For so long, "urban" has been seen as an extension of “black”, “underground”, “other”, “unworthy”.

We know that in every walk of life urban culture, more than ever, is revered as trend setting, forward-thinking, inclusive and innovative.

This is the reason why BAFTA, BIFA, AMAA and our industry festival partners (including Iris Prize) have officially recognised BUFF - giving our filmmakers direct opportunities to qualify for film awards. BUFF is the longest standing black-owned film festival in the United Kingdom.

New for 2027, BUFF will introduce a revenue participation and reporting model for selected feature films screening in person during the festival.

Participating filmmakers will receive 70% of the net box office from qualifying screenings after the cinema split, alongside a verified post-festival report outlining ticket sales and audience engagement data.

With 8 filmmakers receiving post-festival cash payouts in 2026, this initiative reflects BUFF’s growing commitment to helping independent filmmakers participate more directly in the value created by audience demand.

We believe independent cinema deserves more than visibility alone. It deserves sustainable pathways for films to be discovered, experienced, and meaningfully supported.

At the British Urban Film Festival, we have been a pioneering platform for all facets of diversity since our formation in 2005.

Long before diversity quotas and terminology such as BAME and non-binary, we have always welcomed, showcased, given coverage to and awarded films which embrace diverse storytelling, celebrating filmmakers from diverse backgrounds representative of the 9 diversity strands:

age. disability. gender reassignment.
marriage and civil partnership. pregnancy and maternity. race.
religion or belief. sex.

Awards & Prizes

IF YOUR SUBMISSION IS SELECTED FOR 2027…

Only shortlisted submissions will receive further emails, social media messages or telephone calls/text messages from the BUFF submissions team after the final submission deadline passes. Submissions for 2027 open from April 2026 onwards.

Please make sure you have a DCP-ready file for your film to play theatrically.

All feature filmmakers should make provisions to secure a BBFC certificate in the event of official selection to the 2027 event.

All shortlisted films will be eligible to win a British Urban Film Festival short film/feature film award in 2027.

All shortlisted films will be considered for theatrical distribution through our industry partners.

All shortlisted feature films will receive 70% of the net box office from qualifying screenings after the cinema split, alongside a verified post-festival report outlining ticket sales and audience engagement data.

Please note:

All British short films and British short animations accepted into the 2026 British Urban Film Festival are eligible to be entered into the 2027 BAFTA film awards.

All British films accepted into the 2026 British Urban Film Festival are eligible to be entered into the 2026 British Independent Film Awards (BIFA).

*Films accepted into the 2026 British Urban Film Festival will be in contention for an African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) in 2026 (subject to eligibility). BUFF will submit official selections from filmmakers of African origin and non-Africans who have contributed to the African film industry.

*Films accepted into the 2026 British Urban Film Festival will be in contention for the Iris Prize LGBT+ film festival and screening opportunities on Film4. BUFF will submit official selections from filmmakers of LGBT origin and films that are LGBT in theme. BAME selections which fit either criteria will be prioritised.

SUCCESSFUL SCRIPTS:

The final shortlist of 3 scripts (in addition to receiving a British Urban Film Festival award) will be considered for development through our industry partners.

Rules & Terms

Scripts: must be no less than 20 pages and no more than 120.

Feature length films: must be no less than 44 minutes and no more than 120.

Short films must be no less than 3 minutes and no more than 44.

All Music, Spoken Word, Dance & Moving Image videos must be no less than 3 minutes.

The festival operates a no waiver policy.

Per our refund policy, fees are non-refundable.

Please note that non-acceptance to the festival is not a valid reason for a refund.

55 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Siddharth Menon

    One of the very rare festivals that places the emphasis on the filmmaker and has an effective and prompt communication. With an excellent Festival Head (shoutout to Kelechi) and an even more affable and hard working crew of volunteers . Definitely recommend this festival for enhanced visibility of your film and for an insightful Q&A post your film.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Steve Brumwell

    Fantastic people, full of joy and commitment to new voices. The event goes out of its way to make you feel welcomed and valued.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Adrian Woodard II

    What a wonderful time in London. We walked away with Best Soundtrack for our film, Rise of The Legion. This is a First Class film festival!

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We very much appreciate you and the family sharing your Rise of the Legion experience with us in London. Many congratulations on the recent EMMY nomination - onwards and upwards :)

  • Amir Zargara

    Thanks for having us :)

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hi Amir - the pleasure was all ours. We hope to see you back next year

  • Poppy O'Hagan

    Incredible festival with such wonderful filmmakers and industry pros! Thank you Emmanuel and Kelechi!!

    May 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much for the kind words Poppy, we appreciate you.
    It helps to have such great films to put on and Every Time I See A Yellow Car was certainly one of them in 2026.