Supported by the ICO, BFI Network and Culture Trust Luton, Bute Street Festival has quickly forged a reputation of screening and showcasing only the best in independent films, art, and music. Films ranging from award winning up and coming Director Michael Beddoe's short film 'Sequins' to Elijah Woods BAFTA award winning independent feature film 'Set Fire to the Stars'. As well as an art gallery and music line up crammed with some of the coolest, award winning, and ground breaking artists.

Spread over 3 days Bute Street Festival has created a significant platform for independent artists and creatives with genuine exposure to the commercial market. This coupled with amazing networking opportunities, industry talks, labs and seminars in collaboration with the BFI, Bute Street Festival is not to be missed.

Awards & Prizes

- Best Film Award.
- Breakthrough Film Award.
- Director's Choice Award.
- Justin John Doherty Award.
- Best Artist Award.
- Best Music Award.
- Winning music artist gets to headline the closing ceremony.

Rules & Terms

- There are no premiere requirements to submit your film to Bute Street Festival.

- All accepted films must provide a download of the full film, a still/poster, a link to a trailer and a short synopsis of the film.

- Q&As are an important part of what we do, so if you are unable to attend the festival please make yourself available for a Skype interview or prepare a pre-recorded video.

- Music artists must state within their submission if they are available across the festival dates.

- Artist must supply some copy about themselves and each art piece that they submit.

- The decision of the festival on what is chosen to screen is final and we will not engage in correspondence regarding it.

- Submission discounts beyond the FilmFreeway Gold membership are not available.
20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Eric Larson

    Bute Street is an absolute gem of a festival. From the wonderful communication and hospitality, to the stunning variety of films, exhibitions, and musical performances, this all-encompassing event is a creative's dream come true. I can't recommend it enough.

    I was lucky enough to screen the UK premiere of my short film, 'Check The Locks,' during the 2023 festival.

    Thank you to all the many organizers and artists who made this event possible -- you've got something really special going on here! I would love to come back!

    April 2023
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  • Daniel Ellerby

    A lovely festival that was all round a pleasure. Clear communication, fantastic hosts, lots of networking, creatively fulfilling and intimate talks. Their focus on music and art alongside some brilliant films made for a unique and enriching experience full of all sorts of artists in a great creative space.

    April 2023
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  • Ellen Weisberg

    Great festival! Thank you for the experience!

    April 2023
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  • Ganesh Sharma

    Bute Street is an incredible festival from start to finish! I’ve had the privilege of attending their festival twice and both times their hospitality and communication was top tier. The staff and volunteers are a pleasure to be around and I enjoyed networking with the many creatives that were in attendance. I would definitely recommend Bute Street Festival to all aspiring filmmakers!

    April 2023
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  • Gillian Harker

    I really loved Bute Street Film Festival. The standard of short films was really high- and made me feel super proud to be selected. They offer great development workshops for filmmakers- and really take the time to communicate with you. The team behind Bute Street FF are really passionate about film, music and story telling- as well as providing opportunities for emerging artists.

    May 2022
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