THE WORLD'S COOLEST FILM FESTIVAL
CPIFF is a BIFA qualified festival.
With the majority of our screenings sold out, see why celebrities & filmmakers say we're the coolest and screen higher quality than anyone in this video: https://vimeo.com/671142880

Rated 7th out of 12,000+ festivals on Film Freeway, we are also one of the most inclusive festivals as since the start in 2009 we have ensured every screening night has films starring and made by numerous ethnic groups. We also include as many LGBTQIA+ films as possible. Submit Now.

Writer of The Simpsons since it began, Mike Reiss, said: “YOU RUN THE VERY BEST FILM FESTIVAL WE'VE EVER BEEN TO - AND WE'VE BEEN TO A LOT! CPIFF is a very casual setting but there’s nothing casual about how it’s put together and how high the quality of the films are. They filled the house, there’s food and drink everywhere, it’s been A LOT of fun every night – really top notch.”

EMI RECORDS sponsor the CPIFF Award for Best Music Video with president Rebecca Allen personally picking the winner.

Every year, filmmakers who attend many festivals comment on the sold out nights and the higher quality of film at CPIFF compared to other festivals.

Phil Dunn writer/director wrote: “OUTSTANDING festival. This is how you do it. Other festivals take note. Tons of sold out nights, amazing selection of high calibre films and beautiful screenings at gorgeous Everyman Cinemas. Topped off by amazing awards event with food, drinks, desserts, stand-up comedy and hilarious comedy shorts (like really LOL funny). Thanks for nominating THE STUPID BOY for Best Short Film – such an honour when the selections were so high class!”

Music legend PAUL WELLER said about CPIFF: "I've loved it, it's inspiring and we need it, the whole independent movement is a wonderful thing."

JOHNNY VEGAS, one of the biggest names in British comedy presented the CPIFF Awards 2020 and 2021, he said about CPIFF: "Frankly, I've been totally overwhelmed, it's phenomenal!"

James Webber, renowned UK Director: “It’s fantastic, a really great festival. I’ve had 4 films screened here now and as always it’s a full house, sold out audiences. There’s nothing worse than seeing only filmmakers and then just empty seats; it’s not like that here and that’s why it’s worth submitting to and attending.”

Established in 2009, Crystal Palace International Film Festival (CPIFF) screens only the very best of the Independent film it receives. We vigilantly curate our selections so a night of short films, for example, offers one after another of pure quality, an eclectic mix of genres combined with amazing food and drink in fab venues, making every night a social evening to remember. This is why most of our nights sell out well in advance. Filmmakers want an audience and the public want to be entertained; unlike most festivals - we provide both.

We do NOT require a premiere as we support the filmmaker. Festivals that demand a premiere do so to massage their own ego and this puts festival against festival whilst lowering the number of festivals a film can be selected for. When selected by CPIFF your film has a stamp of quality and will be seen by a sizable audience. We are also the ONLY festival to have 4 x 1 hour programmes screened on LONDON LIVE TV channel (permission always sought) because, again, the quality we send is so much higher than the other festivals who put films forward.

Submit your film for a chance of winning a coveted CPIFF Award at the incredible awards & comedy night at this film extravaganza, it will delight you. With themed evenings CPIFF is importantly inspiring the public to really appreciate independent film.

Winners receive a coveted CPIFF Award for best in category presented at the amazing CPIFF Awards.

Judges include:- Rebecca Allen - President of EMI Records! UK's top comedian, writer and producer: Johnny Vegas, Sony award winning comedian, author and columnist: Mark Steel, Peppa Pig creator: Neville Astley, Producer: Beverley Dixon, Bafta winning writer Brian Dooley plus many more.

By submitting to the Festival, you agree to all of the following:
Images from the film can be used in CPIFF (Crystal Palace International Film Festival) publications, the CPIFF website and all other media outlets related to CPIFF publicity and you indemnify CPIFF against any responsibilities incurred by the screening of this film. CPIFF can keep the preview footage for its archive film libraries for viewing at the festival.

Anytime after 20th January films cannot be withdrawn as print, video trailers and website work are too far under way. Any changes would cause a lot of extra work that would then have to be invoiced for and paid for by the withdrawer.

Films must be submitted to CPIFF by the stated deadline
Please note that information given on the submission form may be used by CPIFF for publications.
CPIFF accepts no responsibility if the information provided is inaccurate.
Please note that submissions entered will not be returned.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Emily Morus-Jones

    Fantastic film festival! We were ansolutely delighted to have been a part of it and would reccomend it to anyone thinking of applying.

    May 2023
  • Cathy Tyson

    Thank you Cpiff. The venue was quality. The audience packed and the communication between Neill the festival organiser was prompt every interaction. Considering how much work Fest Organisers have on their plate, that communication was impressive.

    May 2023
  • Gabe Braden

    Such a great festival to have been apart of!

    April 2023
  • Oona Koivula

    So honoured to be part of such a great festival, thanks for having us!

    April 2023
  • Cat White

    Brilliant festival with an incredible selection of films. Went above and beyond to make the experience for filmmakers a great one.

    April 2023