The World Cinema Film Festival is a celebration of culture and community through a universal love of film - brought to you by London based production company Bluebird Pictures.

Over three days we screen short films from around the world that represent some of best in world cinema. This is accompanied by industry talks, an opportunity to feast on local cuisine from our global food stalls and networking - making it a truly inclusive and special festival.

The World Cinema Film Festival has a summer festival atmosphere that will allow attendees to pick and choose which talks and screenings they view, with lots of opportunity to network and try out new food and drink. At the end of the festival we have an amazing award ceremony for our winners from the selected films.

In September 2022 we will be hosting the festival at a brand new building in Barking, East London called Make It Barking - taking over the entire ground floor for three days. Our opening night will be curated by local events company One Room, and will feature a selection of short films in the event space, with music, food and drinks in the main restaurant/ bar area. The following two days will host our short film showcases, alongside industry guest speakers. £1 of every ticket sold this year will be donated to the Future Youth Zone and pay for lunches for kids.

Awards & Prizes

ALL selected films will play in the festival and be voted for by a panel of industry experts as best in category, for the following prizes:

SHORT FILM WINNER:
Industry standard Final Draft screenwriting software worth $250
Meeting with and industry pro
Pitching session with a producer
Screening in
London
Opportunity for representation with US based talent management company Emagine Content
Free membership with Backstage Casting

SHORT DOCUMENTARY WINNER:
Industry standard Final Draft screenwriting software worth $250
Meeting with and industry pro
Pitching session with a producer
Screening in London
Opportunity for representation with US based talent management company Emagine Content
Free membership with Backstage Casting

SHORT ANIMATION WINNER:
Industry standard Final Draft screenwriting software worth $250
Meeting with and industry pro
Pitching session with a producer
Screening in London
Opportunity for representation with US based talent management company Emagine Content
Free membership with Backstage Casting

VIRTUAL REALITY & 360 WINNER:
Industry standard Final Draft screenwriting software worth $250
Meeting with an industry pro
Pitching session with a producer
Screening in London
Opportunity for representation with US based talent management company Emagine Content
Free membership with Backstage Casting

AUDIENCE FAVOURITE AWARD
ALL selected films will be eligible for the audience favourite award for a cash prize towards their next film

Our previous winners had meetings with the following industry professionals:

Concept artist for Wonder Woman Po Sing Chu
Director of Photography for Game of Thrones Fabian Wagner
Writer and producer of hit Channel 4 show Humans Jonathan Brackley
Literary agent from Curtis Brown Kat Buckle
Director and writer Koby Adom
Writers of the new Mulan movie Elizabeth Martin and Lauren Hynek

And many more..

Rules & Terms

-Films must be under 20 minutes
-No premiere status required
-Unfortunately we cannot offer any fee waivers
-Any genre is accepted in each category

7 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • CHiMaeRa FiLMS

    Very grateful to have had Starboy selected to this brilliant and unusual festival that featured so many talented filmmakers with diverse voices. And also, behind it, is a caring, wonderful and thoughtful team of people led by Joelle Dae David & Bluebird Pictures. Great festival to be part of. Thank you again.

    October 2021
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  • Felipe Haurelhuk

    I would like to emphasize that the event is composed of a dedicated, attentive and very competent team. The organization is of the highest quality and the spaces are crucial for filmmakers from all parts of the world, but especially for new voices. Thank you so much for allowing us to be at the 2021 edition and for the award given to our VR film. Can't help being personally with you some time in the future!

    October 2021
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  • Janet Marrett

    It was a real pleasure to be part of WCFF 2021, a fantastic selection of films from diverse filmmakers with strong voices. The team are super engaged and responsive to any questions - all round a great experience, highly recommended!
    Thanks WCFF for selecting ASUNDER to be part of the 2021 edition we are absolutely delighted to receive the Best Short Film award!

    October 2021
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  • Carlos Carneiro

    Joelle who runs World Cinema FF is doing an incredible work because she really thinks "how can I go beyond awarding filmmakers just a laurel" so she connected us with DoP, Producer, and other industry people who were able to answer questions or give us advice on how to maneuver this industry. That was really thoughtful and helpful. Thank you Joelle. Great work. Keep it up, we appreciate you.

    September 2020
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  • Hussina Raja

    A brilliant festival especially for emerging filmmakers. My short film ROOTS won in the Best International Short Film category, and although it was online this year due to the pandemic I have gained a lot from the industry mentoring and prizes. A big thank you to Joelle Dae David & Bluebird Pictures for selecting ROOTS.

    September 2020
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