Jane Austen International Film Festival

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 is held during the world famous Jane Austen Festival; 18th - 19th September 2026.
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:
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 honour 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.

To conclude the festival, we have the awards ceremony at the renowned Dukes Hotel on Great Pulteney Street, Bath. Set against the elegant Regency backdrop, guests are encouraged to wear Regency attire or evening wear. This is more than a celebration of film, it is an unforgettable experience of elegance and jubilation honouring the art of cinema in a setting that reflects its beauty and significance, 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 30 minute time limit.
Music videos have a 5 minute time limit.

Notifications for all nominated films will be announced via email/FilmFreeway on 24th July 2026, 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 DCP created for screening for a fee of £55. 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 Wednesday 12th August 2026.
USB/DCP sticks must be received NO LATER THAN Wednesday 5th August 2026.

All DCPs must be submitted by the deadline given to you in the email you will receive from JAIFF.
All DCPs must include a note with 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/envelope 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.

All attendees are required to purchase a VIP pass to attend the festival. This pass provides access to all screenings, the networking event, the afternoon tea celebration, and the awards ceremony. Passes will be available starting in mid-August. Nominated filmmakers will receive an email with further details.

The Jane Austen International Film Festival is held during the world famous Jane Austen Festival; 18th - 19th September 2026.
Festival passes will be available to purchase August 2026, 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.