As part of its landmark 20th edition, the I Will Tell International Film Festival is launching #NotJustStories — a global filmmaker campaign celebrating the meaning behind the stories we tell.

We’re inviting filmmakers not only to submit their films, but to share one scene, moment, or idea from their work that matters deeply to them personally.

From 1 - 30 June, we are partnering with Post On Purpose and for every qualifying post, I Will Tell will contribute $5 toward organisations supporting filmmakers and underrepresented voices in the industry. Follow us on Instagram @iwilltellfilmfestival for more details.

The I Will Tell International Film Festival is not just a place to screen films — it is a space where films are experienced, and what they spark continues beyond the screen.

For two decades, we have curated powerful, courageous storytelling from around the world — from early short films by emerging independent filmmakers to films that have gone on to win BAFTA and Academy Awards. Filmmakers and contributors across this journey have included artists such as Ava DuVernay, Lily James, Lashana Lynch, David Oyelowo, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Ken Loach, alongside a wider community of acclaimed actors, musicians and filmmakers.

But what defines I Will Tell is not just what is screened — it’s what happens in the room.

Each film sits within a carefully curated experience where audiences don’t just watch, but engage. Screenings are paired with intentional post-film dialogue featuring filmmakers, cultural voices and global perspectives — including conversations with global figures such as Raymond Santana, alongside UN representatives, country ambassadors and subject experts.

Music and the wider creative arts are woven into the fabric of the festival, shaping the atmosphere around each screening. From live performance to curated artistic elements, these layers deepen the experience — allowing stories to be felt, not just understood.

At its heart, the festival is drawn to stories that reveal something true — about who we are, the world we live in, and what it means to love and lead with courage. We create space for those stories to be encountered fully — with openness, honesty and a generosity of spirit that reflects the deeper values behind the festival.

Now in its 20th year, the festival brings together filmmakers, audiences and leaders who believe storytelling can shape culture and shift perspectives.

Each year, we select a limited number of films for the programme. If your film carries truth — and you’re ready for it to be experienced, not just watched — we invite you to submit.

Awards & Prizes

• Ndinadsawapanga Award (Grand Jury Prize) Ndinadsawapanga — “I will tell” — represents the power of storytelling to reveal truth and transform lives. This award is not presented every year and is reserved for work of exceptional depth and impact.
• Best Feature Film
• Best Short Film
• Best Feature Documentary
• Best Short Documentary
• Award for Courageous Storytelling
• Outstanding Performance (Actor)
• Outstanding Performance (Actress)
• Best Original Score
• Audience Award

Rules & Terms

We accept films from a wide range of genres.

Submission Rules

1. Films must be submitted by the rights holder. All necessary rights for distribution, exhibition and screening must be fully cleared, and there must be no disputes regarding the ownership, distribution or exhibition rights of the submission in whole or in part.

2. I Will Tell supports freedom of expression, including the exploration of complex moral, social, political and economic issues. However, the festival reserves the right to exclude material it deems gratuitously offensive or pornographic.

3. Submissions must not defame or infringe upon the rights of any individual, living or deceased.

4. Films may be submitted in any language but must include English subtitles. Each film must be submitted as a separate entry and include a press kit in English.

5. Selection decisions, including whether a film is screened in the UK or US festival, are at the sole discretion of I Will Tell.

6. I Will Tell is authorised to use excerpts, stills and clips from selected films for promotional purposes across television, radio, print, digital platforms and other promotional media.

7. The festival reserves the right to include its official logo in connection with submitted materials for promotional and publicity use.

8. All films must have secured the appropriate rights and clearances for all content, including music, in accordance with applicable copyright laws.

9. By submitting a film, you represent and warrant that you hold all necessary rights and permissions. You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the I Will Tell International Film Festival, its officers, directors, employees, agents and representatives from and against any and all claims, demands, losses, damages, judgments, liabilities, costs and expenses (including legal fees) arising out of or in connection with the submitted film or any breach of these terms, including third-party claims, whether groundless or not.

10. The festival may include in-person and online screenings as part of its official programme. By submitting, you agree to participate in both formats if selected, unless otherwise agreed in writing due to rights restrictions.

11. By submitting, you confirm that your film complies with these rules and agree not to withdraw the film once selected for screening in the UK or US festival.

12. Failure to comply with these rules may result in disqualification and forfeiture of entry fees.

36 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Toni Hilgersson

    Your festival looked amazing. Thank you for selecting our film.

    December 2025
    Helpful
  • Carmina Cordelia

    My short film Soul Tide was selected and screened at the I Will Tell International Film Festival at Genesis Cinema, and it was such a wonderful experience. The post-screening Q&A was a real highlight, it was great to engage with the audience and share more about the story behind the film. Jenny Lee and her team were absolutely lovely and created such a welcoming, inspiring atmosphere for filmmakers. I’m grateful to have been part of a festival that celebrates powerful storytelling and meaningful conversations.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Zainab Entezar

    It is not good not bad

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Marj Kleinman

    We were so honored to have "Stoop Chat with Maani & Mr. Sweat" in "I Will Tell" this year. Mr. Sweat passed away a week before the screening and we were so appreciative for the compassion Jenny showed our team and the beautiful, touching celebration of his legacy on your social media feed.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Alan Hamwan

    Thank you, IWTIFF team. Being part of such a fantastic film festival, a lovely experience, with friendly communication and promptness, was an honour. I hope that the film festival will constantly develop.

    November 2023
    Helpful