Leeds International Film Festival

'Leeds International Film Festival has been key in the support and promotion of international filmmakers, including myself, throughout its history. The quality of films and commitment to film makers has been paramount to the success of the festival' - Francis Lee, Director of God's Own Country

"I had a great time in the jury at LIFF. The general standard of the films selected was exceptional and the screenings where well curated. The festival team was very organised and friendly and took great care of the guests at the festival. I would go back any day." - Niclas Gillberg, Festival Director, Uppsala International Short Film Festival

The world's first moving images were shot in Leeds in 1888 by Louis le Prince. Today Leeds is a major centre for film production and exhibition. Leeds International Film Festival is one of the UK's biggest film events.

LIFF is a portal for audiences to discover the real world of film that exists beyond regular film exhibition. LIFF primarily supports outstanding new talent and established talent that has not received deserved exposure in the UK. LIFF considers narrative, documentary and animated films, in feature-length and short formats, and in multiple genres and from all countries. The full programme for LIFF31 is online at leedsfilmcity.com.

Founded in 1987 Leeds International Film Festival is renowned as a dynamic event with a reputation for challenging and innovative programming. A qualifying event for both the Academy Awards and BAFTAs, LIFF presents nine national and international competitions for short films with total cash prizes of over $5000.

Press quotes about LIFF:

‘Leeds International Film Festival is a glorious celebration of world cinema, which brings a stellar blend of old and new movies to an increasingly global city. It’s expertly run, brilliantly staffed and, above all, perfectly programmed. A fantastic fortnight.’ – Subtitled Online

'Rep regulars, arthouse addicts and genre junkies are well-served alike at this free-range festival, which follows London in the calendar, but not in class.' - The Independent

‘The programme continues to prove Leeds has one of the most diverse selections on offer at any British film festival.’ – Huffington Post

“There’s something for all tastes and budgets among this festival’s lineup. Even if you’re stone broke, don’t worry: there’s a special free cinema week, too.” – The Guardian

‘Some of my favourite ever moments in the cinema have come from visits to Leeds.’ – Twitch

‘Finding an obscure film at a festival is always enjoyable, yet the particular high standard of selection at Leeds Film Festival made the entire festival played out like an habitual uncovering of hidden gems.’ – Little White Lies

“Of all the film festivals in the north of England, Leeds has more than earned its place as one of the most diverse, respected, and well-liked amongst the critics who go to assess the new films on offer, and the film-going public who love a good time at the movies."– Pop Insomniacs

The festival a real joy for us to be a part of. The line-up was superb.' - theyorker.co.uk

‘Every city should have a film festival like Leeds.’ – Ken Loach, leading UK filmmaker

LIFF programme sections (full details on leedsfilmcity.com):

OFFICIAL SELECTION
Official Selection is the backbone of the Film Festival and the focal point for new fiction features from around the world. Premieres of exciting new talents emerging in world cinema are presented alongside an extensive panorama of new work from established directors.

LEEDS SHORT FILM AWARDS
LIFF provides a platform for new and established short filmmakers to showcase their work. Shorts selected for LIFF competitions are all chosen from submissions and considered by juries of film professionals. These are the LIFF short film competition winners from 2017:

• Louis le Prince International Short Film Competition – cash prize £1,000: Copa-Loca (Christos Massalas, Greece)
• World Animation Competition – cash prize £1,000: Wicked Girl (Ayce Kartal, France, Turkey)
• British Short Film Competition – cash prize £1,000: The Dog and the Elephant (Michael Sharpe, UK)
• Yorkshire Short Film Competition – cash prize £500: Stan (Ben G. Brown, UK)
• Leeds International Screendance Competition – cash prize £500: Through the Supermarket in Five Easy Pieces (Anna-Maria Hutri, Finland)
• Leeds International Music Video Competition: No Reason - Bonobo (Oscar Hudson, UK)
• Leeds Short Film Audience Award: Wave (Benjamin Cleary &TJ O'Grady Peyton, Ireland)

FANOMENON
Fanomenon is the UK’s leading celebration of fantastic film with an extensive international programme of new and archive horror, sci-fi, fantasy and action films, featuring many special guest appearances. Fanomenon has three short film competitions (listed are 2017 winners):

• The Dark Owls International Fantasy Short Film Competition: Clanker Man (Ben, UK)
• Dead Shorts Audience Award: Spooked (Emma Spook and Gil Gloom, France)
• Sci-Fi Shorts Audience Award: The App (Julián Merino, Spain)

CINEMA VERSA
Cinema Versa is the home of documentary filmmaking in LIFF with two leading themes: 'Music on Film' and 'Underground Voices'. Screenings take place both in cinemas and unconventional venues across the city, often featuring live performances, guest interviews and debates.

RETROSPECTIVES
LIFF has long been dedicated to celebrating film history, unearthing rarely screened classics from the archive and importing rare film prints from around the world.