Richmond Film Festival

6–8 August 2026
Curzon Richmond, London, United Kingdom

The Richmond Film Festival is a London-based international film festival dedicated to independent cinema, UK filmmakers, and emerging global talent. Hosted at Curzon Richmond, one of London’s most respected independent cinemas, the festival delivers a curated theatrical screening experience in the heart of Richmond upon Thames.

Now in its fourth edition, Richmond Film Festival continues to expand as a professional platform for feature films, short films, documentaries, screenwriters, actors, and craft specialists seeking recognition within a UK film festival setting.

RFF is a curated event. We prioritise quality over volume and programme films for cinema exhibition, industry visibility, and meaningful audience engagement.

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Categories

We welcome submissions from the UK and internationally across:
• Independent Feature Film
• UK Short Film
• International Short Film
• Short Documentary
• Animation
• Music Video
• Short Screenplay
• Youth Script Award
• Acting Categories
• Craft & Technical Awards (Cinematography, Editing, Production Design, Sound Design, Music Score, VFX, Costume Design, Colour Grading, Stunts and more)

Standalone craft submissions are accepted.

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Awards & Recognition

Selected films and creatives receive:
• Official Richmond Film Festival Laurels
• Cinema screening at Curzon Richmond (where applicable)
• A bespoke Richmond Film Festival trophy
• Printed programme inclusion
• Press and promotional exposure
• Industry visibility within a London festival environment

Selected awards may include cash prizes, sponsored grants, or development support, subject to confirmed funding and partnership agreements.

All trophies are presented at the official awards ceremony in Richmond, London.

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Why Richmond?

Richmond upon Thames offers a distinctive and prestigious setting for a UK film festival. Located in Greater London and surrounded by historic architecture, independent businesses, and the River Thames, the festival creates a professional yet intimate atmosphere for filmmakers and audiences.

RFF aims to combine cinematic excellence with accessibility, providing a theatrical screening platform for independent filmmakers who want their work experienced on a cinema screen.

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Our Mission

Richmond Film Festival exists to:
• Elevate independent cinema in London
• Support emerging and underrepresented filmmakers
• Celebrate excellence in performance and craft
• Create a sustainable, long-term cultural platform in the UK

Selected winners from the 2026 Richmond Film Festival will also be showcased in our 2027 celebration as the festival continues its growth.

Richmond Film Festival is committed to integrity, transparency, and cinematic quality.

Awards & Prizes

Winners at the Richmond Film Festival will receive:

• Official RFF Laurels
• Curated Cinema Screening at the iconic Curzon Cinema, Richmond
• A beautifully crafted Richmond Film Festival Trophy
• Press and promotional support across our platforms
• Inclusion in our printed programme handbook

Selected awards may also include cash prizes or development support, subject to confirmed funding and sponsorship partnerships.

All awards are presented in person at our annual ceremony in Richmond, London.

Rules & Terms

Richmond Film Festival UK – Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

Open to filmmakers worldwide. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2024.

2. Language & Subtitles

Non-English language films must include English subtitles. English-language films do not require subtitles.

3. Premiere Status

Premiere status is not mandatory, but UK or regional premieres may be prioritised during programming.

4. Screening Format

If selected, filmmakers must deliver a high-quality digital file (.mp4 or DCP) by the provided deadline. DCP is encouraged but not essential.

5. Submission Categories

Submit to the most relevant category. Richmond Film Festival reserves the right to reassign films to more suitable categories if needed.

6. Multiple Submissions

You may submit multiple films, but each entry must be submitted separately with its own entry fee.

7. Entry Fees

All submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of outcome. Pricing tiers include Early Bird, Regular, Late, and Extended. Richmond Film Festival is not responsible for incomplete or incorrect entries.

8. Awards & Prizes
• Richmond Film Festival reserves the right to adjust, merge, or withhold award categories based on submission volume or quality.
• All final decisions rest with the jury and festival organisers.
• Cash prizes will be processed and paid within 21–30 days after the festival concludes.
• Trophies will be presented in person at the awards ceremony. If winners cannot attend, they may nominate a representative to collect on their behalf or request delivery by post (shipping costs apply; international winners are responsible for customs charges).

9. Rights & Permissions

By submitting, you confirm that you own or control all rights to your film and grant Richmond Film Festival the right to:
• Screen your film at the 2026 festival.
• Use up to 30 seconds of footage, stills, and marketing materials for promotional purposes.
• Feature your film in press coverage, printed programme, and social content.

10. Notification of Selection

All selected filmmakers will be notified via email. Due to the high volume of entries, individual feedback cannot be guaranteed.

11. Selected Films Must Provide

If selected, filmmakers will be required to submit:
• A publicly viewable trailer
• 2–3 high-resolution stills
• A short synopsis
• A director bio (optional)
• A signed screening agreement

12. Special Mentions

Films not officially selected but highlighted by the jury for exceptional merit will appear in our printed programme under “Special Mentions – A Salute to the Standouts.”

13. Code of Conduct

Richmond Film Festival is committed to diversity, integrity, and artistic expression. Any disrespectful or discriminatory conduct may result in disqualification.