Welcome to the Tees Valley International Film Festival 2026!

Last year, over 2,000 film enthusiasts joined us for TVIFF, cementing our reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative events in the British film festival circuit.

Going into our fifth year, TVIFF celebrates and rewards the finest short films from independent filmmakers across the globe. Our program goes beyond screenings, offering industry-leading workshops, gala events featuring Q&As with directors and actors, and insightful seminars. Past guests have included British TV & Film icons like Johnny Vegas, Stephen Tompkinson, Robson Green, Jill Halfpenny, Shaun Dooley, Tim Healy, and legendary filmmaker Franc Roddam. The festival culminates in a glittering awards ceremony attended by over 500 guests, honouring the best in independent cinema.

Hosted at the renowned ARC Arts Centre in the heart of Teesside, TVIFF is proud to be the only major regional British film festival where every screening and event takes place under one roof.

Being selected by TVIFF means much more than adding a laurel to your film poster. We are dedicated to showcasing your work with the biggest platform and brightest spotlight possible. Submitters also gain access to our groundbreaking short film funding initiative, the TVIFF Scholarship, where we fund a short film concept, chosen and supported by industry professionals. Visit our website to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Don't just take our word for it - check out our five-star reviews and stunning photos from past festivals. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@theTVIFF) for updates on what's to come. The Tees Valley International Film Festival is more than just a festival...it's a celebration of cinematic creativity like no other.

Awards & Prizes

Best Drama
Best Comedy
Best Horror
Best Documentary
Best North East Film (Parmo D’Or)
Best First Time Film
Best Student Film
Best Smart Phone Film
Best Animation

Rules & Terms

Films must be not more than 20 minutes in duration
Films shot with a phone must’ve been filmed entirely on a smart phone.
Best North East Film entries must be made by a person or group currently based in the North East of England.
32 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Hollow Crow

    This was a fantastic festival; the vibe was continuously uplifting. Truly a celebration of film and creative media. The screenings for each category were filled with tremendous work and were so inspiring to see. The VIP night was also an amazing opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and discuss our shared love of film. Joining the list of winners for the TVIFF 2025 was one of the greatest moments of my career. Thank you, TVIFF!

    December 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Team HC. We hope to welcome you and showcase more of your work at TVIFF 2026.

  • Jordan McGuinness

    An incredible experience, the event was filled with positivity and support. The closing ceremony was just wonderful, you cannot fake that kind of good energy. Everyone had a great time and the surprise at the end was the perfect way to finish the festival. I am already recommending all of my fellow animator friends from Teesside Uni to submit entries and attend the next one.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi Jordan. We're so pleased you had a great time and felt the exact vibe that we aim to create. See you next year!

  • Ross Cawton

    A massive thank you to Michael and the rest of the amazing Tees Valley International Film Festival team for selecting 'Do You Want To' and nominating it for the 'Parmo D'Or Award' for 'Best North East Film'! Unfortunately we were not able to attend but the communication was first class! It was an honour to be a part of the programme this year and deeply flattering to be nominated! Thank you so much again team! If you have a film, then I highly recommend you submit to this festival! 5*

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Ross. You'd better be at TVIFF 2026 with another film as hugely entertaining as 'Do You Want To'.

  • Bianca O'Neill

    A wonderful festival with amazing communication and great vibes.
    Thank you so much for the honourable mention of Yellow Daisy Butterfly. We appreciate the recognition.
    Dearly wish could have attended in person.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Bianca! Hopefully we can welcome you and your outstanding work to TVIFF 2026!

  • Kayven Kaplan

    What a great festival to be a part of - Great selection of short films, passionate and dedicated staff, you can't go wrong.

    Bring on next year.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Kayven. We look forward to welcoming you and your excellent work next year.