New Renaissance Film Festival (London, UK)

£2,500 in CASH PRIZES up for grabs for Emerging Talent!

🌟 Get Ready for a Cinematic Renaissance of independent film! Join New Renaissance London #10

In the vibrant heart of London, where diversity and innovation intertwine, we proudly present the 10th edition of New Renaissance London. Brace yourself for a week in September, as we unleash a cinematic extravaganza featuring a handpicked selection of approximately 100 outstanding independent films.

Our program is a treasure trove of narrative shorts, captivating features, thought-provoking documentaries, mesmerising animations, and soul-stirring dance and music videos. Immerse yourself in a world where artistry knows no bounds, where storytelling reigns supreme.

🎬 Prepare to be inspired, educated, and connected!

Alongside the festival, we invite you to participate in an array of events and opportunities that will:

🖋️ Unleash Your Writing Talent: Screenwriting Competition
🎓 Unlock the Secrets: Masterclasses by Film Industry Experts
🗣️ Engage and Enlighten: Filmmaker's Panel Discussion
🎙️ Uncover the Stories: Filmmaker Q&A Sessions
🤝 Forge Connections: Networking Parties and Opportunities

✨ Embrace the New Renaissance London Experience

At New Renaissance London, we are genuinely passionate about showcasing the finest independent cinema of our time. Despite our relatively small size, each year many gems are to be found among the collection of short and feature films in the programme.

Our aim is to create an environment that radiates warmth, inclusivity, and true dignity, ensuring that every attendee feels valued and inspired. Many filmmakers and actors are traditionally present, and a lot of productive networking takes place that has led to new artistic collaborations.

Our commitment to excellence has earned us accolades, including being hailed as "One of the UK's top film festivals" (London METRO, O1.08.16) and a top 100 spot on FilmFreeway's list of best reviewed festivals 8 years running. We've also caught the attention of prestigious publications such as Vogue, GQ, and iD magazine, further solidifying our reputation. As a registered IMDB film festival, we are proud to foster a community of talented filmmakers.

💰 £2,500 CASH PRIZES Await Emerging Talent!

Are you a talented debut director or an early-stage filmmaker ready to make your mark on the industry? New Renaissance London has a special category just for you! Sponsored by Katie Partridge, CEO of the Saphira Group, we're empowering the next generation of filmmakers/artists. Previous winners and nominees have gone onto win major international prizes or have directed their first feature film.

✨ Lights, camera, accolades!

New Renaissance London have set the stage for cinematic greatness, introducing groundbreaking films that have gone on to claim the ultimate honour: the coveted Oscar.

🏆 "The Silent Child" (2017): From our screens to the Academy Awards stage, this powerful gem secured the Oscar in 2018, leaving audiences captivated by its profound story about a young deaf girl.

Our festival has become a springboard for success, propelling exceptional films into the spotlight. Here are just a few remarkable examples that got distribution:

🌟 "Kindling" (2023)
🌟 "All is Vanity" (2023)
🌟 "A Bird Flew" (2022)
🌟 "Avi" (2022)
🌟 "Roy" (2022)
🌟 "A Living Dog" (2021)
🌟 "Into The Mirror" (2019)
🌟 "You Go To My Head" (2019)
🌟 "Phantompain" (2018)

These titles stand as a testament to the calibre of films and emerging talent we champion.

🎥 Unveiling Cinematic Gems: Artistic Visionaries and Inspirational Tales

Film is an extraordinary canvas, and at NRFF, we wholeheartedly embrace the power of this medium to uplift and inspire. Our mission is to be a nurturing force for independent artists and storytellers, championing their unique perspectives and creative endeavours. We celebrate the beauty of experimental work, the depth of emotional drama, the rhythm of music and dance, and the unbounded potential of emerging talent.

We foster an international community of visionary storytellers, connected by their shared passion for crafting narratives that transcend boundaries. We stray from fleeting trends and divisive politics, instead seeking out stories that are genuinely imaginative, emotionally resonant, and life-affirming. At the heart of our mission lies an unwavering dedication to the power of storytelling itself.

Curating a film festival is an intricate art form, one that we take seriously and pour our hearts into. Every year, we strive to assemble a program that surpasses expectations, meticulously selecting works that embody our vision.

Please read our Rules & Terms before making your submission.

🌟 The Time is Now: Embrace the Renaissance!

Submissions for 2025 will close in August/September. The festival will take place in mid to late September 2025, and all contestants will be notified at least 4-6 weeks prior to the event.

🌟 Celebrating New Renaissance Alumni

Our festival has been graced by an illustrious lineup of luminaries, who have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. Join us as we proudly present the extraordinary alumni of New Renaissance, a constellation of talent that includes:

🏆 The Dynamic Duo: Oscar-Winning Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton (The Silent Child)
🌟 Hollywood Royalty: Academy Award Winner Whoopi Goldberg (Palace)
🏆 BAFTA and Emmy Triumph: Dazzling Actress Anna Friel (The Sea)
🌟 Visionary Director: Brady Hood (Sweet Maddie Stone)
🏆 Master of Storytelling: Oscar-Winning Writer/Director James Lucas (Paint The Dragon's Eyes)
🌟 Radiant Star: BAFTA-Winning Actress Sophia Myles (All That Glitters)
🏆 Unforgettable Performer: BAFTA-Winning Actor George MacKay (Infinite)
🌟 Melodies of Genius: Ivor Novello-Winning Musician Gary Kemp (InSolo)
🌟 Music, Stage and Screen Legend: Toyah Willcox (Weightless)
🏆 Emmy-winning Documentarian: BAFTA-Winning Zoe Dobson (The Cunning Man)
🌟 Animation Extraordinaire: BAFTA-Winning Animator Catriona Black (You Are At The Bottom Of My Mind)
🌟 Captivating: Emmy-winning Actress Sarah Snook (The Ravens)
🏆 Stellar Talent: Emmy-Winning Actress Tatiana Maslany (Souls of Totality)
🌟 Master of Visuals: Oscar-Nominated Cinematographer Jarin Blaschke (A Million Eyes)
🏆 Directorial Brilliance: BAFTA-Nominated Shona Auerbach (Rudy)
🌟 Mesmerising Performer: Actor Tom Cullen (Souls of Totality)
🏆 Rising Star: BAFTA-Nominated Actress Celine Buckens (Prangover)
🌟 The Enigmatic Star of TV and Cinema: Silent Witness Actress Emilia Fox (The Ghost)
🏆 Chicago Charmer: Actor Darren Day (Rudy)
🌟 Master of Illusion: Rag Doll Actor Ali Cook (The Cunning Man)
🏆 Stage Sensation: Olivier Award-Nominated Actress Amy Lennox (Near)
🌟 Student Visionaries: Oscar-Winning Tristan Holmes (The Fragile King) and Ariel Heller (Mammoth)

These remarkable individuals and more have graced our festival, captivating audiences and leaving an indelible imprint on the world of cinema.

🎬 Join the Legacy: New Renaissance Awaits You

Step into the world of New Renaissance, where dreams are realised, talents are nurtured, and legends are born. New Renaissance welcomes you with open arms and invites you to be part of the legacy. 🎉🎥🌟

📜 Our Commitment to Transparency: Submission Fee Policy

At New Renaissance, we understand the financial challenges that filmmakers often face. We recognise the importance of supporting artists on their creative journey, but as a self-funding festival, we must maintain a sustainable approach. Regrettably, we are unable to waive the submission fee.

🌐 Stay Connected: Join Our Mailing List and Social Media Community

We don't want you to miss a beat! Stay in the loop with the latest updates, exciting announcements, and insider insights by joining our mailing list. Be the first to know about upcoming events, submission deadlines, and exclusive opportunities that can elevate your filmmaking aspirations.

Follow us on social media, where we share captivating posts, thought-provoking content, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of New Renaissance.