"One of the UK's top film festivals to know about" - London METRO
"A top ten event" - Het Parool
"Culture Calendar" - VOGUE Nederland
"Amsterdam hosts a great cinema event" - iAmsterdam

Inspired by the idea of a cultural revival, we recognize that the digital revolution creates the conditions for a New Renaissance, opening a door for a different set of stories to be told.

OUR MISSION

Film is a unique medium, and the New Renaissance Film Festival’s mission is to support and champion the best upcoming filmmakers and screenwriters in this new era, to fulfill their dream in telling their stories.

We focus on the ARTIST, on the STORY and on building an international COMMUNITY of inspiring storytellers.

Our passion is to tell great stories.

ONE OF THE TOP UK FILM FESTIVALS TO KNOW ABOUT!

NRFF was featured recently in the London METRO’s list of TOP UK FILM FESTIVALS among some very distinguished company, including Raindance and Aesthetica.

As of September 2016, we were ranked in the top 100 best reviewed film festivals on FilmFreeway.

We have been privileged to screen world and UK premiers at our festival that went on to win an Oscar! We have also found that filmmakers, screenwriters and actors create new projects from meeting each other at the festival. 

A FESTIVAL FOR INSPIRING ARTISTS, STORIES AND STORYTELLERS

This festival is organized by JAN HENDRIK VERSTRATEN and MASSIMO BARBATO who are themselves filmmakers and writers. They believe at the heart of every great film is a great story, one that will inspire an audience and hopefully help to shape culture in a positive way.

NRFF London has several categories for UK and International filmmakers and screenwriters, but very close to our hearts is the YOUNG TALENT AWARD. This is a special award for screenwriting, short films and acting that will be presented to young talent (up to 24 years of age).

NRFF LONDON 2018

2018 will be our third year in London, a city known for its diversity and innovation in the creative arts. We will screen around 120 narrative shorts, features, documentaries, animations and music videos over the course of the festival (as many as we can), finishing with an AWARDS CEREMONY.

Running alongside the festival will be a SCREENWRITING COMPETITION and a series of MASTERCLASSES by film industry experts, a filmmaker's PANEL DISCUSSION, Filmmaker Q&A's, and other networking opportunities.

Key Dates:

Submissions for 2018 will begin in early September 2017. Please read our guidelines (see below) and competition terms before doing so. The festival will take place in August 2018, and all contestants will be notified at least 6 weeks prior to the event.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

NRFF is growing from the ground up. Our festival was successfully launched in Amsterdam in March 2017. Our goal is to enhance the vitality of independent filmmaking with these annual festivals.

Each city will engage with different themes and communities, including the LGBT community, giving independents the recognition they deserve.

WAIVER POLICY

We know all too well that most filmmakers have to work with a tight budget. Unfortunately however, WE CANNOT WAIVE THE SUBMISSION FEE.

Awards & Prizes

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FILM AWARDS:

Best Film of Festival, Humanity Award, Best Feature Film, Best International Short, Best UK Short, Best Animation Short, Best Documentary, Best Music Video, Best Dance Film, Best Young Talent Short, Best 3 Minute Short, Official Selection laurel, Best Director, Best Female Filmmaker, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Art Film, Best Music Score + many more.

SCREENPLAY COMPETITION:

Best Feature Screenplay, Best Short Screenplay, Best 3 Minute Screenplay, and Best Short Screenplay written by Young Talent, Finalist + others.

Rules & Terms

(1) New Renaissance Film Festival is hereby granted the right to utilise an excerpt from any film submitted and accepted for exhibition at the Festival for promotional purposes. (2) The individual or corporation submitting the film hereby warrants that it is authorised to commit the film for screening, and understands and accepts these requirements and regulations.
(3) All entries should be in English or with English subtitles.
(4) All scripts must be original screenplays, for which the applicant(s) hold the copyright. Where the screenplay is based on another piece of work it is the responsibility of the screenwriter to obtain written permission/copyright clearances from the original author or publisher.
(5) The judges reserve the right not to enter into any correspondence after the announcement of the winner.
(6) The applicant shall indemnify and hold harmless New Renaissance Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney’s fees, and costs of the court) which may be incurred by reason of any claim involving copyright, trademark, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
(7) We know all too well that most filmmakers have to work with a tight budget. Unfortunately however, WE CANNOT WAIVE THE SUBMISSION FEE.
(8) PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBMISSION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, DEADLINES, PROGRAMS, VENUES AND DATES MAY CHANGE. ALL RESPONSES TO FILMMAKERS WILL BE BY EMAIL.

23 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • John Psathas

    Amazing fest- even thought we couldn't make it, we were honored to be a part of it! Very communicative and geared to helping filmmakers!

    January 2018
    Helpful
  • Rebecca de Fargues

    I had such a great experience with the NRFF. Admittedly I did place in the screenplay contest (and then won) but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride. I participated in a filmmaker panel discussion, saw lots of stunning films, networked with fellow filmmakers and attended the awards ceremony in central London. Jan and Massimo are fantastic festival directors and lovely people who made me feel very welcome and supported every step of the way. I highly recommend entering and attending this festival and if you do, I wish you the very best of luck! :D

    October 2017
    Helpful
  • Cheryl Gelover

    We weren't able to attend, but we sent London-based friends who said they had a fantastic time, and enjoyed the film selection and venues, which were based in a fun, arty London neighborhood. Massimo and Jan provided excellent communication throughout the organization and actual festival - we hope to attend next time, if we are lucky enough to be selected again!

    September 2017
    Helpful
  • Marcus Chan

    The festival organizers are very passionate and helpful and really did their best to help filmmakers connect with one another and bring exposure to their films.

    September 2017
    Helpful
  • Ronen Eldar

    New Renaissance Film was a great and welcoming festival. Massimo and Jan were great hosts and I felt very welcome. They had a great selection of films and we're very happy to have been a part of it! Will definitely apply again next year!

    September 2017
    Helpful