Forward Film & Television Festival is a celebration of established, new and emerging international screen talent — returning for our second edition in 2026.

Based in Digbeth, Birmingham (UK) — the city’s cultural and creative centre — the festival sits alongside an incredible screen ecosystem, including Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc. Film Studios, the new BBC studios, The Mockingbird independent cinema, MET Film School and Reel Brum. Forward is a welcoming place to discover bold new work, meet your future collaborators, and Put Your Films Forward.

Our first year was endorsed by Steven Knight and Joe Lycett, and supported by The BBC, Digbeth Loc. Studios, Creative UK, Create Central and the Royal Television Society. We welcomed visitors and submissions from the UK, USA, Poland, Germany, Sweden, Italy and South Africa — showcasing Birmingham to the world, and the world to Birmingham.

Festival dates

1–4 October 2026

What to expect

Across the festival you can expect:
• Exclusive previews and film screenings
• Free events
• Industry panels
• Special events, including Q&As, event cinema and networking
• An annual awards ceremony
• Pre-awards online screenings and exclusive content
• Post-awards screenings of winning films
• Local business involvement across food, drink, entertainment and more
• Great transport links, parking and accommodation options

We welcome entries across a broad range of categories, with varied and affordable price points — and we’re proud to build a festival that’s accessible, ambitious, and rooted in one of the most culturally diverse and welcoming cities in Europe.

Put Your Films Forward.

Awards & Prizes

Alongside laurels and trophies, Forward Film & Television Festival awards prizes and developmental support across multiple categories.

Awards include:
• Best Film (Feature and Short)
• Best TV Episode/Pilot
• Genre Awards (Horror & Comedy)
• Best Screenplay (Feature, Short & TV)
• Best Make Up and/or SFX
• Best Music Video
• Best Animation
• Best Documentary
• Best International Filmmaker
• Best Young Filmmaker (new for 2026)

Every film submitted is also automatically considered for:
Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Lead Actor and Best Editing.

For first-time filmmakers, we also present One To Watch — celebrating emerging talent — plus West Midlands-specific awards designed to spotlight and push regional work.

Rules & Terms

All submissions must be the artist’s own work, and the submitter must hold the necessary rights and permissions.

We will not consider projects completed more than two years before the festival event date.

Please see individual categories for full terms and requirements.
8 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Sonia Levesque

    Great vibes, wonderful community and so much talent on show. I enjoyed the industry day, as well as the screening events + awards ceremony. Many thanks for the best animation and best music video nominations (Freeze Frame - IsolaKing) ...looking forward to the festival coming back next year :)

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for taking the time to write a review Sonia. We're looking forward to welcoming you to the festival again very soon.

  • Candice Palladino

    Such a well oiled and kind machine. I couldn't believe it was in it's first year.

    FFF is clearly run by intelligent, hard-working, and kind individuals who a) know exactly what they are doing and b) just want the best for Birmingham and for cinema.

    You cannot go wrong submitting your work to these humans. They will handle you and your art with care and treat you to wonderfully fun and informative events as part of the festival experience.

    Submit.

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your kind words Candice. We hope to see you -and your work - at our festival again very soon.

  • Film Zefirofiu

    I found wonderful hospitality and a lot of enthusiasm at this year's Forward Film & TV Festival. There was a great selection of films to watch and many interesting events to follow. I'm thrilled that my romantic TV pilot "Wonderseekers" won in the city with the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings. Thanks to the entire FFF team and thanks to the city of Birmingham! From Director Michele Lanubile (Italy)

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for submitting your work to our festival and for visiting our city. We hope to welcome you again very soon. congratulations on your win.

  • Jack Richardson

    Wow. What an amazing 5 days of films, panels, networking, events and awards. In it's first year!? Can't wait to attend next year.

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much Jack. We can't wait to keep improving and look forward to welcoming you in 2026!

  • Elliott Johns

    What a film festival should be!

    A brilliant festival hosted in a fantastic location, giving you the ability to show your work and network to a number of people. A very friendly team who clearly put a tremendous amount of hard work into it and their passion is felt throughout.

    July 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for your review and positivity Elliot. Hopefully we'll be welcoming you to our festival again very soon.