Welcome to ESSEX INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL which takes place across the county of Essex in the UK. EIFF offers filmmakers from around the world the opportunity to have their films screened live at multiple venues. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or an emerging talent, our festival will provide a supportive environment for you to celebrate and elevate your craft.

Co-Directed by Emmy nominated director Iain B Macdonald - Shameless (US), Poker Face (HBO), Shantaram (Apple TV) together with Lily Streames an award winning actor/ producer and founder of ESSEX FILM COLLECTIVE and Charles Sharman-Cox an award winning actor /writer/director.

The festival will feature a carefully curated selection of screenings, thought-provoking masterclasses and networking opportunities over the course of four exhilarating days.

We look forward to receiving films of all genres and styles as we are eager to discover your unique voice and celebrate your creative vision.

With great rail links to and from London and it's close proximity to London Stansted International airport, EIFF is easily accessible to filmmakers everywhere.

JURY MEMBERS

Jane Gull (Patron + Jury) - Award Winning Director/ Writer - BBC, CH4, ARTE TV & APPLE TV.

Saul Dibb - BAFTA winning Director + Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning films

Michelle Farr-Scott - Comedy Producer - Ranga Bee, BBC, SKY, UKTV.

Thomas Thurgood - Production Coordinator for Original Series, UK

Busayo Ige - BAFTA Longlisted Writer/ Actor

Mike Cater - Casting Associate - Luci Lennox Casting Office, Barcelona

Elham Elsas - BAFTA nominated and Oscar-shortlisted Writer/Director

Awards & Prizes

All awards will be presented at the festival's closing gala.

All films selected for screening will be eligible for our Best Category Awards which are decided by a jury of industry experts.

CATEGORY AWARDS

-Best Drama
-Best Comedy
-Best Horror/ Thriller
-Best LGBTQ+
-Best Documentary
-Best Animation
-Best Experimental
-Best Sci-Fi
-Best Student Film

In addition to the Best Category awards, EIFF will also present a number of special awards.

SPECIAL AWARDS

All films selected for screening will automatically be considered for the following:

-Best International Short
-Best UK Short
-Best Essex Short (Essex Films only)
-Best Actor
-Best Actress
-Best Director
-Best Cinematographer

PLUS

All category award winners will automatically be considered for:

- The 'Boudica Film of the Festival' award

If your film has an Essex connection (through cast, crew, location or subject matter) it will automatically be entered for the 'Best Essex Short' and in addition it will be considered for the 'Made in Essex' programme which will screen at The Curzon Cinema, Colchester opening gala and across the county in selected satellite venues.

Rules & Terms

If your film has an Essex connection please state this with an explanation alongside your submission.

- The festival accepts only short films (20 minutes and under).
- Entry fees are non-refundable.
- There are no completion date requirements, but films completed in the five years prior to the festival are preferred.
- Films must be submitted in their original language, with English subtitles if not in English.
- It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to clear all rights for their film.
- The festival reserves the right to disqualify any film that is not in compliance with the rules and regulations.
- The festival will not be responsible for any damage or loss of the films during the selection or screening process.
- The festival will notify all entrants of the selection results by email.
- The festival may request additional materials from selected films such as press kits, posters, and photos for promotional purposes.
- The festival may use clips from the films for promotional purposes.
- All submissions are watched in their entirety and given the full attention of our team of programmers.
- The date of submission has no reflection on our selection decisions.