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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 GETS SELECTED…

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 2024.

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

All British short films accepted into the 2024 British Urban Film Festival are eligible to be entered into the 2025 BAFTA film awards. BUFF is a Section B qualifying festival, meaning that your film must be selected to screen at another Section B qualifying festival before you can enter your film to BAFTA.

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.

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.

32 Reviews
Overall Rating
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Value
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Networking
  • Annette Westwood

    Had an absolutely fantastic time at BUFF, truly one the best film festivals I've been too. Honoured for our film to be part of the sensational ‘I SWEAR ON MY MUM’S…’ festival programme & to be part of the filmmaker Q&A that followed. Justin & the BUFF team were AMAZING. Superb venue, incredible films, fab festival buzz & great time meeting the loveliest people. Highly recommend filmmakers submitting their work to BUFF & attending the festival ***** 5 Stars

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for being part of the BUFF 2022 experience Annette - we appreciate your feedback :)

  • Hecham Elhajoui

    Great Event, Great Experience, Great People !!!

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Many thanks for your feedback Hecham and congratulations on your script award :)

  • Marcus Markou

    There's a lot of love for BUFF because it's British and Urban. And so the films programmed feel relevant for British audiences and we all wish Justin the best on what I think will become the UK's leading indie film festival.

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    We love your passion Marcus - thanks a bunch :)

  • Lone Pine Pictures

    We were absolutely ecstatic to have our short film 'Floppy Toast with Drippy Butter' screen at BUFF. Genuinely one of the best festivals we've ever attended, particularly the awards night. The love and support in the room was something we've never experienced before and it still feels very inspiring. We wish the whole team at BUFF all the very best for 2023.

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for coming down from the North East guys. BUFF represents all that is British and diverse and we’re glad that you got to sample the whole BUFF experience - from submission to screening to the awards!

  • Rebekah Louisa Smith

    A brilliant festival - great networking and excellent programming. Justin and team put on a great show within a really supportive environment

    December 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks for your continued support Rebekah:)