The UVFF is back for it's 12th year and is now a British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) qualifying film festival for Short films and British Feature Films. (https://www.bifa.film).

After Eleven successful years the 2027 festival will be bigger and better! More information to follow soon.

2026 screening were at Everyman Kings Cross, Odeon Luxe & Dine Islington, Everyman Screen on the Green, Curzon Hoxton, Genesis Cinema & The Hen & Chickens Theatre.

UVFF is a founder member of AIFF (Association of Independent Film Festivals), which is a community of film festivals dedicated to promoting transparency, fairness, and protection for filmmakers, including the inclusivity of diverse film cultures. We adhere to strict standards to ensure filmmakers have a positive and legitimate experience, aiming to create a more equitable independent film festival circuit in the U.K. More details at www.aiff.uk

UVFF is run by filmmakers and aims to celebrate the very best in indie and encourage all aspects of independent film making.

There will also be industry workshops and networking events throughout the week.

Islington/Hackney/Camden based filmmakers get a 20% discount off submission fees, contact us for a discount code.

Awards & Prizes

All awards are IMDb accredited.
Best Feature
Best Foreign Feature
Best Short
Best Foreign Short
Best Documentary
Best Documentary (Short)
Best Director
Best Director (Short)
Best Actor (Feature)
Best Actress (Feature)
Best Actress (Short)
Best Actor (Short)
Best Score
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Screenplay
Best Art Direction
Best Make Up/Costume
Best Sound
Best Short Script
The Si Spencer Award
The One to Watch Award
& more

Rules & Terms

Films must have been completed after Jan 2026

Films can have distribution but must not be freely available to watch online.

153 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Olive Pascha

    I was so beyond happy to have Carrot Cake selected, and to win the One to Watch Award. I was gutted to be away, so sadly wasn't able to join. However, it is clearly a unique festival curating fantastic films, with a fierce dedication to supporting emerging filmmakers. I feel really lucky to have been a part of Unrestricted View Film Fesitval 2026.

    July 2026
    Helpful
  • Alexandra Wain

    Delighted for our short, In the Clouds, was selected for this brilliant festival and ended up winning Best Screenplay. Thanks so much to the whole team. Incredible festival with lots of networking opportunities. Really lovely team! 100% submit to this festival!

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Emily Radakovic

    A dream festival! So well programmed, organised, and communicated. The entire team are lovely and so supportive. Screening here truly makes a difference. Not one to miss!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Thom Jackson-Wood

    A massive congratulations to James, Boo, Felicity and the team at UVFF 2026! So pleased that our short film "The Black Box: Awaken" was able to be selected to play here. Communication was great; this is definitely a festival run by filmmakers for filmmakers. It was a pleasure.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Zoë Whittaker

    Had such a lovely time at this festival, James and Boo were both fantastic, they clearly love cinema and were very enthusiastic and welcoming. Was thrilled to be part of the line up. Very high quality of films shown as well.

    May 2026
    Helpful