MISSION

Our mission is to provide not only a memorable cinematic experience for audiences but also an enriching festival event for independent filmmakers. We are dedicated to discovering the most exhilarating and innovative storytelling across various genres, seeking films that challenge and inspire viewers. At JAIFF, we hold the Best of Festival award in the highest regard, as it symbolizes the unique power of independent cinema to provoke thought, evoke emotions, and drive positive transformation. This prestigious accolade celebrates storytelling as a compelling force for social impact and artistic innovation, recognizing a film's remarkable ability to leave an enduring mark on our collective consciousness.

ABOUT

The Jane Austen International Film Festival (JAIFF) is a competitive independent festival held annually in Jane Austen’s splendid Georgian city of Bath, England. We celebrate global independent filmmaking with ambitious programming, creating enriching screening experiences. During the festival we encourage networking and aim to give everyone an entertaining and enjoyable festival experience.

The festival is named after the famous English novelist Jane Austen (1775 – 1817) who resided for many years in the city of Bath, where the festival takes place, and is known primarily for the major novels; Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.

We warmly embrace a wide array of short films, extending beyond historical and costume dramas. Our festival welcomes all independent filmmakers who produce works in the following genres: Animation, Art-House, Comedy, Documentary, Drama: including Historical/Costume Drama, Experimental, Extended Shorts, Horror, LGBTQ+ and Music Video. (Music Videos should have an artistic or experimental flair)

We seek the most exhilarating and innovative storytelling, films that not only entertain but also push boundaries, leaving audiences both challenged and inspired.

Our commitment to short-form filmmaking stems from our profound appreciation for its unique place within the cinematic landscape. Short films often face challenges in accessing larger audiences, residing outside the realm of mainstream cinema due to their abbreviated length. However, this positioning grants filmmakers unparalleled room for experimentation and artistic expression, allowing them to push creative boundaries further.

The JAIFF selection committee is made up of international industry professionals and the festival founders. The festival judges include high standing industry professionals such as:
Stephen Woolley - producer and director: The Crying Game, Michael Collins, Carol.
Andy Symanowski - Aardman Animations: Chicken Run, The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, Shaun the Sheep Movie.
Iain Smith - film and television producer: The Fifth Element, Children of Men, Mad Max: Fury Road.
David Parfitt - producer and actor: Shakespeare in Love, My Week with Marilyn, The Father.

Discover a film festival like no other, where our unwavering commitment to cinematic artistry sets us apart. At our festival, every film submitted is cherished, with each one receiving the attention it truly deserves from start to finish. We firmly believe that to make a fair and thoughtful selection during the nomination process, it is essential to experience the entirety of each film.

But what truly makes our festival an extraordinary opportunity for filmmakers and cinephiles alike is the chance to see their creations come to life on the grandest stage of all – the silver screen of a real cinema. The films that earn the coveted title of 'Officially Selected' will be showcased in their full glory, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the world of cinema as it was meant to be experienced: on a large screen, where every detail and emotion is magnified to captivate hearts and minds.

Join us at our exceptional film festival, where we honor every submission, celebrate the art of storytelling on the big screen, and invite you to experience the enchantment of the Regency era at our glamorous gala awards ceremony. This is a festival that transcends the ordinary and elevates your love for cinema to new heights.

As if that wasn't enough to ignite your passion for the art of cinema, our festival culminates in a grand gala awards ceremony at the prestigious Francis Hotel, nestled in the historic Queens Square of Bath. Picture yourself in the opulent splendor of the Regency era, adorned in your finest Regency attire, for an unforgettable experience of elegance and jubilation. It's not just about watching films; it's about living and breathing the magic of cinema, making memories that will last a lifetime.

In addition to our dedication to cinematic excellence, our festival offers a brilliant networking experience that fosters connections and sparks meaningful conversations. Here, it's not just about watching films; it's about forging lasting relationships within the vibrant film community. Attendees, whether filmmakers, industry professionals, or devoted film enthusiasts, enjoy a unique opportunity to acquaint themselves with one another. Share your insights, exchange ideas, and partake in discussions that transcend the confines of cinema, potentially opening doors to collaborations and friendships that can shape the trajectory of your film career.

Furthermore, our festival takes pride in its commitment to giving filmmakers a platform to discuss their work. Filmmakers are cordially invited to share their thoughts and inspirations through insightful interviews, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative processes underpinning their cinematic works. This interaction not only enriches the festival experience but also imparts interesting insights into the art of filmmaking, nurturing a deeper appreciation for the films showcased.

So, we cordially invite you to join us at our exceptional film festival, where the allure of cinema harmoniously converges with the magic of human connection. Immerse yourself in the world of film, make lasting connections, and be part of an unforgettable celebration of cinematic artistry. This is more than just a festival; it's an immersive, transformative experience for all who share a passion for the silver screen.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The maximum running time for short films is 15 minutes.
Extended shorts and documentaries have a 40 minute time limit.
Music videos have a 5 minute time limit.

Notifications for all nominated films will be announced via email/FilmFreeway on Friday 26th July 2024, and later on our website.

Filmmakers who are nominated, and whose films are part of the 'Official Selection' for screening at our cinema, must provide a DCP version (Digital Cinema Package is the global industry standard format for exhibiting films in cinemas) of their film, preferably on a USB stick. However, we can accept a DCP download providing the file size is not excessive.

If you do not have a DCP copy of your film, providing you can supply a high quality digital file, such as a 2k or 4k .MOV, .MPEG or .MP4, we can have a JAIFF screening DCP created for a fee of £25. There is a reduced rate for student films.
All DCP downloads, and DCPs created for screening, will be transferred to the cinema server and deleted after the festival.

DCPs must NOT be in a zipped folder.
Frame-rate has to be between 24 and 30 fps/sec.
DCPs should be either 2k or 4k.
If you are sending a USB stick with the DCP, it must be formatted FAT32 or NTFS.
NO MAC FORMATTED DRIVES!

Digital downloads must be received NO LATER THAN Monday 26th August 2024.
USB/DCP sticks must be received NO LATER THAN Friday 23rd August 2024.

All DCPs must be submitted by the deadline given to you in the email you will receive from JAIFF.
All DCPs must include the Title, Director(s)’ name, Contact Info, and Genre.
All films in a language other than English MUST include subtitles in English for the festival screening.

MISSING A DEADLINE or lack of communication will DISQUALIFY a selected film as an 'Official Selection'.

Filmmakers are required to collect their USB/DCP stick after the screenings.
If filmmakers are not present to collect their USB/DCP stick after the screenings, they are required to submit a prepaid shipping parcel/envelope with their initial USB/DCP package.
JAIFF does NOT ship unclaimed DCPs without a prepaid shipping parcel/envelop submitted by the filmmaker.

JAIFF is not responsible for lost or damaged packages. Senders are responsible for tracking their safely-packaged and insured shipments.
JAIFF does not provide DCP funding or vouchers.
JAIFF does not waive submission fees, this is to preserve the integrity of the competition and its participants’ artistic works.

Award winners will be selected and announced at our festival Gala Award event and published online at social media outlets at a later time.

The award certificates, and 'Best of Festival' award, will ONLY be given at the Gala Award event, each film should have its representative; producer, director, etc., present to receive an award.

The Jane Austen International Film Festival is held during the world famous Jane Austen Festival; 20th - 21st September 2024.
Festival passes will be available to purchase August 2024, dates TBC.
You may wish to arrive in Bath some days before the Film Festival in order to enjoy some of the activities on offer.

We encourage all attendees to dress in Regency costume, particularly for the Gala Award event. Costumes can be hired in advance and collected at the festival. If Regency costume isn't for you then please dress in elegant evening attire.

Awards include certificates or trophies in the following categories:

ANIMATION: 2D, 3D, Stop-Motion
Best Animation
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Voice Actor (when applicable)
Best Director
Best Story

ART-HOUSE
Best Art-house film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor (when applicable)
Best Director
Best Story

COMEDY
Best Comedy film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Story

DOCUMENTARY
Best Documentary
The Frederick Wiseman Award
Best Director
Best Original Concept
Best Soundtrack

DRAMA
Best Drama
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Story

EXPERIMENTAL
Best Experimental Film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor (when applicable)
Best Visualization
Best Director

EXTENDED SHORT
Best Extended Short
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Story

LGBTQ+
Best LGBTQ+ film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Story

HORROR
The William Beckford Award
Best Horror
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Story

MUSIC VIDEO
Best music video
Best artistic music video
Best Original Concept
Best Visualization
Best Director

SUBMISSIONS:

All entries must be submitted through FilmFreeway.

Multiple films may be submitted but must be submitted separately.

Film entries may be submitted by any member of the filmmaking team who has the authority to do so.

Final submission date is 19th July 2024.

We do not accept peviously submitted films.

All films must be submitted in English or with English subtitles, where appropriate.

Films must have been produced during or after 2017, not earlier.

Filmmakers are responsible for sorting out any and all copyright issues.

The maximum running time for short films is 15 minutes.
Extended shorts and documentaries have a 40 minute time limit.
Music videos have a 5 minute time limit.

We place no restrictions on your work in terms of premiere status or whether your work has previously been made available online.
Please contact the festival team ASAP if there are any issues with the submission process, and we will try to find a solution.

OFFICIAL SELECTIONS:

Nominated Films will be notified via email/FilmFreeway on Friday 26th July 2024, and later on our website.

If your film is selected, you must provide a short tag-line and a digital poster of your film, for online promotion, NO LATER THAN 26th August 2024.

Nominees must confirm their participation via email to: jaiff@parazoom.com NO LATER THAN 26th August 2024.

MISSING A DEADLINE or lack of communication will DISQUALIFY a selected film as an 'Official Selection'.

By accepting a nomination, you give us the right to screen your film in front of a live audience in the historical city of Bath, England.

We require a suitable representative to attend the festival for all successful entries. For example; the filmmaker, director or producer should attend the festival & screenings and if required, be willing to participate in a five minute Q & A session after the screening of their film. And also to participate in interviews, press & photo calls if necessary.

SCREENING REQUIREMENTS:

Digital downloads must be received NO LATER THAN Monday 26th August 2024.
DCP USB sticks must be received NO LATER THAN Friday 23rd August 2024.

DCP sizes for digital downloads must not exceed the following:
Maximumm 22GB for shorts, 60GB for extended shorts and documentaries.

DCPs must NOT be in a zipped folder.
Frame-rate has to be between 24 and 30 fps/sec.
DCPs should be either 2k or 4k.
If you are sending a USB stick with the DCP, it must be formatted FAT32 or NTFS.
NO MAC FORMATTED DRIVES!

All DCPs must be submitted by the deadline given to you in the email you will receive from JAIFF.
All DCPs must include the Title, Director(s)’ name, Contact Info, and Genre.
All films in a language other than English MUST include subtitles in English for the festival screening.

Filmmakers are required to collect their USB/DCP stick after the screenings.
If filmmakers are not present to collect their USB/DCP stick after the screenings, they are required to submit a prepaid shipping parcel/envelope with their initial USB/DCP package.
JAIFF does NOT ship unclaimed DCPs without a prepaid shipping parcel/envelop submitted by the filmmaker.

JAIFF is not responsible for lost or damaged packages. Senders are responsible for tracking their safely-packaged and insured shipments.

Any technical issues with the submitted films are 100% the responsibility of the filmmaker. If, at the time of judging, your video file doesn’t work or doesn’t have English subtitles (if in a language other than English), it will be automatically rejected, without a refund.

GENERAL RULES:

Missing a deadline or lack of communication will DISQUALIFY a selected film as an Official Selection.

Filmmakers are responsible for insurance and shipment costs of their film.

Filmmakers attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.

Filmmakers must have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.

All film material will be handled with utmost care. However, neither the JAIFF staff nor supporting staff can assume responsibility for damage or loss of film DCP or other materials, en route or otherwise, during the course of the festival’s possession.

All stated information, eligibility, awards and submission guidelines, terms and conditions of entry, and entry information is subject to change by the Jane Austen Independent Film Festival, without notice.

Selected films must acknowledge that The JAIFF reserves the right to promote the films on the JAIFFF website and social media using both images and video that you provide.

Filmmakers must purchase a VIP pass in order to attend. The ticket allows access to all screenings, at the historic Little Theatre Cinema, networking opportunities, the award ceremony and Emily's afternoon tea at the prestigious Francis Hotel, Queens Square, Bath. A discount is available for students.

All student films must provide their university and course details.

By submitting to us, you agree to our rules and regulations. We will never sell your information to third parties.

We cannot offer refunds once your film has been submitted.
JAIFF does not provide DCP funding or vouchers.
JAIFF does not waive submission fees, this is to preserve the integrity of the competition and its participants’ artistic works.

The organizers and associated organizers reserve the right to alter, change, amend and/or cancel any part of the festival program. All filmmakers will be informed about any changes through our online platforms.

It may not be possible, for various reasons, to screen all 'official selection' films at the festival. This does not in any way affect the judging process.

Filmmakers shall indemnify and hold harmless the Jane Austen International 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 films entered.

Thank you and good luck.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Saman Khan

    Very thankful to Jane Austen Film Festival team for making this a seamless process from selection to screening and then for awarding Uncaged Documentary Best Director Award. We are very humbled to be screened and awarded at such a beautiful location well- renowned for its literary and cultural reputation present and past. We as a team take deep pride in presenting ourselves as award winners at such a prestigious location and festival home to the brilliant Jane Austen. Thank you so much.

    September 2023
  • JC Barone

    High standards, very well organized, great networking. Overall great experience.

    September 2023
  • andrea vangelisti

    In such a romantic and picturesque city, it is a curated festival of a high standard.
    The team is shrewd and very helpful. It was really a wonderful experience! The materials selected were all of a very high standard, it was really inspiring to be able to compare and form relationships with the various exponents of all the works. The judges are superb! We hope to participate again in the future!

    September 2023
  • Sideliners Series

    A film festival done right! Great location. Great exhibition. Great standard of shorts exhibited. A festival with a lot of heart.

    September 2022
  • Alexis Krasilovsky

    So thankful to the Jane Austen International Film Festival for awarding "The Parking Lot of Dreams" with its "Best Original Concept" award in the Experimental category. Would love to have revisited the charming city of Bath, England to celebrate the screening of so many interesting films in person (but I'm still living like a hermit, which is good for my writing though not for my networking). A wonderful festival - and its Jane Austen-era tea sounds enchanting!

    September 2022