For so long, "urban" has been seen as an extension of “black”, “underground”, “other”, “unworthy”.

We know that in every walk of life urban culture, more than ever, is revered as trend setting, forward-thinking, inclusive and innovative.

This is the reason why BAFTA, BIFA, AMAA and our industry festival partners (including Iris Prize) have officially recognised BUFF - giving our filmmakers direct opportunities to qualify for film awards. BUFF is the longest standing black-owned film festival in the United Kingdom. Founded by Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE, filmmakers that have exhibited at our festival are now household names. Join the legacy and explore new worlds at BUFF.

why I should submit to the leading film festival in the UK for diverse programming?

At the British Urban Film Festival, we have been a pioneering platform for all facets of diversity since our formation in 2005.

Long before diversity quotas and terminology such as BAME and non-binary, we have always welcomed, showcased, given coverage to and awarded films which embrace diverse storytelling, celebrating filmmakers from diverse backgrounds representative of the 9 diversity strands:

age. disability. gender reassignment.
marriage and civil partnership. pregnancy and maternity. race.
religion or belief. sex.

Awards & Prizes

IF YOUR SUBMISSION WAS SELECTED FOR 2024…

Only shortlisted submissions will receive further emails, social media messages or telephone calls/text messages from the BUFF submissions team after the final submission deadline passes. Correspondence will commence from late summer 2024 onwards.

All shortlisted films will be eligible to win a British Urban Film Festival short film/feature film award in 2025.

All shortlisted films will be considered for theatrical distribution through our industry partners.

All British short films and British short animations accepted into the 2024 British Urban Film Festival are eligible to be entered into the 2025 BAFTA film awards.

All British films accepted into the 2024 British Urban Film Festival are eligible to be entered into the 2024 British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

*Films accepted into the 2024 British Urban Film Festival will be in contention for an African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) in 2024 (subject to eligibility). BUFF will submit official selections from filmmakers of African origin and non-Africans who have contributed to the African film industry.

*Films accepted into the 2024 British Urban Film Festival will be in contention for the Iris Prize LGBT+ film festival and screening opportunities on Film4. BUFF will submit official selections from filmmakers of LGBT origin and films that are LGBT in theme. BAME selections which fit either criteria will be prioritised.

SUCCESSFUL SCRIPTS:

The final shortlist of 3 scripts (in addition to receiving a British Urban Film Festival award) will be considered for development through our industry partners.

IF YOUR SUBMISSION GETS SELECTED IN 2025…

Only shortlisted submissions will receive further emails, social media messages or telephone calls/text messages from the BUFF submissions team after the final submission deadline passes. Correspondence will commence from late summer 2025 onwards.

All shortlisted films will be eligible to win a British Urban Film Festival short film/feature film award in 2025.

All shortlisted films will be considered for theatrical distribution through our industry partners.

All British short films and British short animations accepted into the 2025 British Urban Film Festival are subject to eligibility to be entered into the 2026 BAFTA film awards.

All British films accepted into the 2025 British Urban Film Festival are eligible to be entered into the 2025 British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

*Films accepted into the 2025 British Urban Film Festival will be in contention for an African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) in 2025 (subject to eligibility). BUFF will submit official selections from filmmakers of African origin and non-Africans who have contributed to the African film industry.

*Films accepted into the 2025 British Urban Film Festival will be in contention for the Iris Prize LGBT+ film festival and screening opportunities on Film4. BUFF will submit official selections from filmmakers of LGBT origin and films that are LGBT in theme. BAME selections which fit either criteria will be prioritised.

SUCCESSFUL SCRIPTS:

The final shortlist of 3 scripts (in addition to receiving a British Urban Film Festival award) will be considered for development through our industry partners.

Rules & Terms

Scripts: must be no less than 20 pages and no more than 120.

Feature length films: must be no less than 44 minutes and no more than 120.

Short films must be no less than 3 minutes and no more than 44.

All Music, Spoken Word, Dance & Moving Image videos must be no less than 3 minutes.

The festival operates a no waiver policy.

Per our refund policy, fees are non-refundable.

Please note that non-acceptance to the festival is not a valid reason for a refund.

44 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jennifer Drake

    This is genuinely one of the best film festivals I have ever attended. There were a few hiccups in the communication but as soon as this was realized, the festival dealt with it hands on. Very wonderful festival, brilliant curating. This is indeed worth applying for and attending

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you for sharing your BUFF 2024 experience with us - one never to be forgotten for all the right reasons :)

  • Lucy D'Cruz

    The whole festival was fantastic and especially the awards ceremony! The way in which it was all organised was really great, the organisers were very professional and did an excellent job in grouping the films. I saw some of the other films and the quality of the selection was incredible. My film 'The Long Quiet' was nominated for the Best Feature Film award and I thoroughly enjoyed the black tie awards ceremony which was a truly fantastic event. It was quite overwhelming and a very special evening! Great to network with other filmmakers and have the opportunity to really celebrate all the work than goes into an independent film. Really enjoyed my screening, and a thoughtful Q&A by Annie. Would highly recommend submitting work to this festival.

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks Lucy for your kind words and your generous review of the festival and awards. BUFF has always been about putting filmmakers first and we're glad that you felt valued and appreciated :)

  • Elena Nenasheva

    Absolutely amazing festival with a good organisation, interesting programme and thoughtful Q&A.

    November 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for the review Elena - your continued support means a lot :)

  • Alan Hall

    Such a well run festival. The whole atmosphere was so positive and the QnA after the screening was conducted in a really thoughtful and kind way by the interviewer. It was awesome chatting to the other filmmakers after the screening as well. I'd love to return again with my next short film.

    October 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Alan - we really appreciate the feedback and look forward to your submission. Don't leave it too long :)

  • Tom Harmer

    Amazing festival! Love the heart of the team that run BUFF and their commitment to profiling important films and voices to provoke conversations that our society need to have.

    100% recommend!

    June 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for being part of the 1st ever BUFF experience up north!