Irish Film Festival London, one of the largest festivals of Irish film in the world, is delivered by Irish Film London, a not-for-profit organisation. The festival presents the latest and greatest of Irish Film, TV & Animation to a London audience.

Through screenings, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, industry sessions, exhibitions and performances, we aim to bring together industry professionals, film fans and fans of Irish Arts & Culture alike. Focusing on Irish productions, scripts and casts, we provide a significant platform for Irish Film in London, and continue to promote the best of Irish creative talent here in the UK.

We screen features, documentaries, animations, student films, artists' films and shorts.

We also aim to provide online screenings for global audiences, protected by Eventive's world-class Digital Rights Management software. Filmmakers can indicate whether they are granting rights to screen in person, online, or both. (Should there be changes to health guidelines which prohibits in person screenings, filmmakers will be informed.)

We hold an awards ceremony at the Irish Embassy every year for the Irish Film London Awards. Awards include:

Best Feature
Best Documentary
Best Short Film
The Súil Eile Award - awarded to an outstanding contribution to the Irish film industry
The Ros Hubbard Award for Acting, presented by Ros herself.

All films selected for Irish Film Festival London are automatically in consideration for an award in the relevant category.

GUIDELINES & TERMS AND CONDITIONS

EARLY BIRD SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 22nd
REGULAR SUBMISSION DEADLINE: July 10th
FINAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: August 21st

The 12th Irish Film Festival London (IFFL) is scheduled to take place online and in London venues: 15th - 19th November 2023.

ELIGIBILITY:
*Please make special note of our eligibility criteria.*

IFFL’s programme is comprised of both submitted films and independently curated selections. Submissions can only be accepted via FilmFreeway; the festival team cannot consider unsolicited submissions through other channels.

IFFL accepts submissions of Irish features, Irish animations, Irish documentaries, Irish experimental/artists’ films and Irish shorts. IFFL accepts films in English or Irish language (with English subtitles). Films in additional languages will be considered but MUST provide English subtitles.

IFFL does not require any premiere status but notes that this may come into consideration during the selection process.

IFFL’s main objective is to present films stemming from Ireland and the wider Irish Diaspora, but will also accept submissions from non-Irish filmmakers whose films are about Ireland or Irish people.

SUBMITTING YOUR FILM:
For viewing purposes entries should be submitted by screening link via FilmFreeway only. Please ensure any log-ins provided are not time limited.

Please ensure that you include a logline and a synopsis of no more than 100 words, as you would like it to appear in the programme. (NB: Please note that the festival reserves the right to amend the copy submitted).

Please include a list of nominations/awards, and a list of previous screenings, including both Irish and International screenings.

Any Irish language entries must provide English subtitles.

All selected filmmakers are strongly encouraged to include a closed caption option or transcript file to make their work more accessible to festival audiences

The primary contact completing the submission process must be authorised to submit the film for consideration including permission from a distributor or sales agent representing the film and must have obtained necessary permissions for the inclusion of copyrighted music and/or images within the films. With this submission, the applicant confirms that they possess all rights necessary for the screening of the submitted film at this film festival.

Entrant will allow usage of clips from the film for promotional use on television, radio, in print, and at live Festival events.

SUBMISSION FEES:
A separate application and submission fee is required for each film submission. Submissions with unpaid fees will not be considered for selection. IFFL cannot issue refunds.

Notification:
Please note that IFFL cannot acknowledge receipt of entries.
Applicants will be notified if their submission has been successful by email after the selection process has taken place.
Due to the large amount of submissions received IFFL cannot enter into any discussion regarding films that are not selected for the festival.
Successful applicants should note that screening links might be made available to key members of the IFFL team such as Q&A hosts or publicist, as necessary, ahead of public screening. IFFL respects filmmakers' copyright and will take all precautions to ensure that your film remains safe from piracy.
Successful applicants must be able to provide 3 large high res images/stills, a poster image where available, and up to 30 seconds of full resolution footage for use in the festival trailer. Successful applicants of features and feature length documentaries should also be able to provide their own trailer.
Successful applicants will be required to supply the necessary formats for screening:
- Features & feature length documentaries: 35mm, DCP or Blu-ray (depending on venue facilities).
- Shorts/experimental films: DCP or high-resolution digital file.
The cost of shipping prints must be met by the sender. The Festival will pay for one-way return shipping of films (films can be forwarded to another festival after their screening at IFFL by prior arrangement with the IFFL team).
While all entries are packaged with extreme care, the festival is not responsible for loss or damage to prints in transit.

SUBMISSION AGREEMENT
By agreeing to proceed with your submission you are agreeing to these Terms and Conditions.
In the event of disagreement concerning the interpretation of the regulations, the interpretation of the festival will take precedence.
Failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions may result in the submission being disqualified.
These regulations are subject to change without prior notice.
We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Adam O'Keeffe

    One of the best festival experiences we have had. Can't wait to go back

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    You're too kind Adam! Thanks for being a part of the festival this year, we really hope to see you again next time :)

  • Margaret Kane-Rowe

    Great festival, you were all so nice and welcoming. Thanks so much for including Mask in your brilliant selection of shorts.

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you Margaret! We loved having you at the festival and hope to see you again next year :)

  • Princep Pictures

    This was a fantastic festival to be part of. This was the UK premiere for our short & we couldn't have been happier for it to happen here. The festival team were nothing short of organised, enthusiastic & encouraging for all the work screened at the festival. Great locations for each event & screening with easy going networking events.

    Thank you Irish Film Festival London! Looking forward to other events that you have planned for the upcoming year.

    November 2022
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    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much for a lovely review folks! It was great to have you with us in London, and we hope to see more of your brilliant work again next year!! From the IFFL team x

  • This festival has been my favourite so far. It’s far more than a screening option for your film. They hosted seminars and talks with some really high profile industry people, which were excellent for someone like me that’s just beginning to make films.
    Having a cross section of producers, directors, actors etc tell you first hand of their advice for novice film makers was the highlight of the week.

    It’s so well organised and you can tell it’s a professional organisation that’s there to help film makers and not just a festival after your application fee! Engaging with the festival was easy and their communication was clear. The programme surrounding their screenings was exactly the ticket I needed as a newbie in this complex industry.

    I literally couldn’t say a bad thing about the whole event. Superb.

    December 2021
  • Teresa Lavina

    Truly amazing festival, Gerry was an absolute legend supporting my controversial film all the way. I found all the support needed and more at a time that I was so desperate and frustrated! They really helped voicing my film. By the way and just for the record, this was my first time submitting to this festival and I didn’t know anyone involved. My review comes from the bottom of my heart… you guys rock!! Wishing you the very best of luck with all your future events ❤️❤️❤️

    December 2021