The Experimental Fiction Filmmaking Festival is a unique and innovative event that showcases the best and most exciting experimental fiction films from around the world. The event brings together filmmakers, artists, scholars, and industry professionals, and it is dedicated to exploring the creative possibilities and boundaries of experimental fiction filmmaking, and promoting the development of new modes of storytelling and audio-visual communication.

The event programming features a diverse selection of films that embody the experimental fiction filmmaking ethos, ranging from short films to feature-length works, as well as expanded cinema and VR. The films are chosen for their deviation from traditional narrative and stylistic norms and their emphasis on exploration and experimentation.

In addition to film screenings, the event features panels, workshops, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers and experts in the field, engendering a deep conversation between theory and practice, inspiring innovation and development of the film form. These sessions are designed to engage all attendees in critical discussions about the creative possibilities and boundaries of experimental fiction filmmaking. The festival also provides networking opportunities for attendees to connect with industry professionals, artists, and fellow filmmakers. This facilitates the development of new collaborations, partnerships, and projects within the experimental fiction filmmaking community.

The INEFF Festival is a platform for both established and emerging filmmakers, offering a space to showcase their work and receive recognition for their creative and artistic vision. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, the event fosters an environment of collaboration, experimentation, and innovation in the art of filmmaking.

The event takes place in Manchester, UK on 19th July 2025, and is organised by the International Network of Experimental Fiction Filmmaking and the University of Salford.

We don’t believe it is helpful to decide which experimental fiction film is the best. The purpose of the event is to explore the possibilities of film and to learn from each order – in pursuit of innovation and experimentation. In other words, we don’t believe in awards and setting up arbitrary hierarchies of achievement. Instead we want to celebrate the uniqueness of each film. However, the event committee will select films that we deem relevant and valuable to the event, which will be screened as part of our official programme. These films will be duly recognised as part of our “official selection”. Furthermore, a shortlist of noteworthy films will be thoroughly discussed by the INEFF panel of experts, including filmmakers, academics and industry professionals. The summary and conclusions of this discussion will be included in an official “statement of recognition”, which all shortlisted filmmakers will receive.

We are interested in discovering innovative pieces of film fiction: films that are experimental in nature yet based in fictional narrative and dramatic contexts. The experimentation can be on the level of the story (how the story is told), the style/form of the film, the modes and methods of production, experimentation with drama or performance, and technological or artistic innovation. We welcome submissions of any work, and at any length, satisfying the broad boundaries of Experimental Fiction Filmmaking. Expanded cinema or VR/360 video submissions will be considered. The festival is free of charge.

As well as submitting your film, you are required to submit a short statement of no more than 200 words that describes your understanding of how your submission relates to the notion of experimental fiction filmmaking.

Films of any completion date will be accepted. Work-in-progress cuts will be accepted, as long as the final version can be submitted ahead of the event.

The films must include English subtitles (unless the spoken language is English).

For the screening at the event, the submitter must provide a full-HD or 4K high-quality screening file, such as .mov or .mp4.

By submitting the film, the submitter agrees that:

– INEFF can use the trailer/teaser/film poster/stills, as well as any selected footage from the film for a festival trailer, for promotional purposes on the internet (but will not release the full film online).

– Your Film can be screened repeatedly during any public events organised by INEFF, including in future years of the festival.

– The submitter owns all the rights to the film, meaning that by submitting the submitted work, the submitter confirms that the work (i) does not violate or infringe any copyright, patent, privacy right, publicity right, trademark, service mark or any other personal or property right of any person or entity, that (ii) does not constitute or include a defamation of any person or entity, and that (iii) its representatives have paid and will pay in full all licence fees, clearance fees, and other obligations, of any kind, arising from or associated with the exhibition of the Film at or in connection with the INEFF Festival. Also, that the submitter is duly authorised, on their own behalf and on behalf of all other persons or entities who have any ownership rights or interests (including, without limitation, intellectual property rights) in or relating to the film, to exhibit the film at the event.

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  • Andy Birtwistle

    I really enjoyed attending this festival. The programme of films was inspiring, and the festival offered a rare opportunity to meet and talk with filmmakers working in experimental cinema. A really fantastic festival all round, and I'm looking forward to the next one!

    October 2024
  • Experimental Fiction Filmmaking Festival (INEF) is an exceptional space and community that offers a kind of cinema that is fearless and expands the possibilities of language. I look forward to many more editions!

    August 2024
  • Leandro Cerdá

    Amazing festival! Thanks for including my works!

    July 2023
  • Michael Keerdo-Dawson

    Fantastic specialised festival. The focus on experimental works could really be felt. The organisers were passionate about exhibiting and discussing experimental works. Everyone was very welcoming and the whole event was well organised.

    July 2023
  • Barbara Medajska

    I'm glad to be part of your unique festival!

    July 2023