Brighton Rocks International Film Festival (BRIFF) is proud to showcase some of the most diverse, original and boundary-pushing films being made today. The festival is one of the UK's main forums for independent and experimental cinema.

** NB: We are currently accepting submissions for our 10th annual festival 14 - 20 June 2027. Our upcoming edition 15 – 21 June 2026 is now fully scheduled. Please visit our website for the screening programme and ticketing: www.rocksfestivals.com/briff. We'd love to see you there! **

Brighton is a renowned hub for artists and creatives from all walks of life. It is also a state of mind, an attitude, a spirit: one that dares to be itself. When you submit to Brighton Rocks, we pledge that your film will be reviewed with tender loving care and if your film embodies our ideals, we will help you to get the recognition it deserves.

**BRIFF is a BIFA (British Independent Film Awards) Qualifying Festival**

The 10th Annual Festival will take place over one week (14 - 20 June 2027) at Dukes at Komedia Picturehouse Cinema, Daltons & The Actors in Kemptown. In addition to screenings, attendees will enjoy networking sessions, talks by industry professionals abd the chance to socialise with fellow filmmakers in Brighton. Please see our website (www.rocksfestivals.com/screenings) for more information.

OFFICIAL SELECTIONS will be notified on or before 12 May 2027
The SCREENING SCHEDULE will be published on or before 15 May 2027
WINNERS will be revealed at the Festival 14 - 20 June 2027

Brighton Rocks 9th Annual Festival (15 - 21 June 2025) selected over 200 films, receiving funding from the British Film Institute (BFI) and MET Film School. Our Guest of Honour is Toyah Willcox (Quadrophenia & Jubilee). Previous Guests of Honour have included directors Ben Wheatley, Tim Pope and Wiz, screenwriters William Nicholson & Sir David Hare, and actors Toyah Willcox, Phil Davis, Amit Shah, Patrick Bergin, Jo Brand & Jenny Runacre.

FYI, Brighton is a place like no other. It is . . .
• home to the UK’s biggest LGBTQIA+ community outside of London.
• the most popular seaside destination in the UK.
• the setting of some of the UK’s best films, such as Brighton Rock and Quadrophenia.
• home to a thriving music, theatre and arts scene.
• famed for its eco-friendly living & cafés and restaurants.

Awards & Prizes

• There will be Winners & Runners-Up in each category:
ANIMATION, COMEDY, COMEDY-HORROR, DOCUMENTARY (SHORT & FEATURE), DRAMA, EXPERIMENTAL FILM, FEATURE FILM, HORROR, LGBTQIA+ FILM, MICRO-BUDGET FILM, MICRO MOVIE, MUSIC VIDEO, SCIENCE FICTION, STUDENT FILM, THRILLER, WOMEN ROCK, 45RPM
• Additional Awards for:
CINEMATOGRAPHY, DIRECTOR, EDITING, MISE EN SCENE, ORIGINAL SCORE, PERFORMANCE (4 awards), SCREENPLAY, SOUND DESIGN, VISUAL EFFECTS, YOUNG PERFORMANCE (2 awards)
The YOUNG ACE FILMMAKER AWARD will go to the most promising Brighton-based filmmaker under the age of 25.
The SPIRIT OF BRIGHTON AWARD is presented to filmmakers whose work most embodies BRIFF's ethos & ideals.

Rules & Terms

BRIGHTON ROCKS accepts narrative, documentary and experimental films, music videos, micro, short and feature films.
Entry fees are non-refundable.
All films must be in English or have English subtitles.
Postproduction must have been completed after 1 January 2022.
There is no limit on the number of submissions.
All films must have an online screener.
Filmmakers retain the rights to their films.
Filmmakers are responsible for acquiring copyrights, licenses and releases for media used in their films.
By submitting their film, filmmakers gives Brighton Rocks the right to post their posters, trailers, website and social media links on our website.
Brighton Rocks reserves the right to move films into categories different from the one(s) submitted to.

RULES REGARDING CATEGORY SUBMISSIONS

"Made in Brighton" - at least 2 scenes must be set/filmed in Brighton. All genres eligible.
"Micro Budget Film" requires a production budget of less than £1500.
"Micro Movies" must have a runtime of less than 4 minutes, including credits.
"Student Films" must have had at least 2 crew members in full-time education at the time of production.​
"Women Rock" submissions must have an all-female or gender nonconforming cast OR women or gender nonconforming filmmakers in 2 or more of the following positions: director, producer, writer, cinematographer, editor.
"Young Performance Awards" - performers must be 16 years old or younger.
"45RPM" - at least 1 of the Production, Creative Team or Cast has to be a women 45 or over'. The subject must focus on a women 45 or over.
163 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Pardeep Sahota

    An incredible festival. Such wonderful hospitality, a brilliant selection of films with detailed Q&As, and we were really proud to take home the Best Screenplay award. Sarah was our rock(!) and supporter throughout and we really felt the love. I highly recommend this festival and would submit again and hope to be back.

    December 2025
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  • Hayden Mclean

    A truly great festival- James, Sarah & team really have created a beautiful inclusive space and with elite programming. It was an honour to screen The Last Dance at this year's festival and I look forward to sharing future projects with you and hopefully one day return! Thanks BRIFF

    September 2025
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  • Benjamin Verrall

    We were invited to screen at the online festival, which was great. Brighton Rocks' communication was quick, friendly, and professional. We loved being part of this festival and hope to be back again in the future!

    September 2025
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  • Lara kozah

    We were thrilled that our film Romchyk was selected for Brighton Rocks FF. It was an incredible experience to see it on the big screen with an audience — the fact that it touched people so deeply (one person was even in tears) meant a lot to us. The message of the film felt truly resonant in that space.
    Huge thanks to Sarah, James, and Samuel for curating such a strong programme. The screening blocks we were part of were packed with really high-quality films, and it felt like everything was thoughtfully put together. The festival also offered some excellent talks and panels, plus a warm and engaging opening & closing ceremony.
    What really stood out was the relaxed, welcoming environment they created — it made it so easy to connect with other filmmakers, and we had some brilliant conversations. Communication from the team was clear and supportive throughout, which made the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
    We’d highly recommend Brighton Rocks to any filmmaker — it’s a festival that not only celebrates great cinema but also brings people together. Thanks again for having us!

    August 2025
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  • Steven Boyle

    We loved Brighton Rocks. The quality of the programming was excellent as was the projection at Duke’s at Komedia Cinema. TUSKY looked great on the big screen in 4K. Sarah, James and Samuel really looked after us and we loved exploring Brighton, it's such a fun city. What a great film festival! Thanks for having us!

    July 2025
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