will be revealed at the Festival 14 - 20 June 2027

Brighton Rocks 9th Annual Festival (15 - 21 June 2025) selected over 200 films, receiving funding from the British Film Institute (BFI) and MET Film School. Previous Guests of Honour have included directors Ben Wheatley, Tim Pope and Wiz, screenwriters William Nicholson & Sir David Hare, and actors Toyah Willcox, Phil Davis, Amit Shah, Patrick Bergin, Jo Brand & Jenny Runacre.

FYI, Brighton is a place like no other. It is . . .
• home to the UK’s biggest LGBTQIA+ community outside of London.
• 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.
• famed for its eco-friendly living & cafés and restaurants.

Awards & Prizes

• There will be Winners & Runners-Up in each category:
ANIMATION, COMEDY, COMEDY-HORROR, DOCUMENTARY (SHORT & FEATURE), DRAMA, EXPERIMENTAL FILM, FEATURE FILM, HORROR, LGBTQIA+ FILM, MICRO-BUDGET FILM, MICRO MOVIE, MUSIC VIDEO, SCIENCE FICTION, STUDENT FILM, THRILLER, WOMEN ROCK, 45RPM
• Additional Awards for:
CINEMATOGRAPHY, DIRECTOR, EDITING, MISE EN SCENE, ORIGINAL SCORE, PERFORMANCE (4 awards), SCREENPLAY, SOUND DESIGN, VISUAL EFFECTS, YOUNG PERFORMANCE (2 awards)
The YOUNG ACE FILMMAKER AWARD will go to the most promising Brighton-based filmmaker under the age of 25.
The SPIRIT OF BRIGHTON AWARD is presented to filmmakers whose work most embodies BRIFF's ethos & ideals.

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.
Postproduction must have been completed after 1 January 2022.
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 £1500.
"Micro Movies" must have a runtime of less than 4 minutes, including credits.
"Student Films" must have had at least 2 crew members in full-time education at the time of production.​
"Women Rock" submissions must have an all-female or gender nonconforming cast OR women or gender nonconforming filmmakers in 2 or more of the following positions: director, producer, writer, cinematographer, editor.
"Young Performance Awards" - performers must be 16 years old or younger.
"45RPM" - at least 1 of the Production, Creative Team or Cast has to be a women 45 or over'. The subject must focus on a women 45 or over.
180 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Rozelle Gemma

    Wow what an amazing event, I dont know how they do it. All staff were kind, got to watch some incredible films in the beautiful Brighton. Thank you for screening Behind the Reflection. Big shout going out to Lois the ledge, the programming was amazing We will see you all again soon. Thanks for having us

    July 2026
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  • Iveta Drulyte

    We were honoured to receive both Best Film and Best Performance for Poppy but what stayed with us even more was the enthusiasm and encouragement from the programming team. Their passion for championing independent cinema extends well beyond the festival itself, and their support has continued after the closing night which made us feel truly heard and seen. It's a festival that celebrates bold storytelling, treats filmmakers with kindness and professionalism, and genuinely invests in the success of the films it programmes. Thank you again to everyone at Brighton Rocks for believing in Poppy. We hope to be back with another film in the future.

    July 2026
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  • Cheryl Gelover

    We are honored to have had our animated music video for Stephen Mallinder's single "Hush" accepted to the festival as an honorable mention for online screening.

    We're were unable to attend - but can say that communication throughout the festival was excellent and the selection seems well done overall - we hope to be able attend in Brighton in the future!

    July 2026
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  • Suzanne Procter

    A fantastic festival with an eclectic mix of brilliant films. We met some amazing filmmakers and the festival team were all so warm, welcoming and supportive! Hope to be back with our next short!

    July 2026
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  • Amelia Lloyd

    Milodfa (Menagerie) team absolutely loved our time spent in Brighton - sharing our Welsh language short with an excellent audience and filmmakers. Thank you/diolch Brighton Rocks for being incredibly welcoming, with clear communication throughout!

    July 2026
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