£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, we proudly present the 10th edition of New Renaissance London. For a week in September, we feature a handpicked selection of about 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.

🎬 Be inspired, educated, and connected!

Alongside the festival, we invite you to participate in a range of events and opportunities that include:

🎙️ Filmmaker Q&A Sessions
🖋️ A Screenwriting Competition
🎓 Masterclasses by Film Industry Experts
🗣️ A Filmmaker's Panel Discussion
🤝 A filmmaker's party

✨ The New Renaissance London Experience

At NRFF London, we are genuinely passionate about showcasing the finest independent cinema around. 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 garnered us the title of "One of the UK's top film festivals" (London METRO, O1.08.16) and a top 20 spot on FilmFreeway's list of best reviewed festivals from the many thousands listed. 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 and artists.

💰 £2,500 CASH PRIZES for 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 and artists to shine. 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.

🎥 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 simple: To showcase the most
innovative and inspiring voices in independent cinema and storytelling, while giving filmmakers and screenwriters the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

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.

🌟 Celebrate the New Renaissance - our 10th Year!

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.

🌟 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.

🌟 The Spotlight Awaits: A Plethora of Awards

From the coveted Best Emerging Talent Award, Best Feature, Best UK Short and Best International Short to the thought-provoking Humanity Award, we have a plethora of accolades waiting to celebrate the brilliance of visionary filmmakers and screenwriters like you. Take a glimpse at some of our esteemed awards:

✨ Best Emerging Talent Award
✨Best Feature Film
✨ Best International Short
✨ Best UK Short
✨ Best Animation Short
✨ Best Documentary
✨ Best Drama Short
✨ Best Music Video
✨ Best Dance Film
✨ Best Experimental Short
✨ Best Choreography
✨ Best 3 Minute Short
✨ Official Selection Laurel
✨ Best Director
✨ Best Actor
✨ Best Actress
✨ Best Cinematography
✨ Best Thriller Short
✨ Best Sci-Fi Short
✨ Best Fantasy Short
✨ Best Music Score
✨ Best Feature Screenplay
✨ Best Short Screenplay
✨ Best 3 Minute Screenplay
✨ Best Short Screenplay written by Young Talent.
...and many more!

Don't miss your opportunity to be recognised among the best and brightest. Finalists and winners will be granted the honour they deserve!

Your journey to success starts here. Join us at New Renaissance and let your creativity soar to new heights. 🎥🌟💫

(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) To qualify for a cash prize the winner must satisfy all the terms of their category, and attend the festival in person to receive the award.
(7) The judges reserve the right not to award a cash prize if there is no clear winner in the category, the winner is not in attendance at the festival, or if the sponsor cannot honour their financial pledge. The Applicant shall hold harmless New Renaissance Film Festival from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses which may be incurred in such circumstances.
(8) If award winners are not in attendance the festival will not ship out trophies or certificates after the event.
(9) 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, cash prizes advertised, credits, publicity, screening, and loss of or damage to the screening videos entered.
(10) We know all too well that most filmmakers have to work with a tight budget. Unfortunately however, WE CANNOT WAIVE THE SUBMISSION FEE.
(11) Due to circumstances we may have to replace the live screenings with an online festival. We will try to avoid this if possible. The festival will organise this to its best abilites, but the festival cannot be held accountable for any technical difficulties that may occur during or as a result of the online screening.
(12) PLEASE NOTE THAT SUBMISSION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE, DEADLINES, PROGRAMS, VENUES AND DATES MAY CHANGE. ALL RESPONSES TO FILMMAKERS WILL BE BY EMAIL.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Great fest - at one of my fave venues! Recommend :)

    December 2024
  • One of London's finest festivals made with the true spirit for independent and artistic cinema. Always a pleasure to attend, thanks so much Massi & Jan.

    October 2024
  • A MASSIVE DISAPPOINTMENT. The first time in my life I get invited to a film festival who actually "forgot" my category. Despite the FilmFreeway notification and my previous exchanges to the festival regarding my venue, I not only wasn't on the guest list, but I was also deprived of my stage moment with my award since my screenplay won first prize. It is highly unprofessional, very disagreeable and it left me a bitter taste. I feel like it's in times like this that you realize how little esteem some film festivals hold towards screenwriters.

    October 2024
  • Riley Tu

    A sweet festival!! Thank you for honourable mention for my moving image. Jan and Massi are really supportive for emerging artists and filmmakers!! As an early career artist, I really appreciate your support! x

    October 2024
  • Zoe Hunter Gordon

    I wasn't able to make the festival but my producers went along and had the most fantastic time - the communication was so clear, the venue wonderful & the people they met were fantastic. Thanks so much too for the award guys, an actually genuinely useful injection of cash for my next film. I really appreciate the support! Thank you, Zoe

    October 2024