LONDON ROCKS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (LRIFF), in the true spirit of the city of London, champions independent cinema that isn't afraid to push boundaries.

LONDON ROCKS was established out of a need for a platform for filmmakers to show bold, innovative and authentic films, created within the city of London and internationally. We believe that those making work, regardless of budget and background, should have the opportunity to showcase their films in an inclusive setting with an audience who are looking to participate in something truly new and exciting.

We are interested in fictional and documentary films, made by any means necessary, that challenge the boundaries of cinema in form and subject. In an industry where all too often, marginal voices are swept aside in favour of big budgets and polished productions, we celebrate passionate voices that engage with contemporary issues, compelling stories and experimental narratives.

N.B. This year's festival will primarily take place online at the ROCKS SCREENING ROOM from 1 - 30 November 2023. The festival will include reviews, interviews and Q&As with filmmakers, virtual screenings and awards presentations, as well as online access to all Official Selections.

FYI. If we are successful in obtaining festival funding, we will hold physical screenings at Whirled Cinema, Brixton, as we have done for the past 3 years.

** Official Selections will be announced on/before 15 October 2023 **
​​** Winners & Runners-Up will be revealed ​prior in November 2023 **

LONDON ROCKS, along with its sister festivals BRIGHTON ROCKS (established 2017), HASTINGS ROCKS and LOS ANGELES ROCKS, are young festivals with big ambition – to rank alongside the UK’s best festivals for indie cinema. If your film embodies our ideals and aspirations, we want to help it get the recognition it deserves.

For more information, check out the LRIFF Manifesto @ https://www.rocksfestivals.com/lriff-manifesto.html

Awards & Prizes

• All OFFICIAL SELECTIONS in 18 Categories are given a FESTIVAL SCREENING:
BEST ANIMATION
BEST COMEDY
BEST COMEDY-HORROR
BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)
BEST DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
BEST DRAMA
BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM
BEST FANTASY
BEST FEATURE FILM
BEST HORROR FILM
BEST LGBTQ+ FILM
BEST FILM MADE IN LONDON
BEST MICRO-BUDGET FILM
BEST MICRO MOVIE
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
BEST STUDENT FILM
BEST SCIENCE FICTION
BEST 8mm & 16mm FILM

• There will be one BEST FILM, RUNNERS-UP & FINALISTS in each submission category.

• Additional Awards for:
CINEMATOGRAPHY
DIRECTOR
EDITING
MISE-EN-SCENE
SCORE
PERFORMANCES
SCREENPLAY
SPECIAL EFFECTS
VISUAL EFFECTS

​​** WINNERS & RUNNERS-UP will be revealed in November 2023 **

Rules & Terms

LONDON ROCKS accepts narrative, documentary and experimental films, music videos, micro, short and feature films.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
All films must be in English or have English subtitles.
Production must have been completed after 1 January 2018.
There is no limit on the number of submissions.
All films must have an online screener.
Filmmakers retain the rights to their films.
Filmmakers are responsible for acquiring copyrights, licenses and releases for media used in their films.
By submitting their film, filmmakers gives London Rocks the right to post their posters, trailers, website and social media links on our website.
Brighton Rocks reserves the right to move films into categories different from the one(s) submitted to.

RULES REGARDING CATEGORY SUBMISSIONS

"London Film" - at least 2 scenes must be set/filmed in London. All genres eligible.
"Micro Budget Films” means films produced for less than £1500 (including shoot & postproduction).
"Micro Movies" must have a run time of less than 4 minutes, including credits.
"Student Films" must have at least two production crew members in full-time education.

41 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Perrot Michael

    Very happy to have been selected for the London Rocks International Film Festival. Great experience.

    January 2023
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  • Daniel Thomas Freeman

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time at London Rocks. I'd purposefully chosen UK festivals for my short 'The Day After' so that I would have a chance to attend in person and I'm so glad I did, especially after only being only able to attend LR virtually in 2020 for my last film - thanks COVID! There were some absolutely fascinating high quality films shown this year - my other half Val and I particularly enjoyed the London-based documentaries. James, Sarah, Mark and the whole Rocks crew could not have been more welcoming or organised. I should mention the screenings did have the odd technical problem ... but these got resolved quickly. And you have to be prepared for the odd train rumble overhead as the cinema is in an old railway arch! I can very highly recommend London Rocks (and its sister festival Brighton Rocks) and I plan to submit my next short into this friendly, lively and absorbing festival.

    December 2022
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  • Catherine Grace

    It was such a wonderful experience. Incredibly inspiring, too, to a budding filmmaker like me. My team brought two films, Fumee and The Rest Is Silence. The team has been so warm and welcoming through the whole experience. Filmmakers, I highly recommend applying. Audiences, I highly recommend attending.

    November 2022
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  • Jess Clark

    London Rocks is a festival with its finger on the pulse of filmmaking. Great selection of films, fantastic in-person event with lots of networking opportunities and it is clearly run by organisers who are passionate about film. We were incredibly honoured that our short film LOVE was singled out for 2 awards amongst a such an amazing array of fresh, filmmaking talent. Thank you for choosing LOVE.

    November 2022
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  • marina sagona

    London Rocks' team was the best since day one. They are great at communication and made me feel part of the festival even though I could not be there in person. Thank you Dr. James, Andrew, Sarah and the rest of the team for including Couscous and Stabat Mater in your selection.

    November 2022
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