BIFF 2026 — Real Stories. Real Cinema.

9–10 October 2026 | EASTCLIFF CAMPUS | UK

Social Realism at BIFF is cinema that tells the truth of lived experience.
We celebrate filmmakers who look closely at their communities, workplaces, families, and identities and show the beauty, humour, and struggle of everyday life.
Whether in Bournemouth or Bogotá, Sheffield or Seoul, these are stories of empathy, resilience, and the shared human condition.

Where Truth Meets Cinema

Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) is a purpose-driven, filmmaker-focused festival championing first-time creators, bold storytelling, and underrepresented voices from around the world.

As a registered Community Interest Company (CIC), BIFF reinvests all profits into filmmaker development, bursaries, education, and community-led cultural projects.

Held at the Hilton Bournemouth, the festival combines screenings, workshops, and networking with a black-tie awards night, all designed to spotlight authentic stories and empower emerging talent.

What We’re Looking For

At BIFF 2026, we welcome films and scripts of all genres, styles, and voices.
Our theme, Social Realism, invites work that reflects life as it’s truly lived — from the intimate to the universal.
We’re drawn to films that explore community, identity, work, family, migration, belonging, and hope — told with honesty, empathy, and imagination.

Your story doesn’t have to be “gritty” to belong here. If it feels real, it’s part of our story.

Thematic Strands for 2026

💬 Everyday Heroes
Stories that find dignity, humour, and beauty in ordinary lives.

🌱 Voices from the Margins
Perspectives often overlooked — working-class, migrant, LGBTQ+, disabled, or displaced storytellers.

🏠 Real Places, Real Lives
Narratives and documentaries grounded in authentic communities and spaces.

🎞️ The World Next Door
Socially conscious cinema from around the globe — shared humanity, different lenses.

☀️ Hope in Focus
Stories of resilience, solidarity, and optimism in the face of challenge.

🎓 The Youth Lens
Raw, personal, and powerful work from the next generation of storytellers.

Festival Highlights

✅ Screenings by the Sea in Bournemouth
✅ Black Tie Awards Night
✅ Industry Networking and Masterclasses
✅ Physical Trophies and Press Exposure
✅ Inclusive, Accessible, and Filmmaker-Focused

What We’re Accepting

Short Films
Narrative | Documentary | Animation | Experimental | Genre | Student
(Under 25 minutes)

Short Film Scripts
Up to 15 pages | Any genre | Open worldwide
🏆 The winning script will be produced in Dorset in 2026 and premiered at BIFF 2027.

Feature Films
Narrative & Documentary (Over 60 minutes)
Open to UK and International entries with a strong emphasis on emerging and debut filmmakers.

Awards & Recognition

Best UK Short
Best International Short
Best Documentary
Best First-Time Filmmaker
Best Director
Best Student Film
Best Screenplay (Short Script)
Best Cinematography
Audience Choice Award
…and more across short, feature, and script categories.

All winners receive physical trophies and media recognition.

Why Submit to BIFF?

🎥 Your work seen by industry professionals — every project is watched, not just screened.
🤝 Real networking and development opportunities — panels, talks, and potential mentorships.
💬 Press & media exposure — coverage across social channels and regional outlets.
❤️ A festival that exists to support your journey — not just play your film.

Submission Guidelines

Short films: Under 25 minutes
Feature films: Over 60 minutes but under 120 minutes
Scripts: Max 15 pages (short film format)
All genres welcome.
Non-English films must include English subtitles.

Join us in Bournemouth for a festival where cinema meets community, and where every filmmaker, established or emerging is invited to tell the truth of their world.

🎞️ BIFF 2026. Real Stories. Real Cinema.
Submit now.

Awards & Prizes

Awards & Prizes — Celebrating Real Stories and Craft

At BIFF 2026, we honour excellence across every aspect of filmmaking — from story and performance to sound, editing, and design.
With 55 awards across all categories, BIFF recognises not just standout films but the people and craft that make them possible.

Our awards celebrate authenticity, empathy, and creativity — the hallmarks of Social Realism and honest storytelling.

Some of our awards include:
Best International Film
Best UK Film
Best Documentary Feature
Best Documentary Short
Best First-Time Director
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound / Composer
Best Production Design - Animation
Best Performance Short or Feature
…and many more celebrating the full range of global cinema.

Overall Winning Screenplay, produced in Dorset and premiered at BIFF 2027 - subject to conditions and acceptabel option agreement.

What Winners Receive

🏆 BIFF Trophy & Official Laurels
Prestigious physical awards and digital laurels for selections and winners, perfect for promotional use.

🎥 Industry Exposure
Connect with filmmakers, distributors, and media partners through BIFF’s press, panels, and coverage.

🎞 Festival Screenings
Winning films showcased at the Hilton Bournemouth, a coastal celebration of real cinema.

🎬 Short Film Production Prize
Our winning screenplay is produced in Dorset with a professional cast and crew, premiering at BIFF 2027.

🤝 Networking Opportunities
Exclusive access to filmmakers, producers, and leading industry professionals throughout the festival.

Submit your film or screenplay today and be part of a festival that celebrates truth, craft, and creativity.
BIFF 2026 — Real Stories. Real Cinema.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms — BIFF 2026: Real Stories. Real Cinema.

By submitting to the Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF), you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions. BIFF is a registered Community Interest Company (CIC) — all profits are reinvested into filmmaker development, bursaries, and community-led cultural initiatives.

1. ELIGIBILITY & SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Films must have been completed after January 1, 2022.
We accept all genres and formats — narrative, documentary, animation, experimental, and student films.
BIFF’s 2026 theme is Social Realism: Real Stories. Real Cinema. Submissions do not need to explicitly match the theme, but authenticity, empathy, and originality are valued across all entries.
Films must not be publicly available online prior to the festival screening. Private or other festival screenings are permitted.
All non-English language films must include English subtitles.
Submissions must be made via FilmFreeway only.
Submission fees are non-refundable, regardless of selection outcome.
Entrants must be aged 18 or over (or have consent from a legal guardian).

2. RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
The filmmaker must own, or have obtained, all rights necessary to exhibit the work — including music, footage, performances, and trademarks.
By submitting, filmmakers grant BIFF the non-exclusive right to:
Screen the film during the 2026 festival and any related BIFF events.
Use clips, stills, posters, and promotional materials for marketing, social media, and press.
BIFF does not claim ownership of submitted works. All rights remain with the filmmaker.
Filmmakers may be contacted for additional permissions if their work is considered for touring or educational screenings.

3. JUDGING & SELECTION PROCESS
All submissions are reviewed by a panel of industry professionals, programmers, and filmmakers.
Films are judged on storytelling, authenticity, direction, performance, craft, and originality — not budget or resources.
Judging is impartial and final. BIFF will not engage in correspondence regarding selection decisions.
Not all Official Selections are guaranteed a physical screening, but all are promoted within the BIFF programme and online.

Ethics & Transparency
BIFF ensures a conflict-free judging process. Any judge connected to a film must recuse themselves.
Any attempt to influence, lobby, or contact judges directly will result in disqualification.
BIFF reserves the right to withdraw awards or selections if ethical or legal concerns arise.

4. LIABILITY & EVENT CONDITIONS
BIFF does not cover travel, accommodation, or screening expenses for filmmakers. Festival tickets will be offered to selected films at 50% OFF the RRP.
BIFF is not liable for delays, cancellations, or modifications due to force majeure, venue issues, or legal restrictions.
The festival reserves the right to alter dates, venues, or schedules if necessary.
Filmmakers are responsible for ensuring that all materials (DCP, Blu-ray, online link, etc.) are correctly formatted and accessible.
BIFF is not responsible for corrupted, damaged, or inaccessible screening files.

5. SCREENWRITING COMPETITION TERMS
Screenplays must be no longer than 15 pages and follow industry-standard formatting.
Writers retain full copyright and authorship of their work.
The winning short screenplay will be produced in Dorset under BIFF supervision and premiered at BIFF 2027.
The writer will receive “Written by” credit and creative consultation throughout production.
Final creative decisions rest with BIFF to ensure professional delivery, but collaboration is central to the process.
If the winning writer wishes to direct their film, BIFF will review this collaboratively to determine suitability.
All script submissions receive a brief reader report (1–2 paragraphs) via FilmFreeway. Extended notes or development sessions are not guaranteed.

6. ADDITIONAL TERMS
By submitting, entrants confirm that all information provided is accurate.
BIFF reserves the right to disqualify submissions that breach the terms above.
BIFF reserves the right to make final decisions on all festival matters.
Legal jurisdiction: United Kingdom (UK) law.

Agreement
By submitting your film or screenplay, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to these terms and conditions.
You acknowledge that BIFF is a community-driven, non-profit festival committed to fairness, transparency, and the celebration of real stories told with honesty and heart.

By submitting your film or screenplay, you agree to these terms and confirm that all information provided is accurate.
21 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ciaran Parsons

    Fantastic festival, location and networking experience. The quality of the work on show was of a really high standard.

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Adam Cowie

    Great festival with an excellent lineup of films. Very happy to have been selected as a finalist and there was a fantastic crowd turnout for the screenings. We’ll definitely be back with another film in the future. Thanks again!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Nick Zerafa

    I had a fantastic experience at the first-ever Bournemouth International Film Festival. It was a great networking event — friendly, well-organised, and full of opportunities to connect with other filmmakers and industry professionals. The sessions were informative and incredibly valuable for those just starting out in the film industry.

    It was an honour to have my film Signature selected and screened as part of this inaugural festival. A huge thank you to the entire team for creating such an inspiring and welcoming environment. I’d definitely love to attend future festivals!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Dom Poots

    The festival strikes a rare balance between professionalism and genuine warmth, creating a space where filmmakers feel truly supported. The programming is diverse and thoughtfully curated, and the audiences are engaged and appreciative, leading to meaningful discussions.

    While I’m grateful that my film received awards, what stands out most is the festival itself. Steve has such passion for storytelling, its attention to filmmakers, and its commitment to celebrating independent cinema.

    I’d highly recommend the Bournemouth International Film Festival to any filmmaker looking for a well-run, inspiring, and truly filmmaker-focused event.

    We were treated so well as a company and believe this festival will do very big things going forward.

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Luke Roberts

    Thrilled that our film 'Bluebottle Theory' won Best Debut at BIFF! It was such a great festival. Really well run, everyone was so welcoming and it was absolutely clear that a huge amount of thought, planning and care had gone into it. Unbelievable this was its first year. Bournemouth should be a must on everyone's film festival circuit. Thank you all so much.

    October 2025
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