The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every April at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2026 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of over 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 11 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests".

With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Awards & Prizes

The London Independent Film Festival gives awards in the following categories:
Best Low-budget Feature (over $200k)
Best Micro-budget Feature (under $200k)
Best No-Budget Feature (under $20k)
Best UK Feature
Best Documentary
Best Sci-Fi / Horror Feature
Best Female Director Feature
Best LGBT film
Best Short Film
Best UK Short
Best Short Documentary
Best Animated Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Short Short
Best Horror / Sci-Fi Short
Best Music Video
Best AI Feature
Best AI Short

Screenplay Award categories:
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Sci-Fi / Horror Screenplay
Best UK Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay

Rules & Terms

1. All film submissions should be made digitally, not via DVD’s in the post. If you are unable/unwilling to use digital submission, please contact us and we’ll work something out.
2. Films which have been broadcast on Television, Cable or have had an international theatrical release prior to LIFF are NOT eligible for any competition but may be screened, out of competition.
3. Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
4. All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
5. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.

81 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alexandra Wain

    A really warm and welcoming vibe. The films screened at the Iconic Genesis Cinema which was amazing! Such a lovely team and our film In the Clouds ended up winning the Best Drama Spirit of London Award 2025 which was such a lovely surprise. 100% submit to this festival!

    June 2026
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  • James Skinner

    We had a wonderful time screening Pigeonholes at LIFF this year. The screenings and networking were great. Huge thanks to Natasha and the whole festival team!

    April 2026
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  • Alena Mucenieks

    very good festival! It was an honor to be present on it!

    April 2026
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  • John Langridge

    A friendly welcome and an inclusive community of film makers and fans makes LIFF an absolute MUST for all Indie FilmMakers. Natasha and the team really do pull our all the stops to make this a brilliant festival. We'll be back again with our next film for sure - if they'll have us!

    Also, pro tip, there's an awesome smash burger joint opposite called 'Simply Smashed' which have been awarded the best burgers in London like three times in a row! 100% recommend!

    April 2026
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  • Paul Laight

    L.I.F.F is a fantastic film festival that has amazing films screening and brilliant organisation too. Natasha and her team run everything so well and I love that independent filmmakers are so warmly supported. The Genesis cinema is a fantastic venue too. Highly recommended for quality of films, screening facilities and networking opportunities!

    April 2026
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