Leeds International Film Festival

***Covid-19 update: We hope you're all well and keeping safe at this very difficult time. We are still planning for LIFF 2020 to go ahead in November and our programming teams are considering all submissions as usual. We have curated a series of themed selections of short films previously screened at LIFF that we hope you enjoy (may not be available in some countries): leedsfilm.com/film-at-home/liff-presents-short-films.
_____________________________

The world's first moving images were filmed in Leeds in 1888 by Louis le Prince. Today Leeds is a major European centre for film production and exhibition, the home of Screen Yorkshire, and the new home for the UK's leading independent TV company Channel 4.

Founded in 1987 and one of the UK's leading film events, 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.

See the highlights video from LIFF 2019:

Quotes about LIFF from film industry and press:

'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 Ammonite and 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

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

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

'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 a habitual uncovering of hidden gems.' – Little White Lies

'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

LIFF programme sections (full details of the LIFF 2019 film selection are on leedsfilm.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 major platform for new and established short filmmakers to showcase their work. These are the LIFF short film competition winners from 2019:

Louis Le Prince International Short Film ($1300)
Winner: Olla by Ariane Labed (France)
Special Mention: The Christmas Gift by Bogdan Muresanu (Romania)

World Animation Short Film ($1300)
Winner: And Then The Bear by Agnès Patron (France)

British Short Film ($1300)
Winner: Hydebank by Ross McClean (UK)
Special Mention: Pale Saint by Rhys Jones (UK)

Yorkshire Short Film ($660)
Winner: The Strangers Case by Peter Trifunovic (UK)
Special Mention: Seagulls by Ben G. Brown (UK) & Standing in the Rain: Slung Low and The Holbeck by Brett Chapman (UK)

Screendance Short Film ($660)
Winner: The Circle by Lanre Malaolu (UK)
Screendance Audience Choice: Sisters by Daphne Lucker (UK)

Leeds Queer Short Film Award ($660)
Winner: A Night with Noorjehan by Mariam Majid (UK)
Special Mention: The Promise by Paula Gustafsson (Sweden) & My Lady of the Camellia by Edouard Montoute (France)

International Music Video
Winner: Okami by Motomichi Nakamura (UK/USA)
Special Mention: GUO4 by Peter Strickland (Hungary)

Leeds Short Film Audience Award
Winner: Why Slugs Have No Legs by Aline Höchli (Switzerland)

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 programmes:

• International Fantasy Short Film
• Dead Shorts
• Sci-Fi Shorts

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.