Over 160 films have been submitted so far for the Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF), which takes place at the Hilton Bournemouth on 3rd and 4th October. The submissions include a diverse range of films and scripts from producers, directors and writers, spanning from emerging talent to established BAFTA and EMMY-winning filmmakers. The submissions are currently being reviewed and curated so that all the shortlisted films will be shown over the 2 days of the Film Festival. Acclaimed actor Christopher Eccleston is the Festival Patron.
The 160 submissions encompass feature films, short films, documentaries, animations and short scripts. These submissions are currently being reviewed, with 60 already shortlisted to be showcased during the film festival. Each shortlisted film will then be judged by a panel of esteemed judges. The winners in each category, celebrating the best of UK and International films, directors, editors, writers and sound, will receive prestigious awards at the black-tie ceremony on the evening of Saturday 4th October, which will conclude this year’s Film Festival. As part of the awards ceremony, a local winner will be announced for the Outstanding Bournemouth/ Local Filmmaker category.
Festival Director Steve McCarten says:
“We are absolutely blown away by the quantity and quality of the submissions, especially since this is the first Bournemouth International Film Festival. We have received a variety of submissions, from heartwarming films created by local students; to socially conscious narratives from emerging filmmakers; and a powerful short film from a BAFTA-winning filmmaker. The festival sends a powerful message about the role of regional festivals in shaping the future of British storytelling. We can’t wait to share the shortlisted films with our festival attendees on 3rd and 4th October!”
BIFF 2025 will feature screenings across various genres and forms, industry-led panels and workshops, a black-tie awards night, and a strong emphasis on first-time filmmakers and new voices. The festival is a not-for-profit initiative designed to empower emerging talent and build creative opportunities for communities across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and beyond.
Christopher Eccleston joins a growing roster of supporters and collaborators, including the BFI, NFTS, Arts University Bournemouth, Chine Financial, My Little Teddy, Adventure Attractions, and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Tickets for the Bournemouth International Film Festival 2025 are now available. For more information and tickets, go to bournemouthfilmfest.co.uk