BFI London International Film Festival

About

It is the UK's largest public film event, screening more than 300 features, documentaries and shorts from almost 50 countries. The festival, (the LFF), currently in its 55th year, is run every year in the second half of October under the umbrella of the British Film Institute. The Festival showcases the best of world cinema to champion creativity, originality, vision and imagination, and presents the finest contemporary international cinema from both established and emerging film-makers. Set in the Autumn, the festival hosts high profile awards contenders, screens recently restored archive films, champions new discoveries and combines curatorial strength with red carpet glamour. It also provides an extensive programme of industry events, public forums, education events, lectures, masterclasses and Q&As with film-makers and film talent.

Program

• Opening Closing nights and galas,
• Film on the Square,
• New British Cinema,
• French Revolutions,
• Cinema Europe, World, Experimental, Treasures from the Archives,
• Shorts,
• Masterclasses.

Awards

• Best Film Award (with American Express),
• Best Documentary (the Grierson Award),
• Best First Feature Film (the Sutherland Award).

Rules

No prior exploitation in United Kingdom, films may not be older than 18 months.

All feature films screened in the festival must be at least UK Premieres. For Competition films, preference will be given to European, International and World premieres. There are no premiere or prior screening restrictions for short films. 

Short films must have a running time of 40 minutes or less.

Documents and Other Requisite Items

• Complete on-line submission;
• Include a secure online viewing link and password with your submission or send a DVD copy of the film, plus a synopsis and/or press kit as soon as possible.

Festival covers two-way print/ video transport and insurance.

Subtitles language: English

Premiere Requirements

National premiere required.

Jury and Organizers

Festival Director
Mrs. Clare Stewart

Program Director
Mr. Michael Hayden, Ms. Sarah Lutton