In the spotlight today is the 9th Annual UK Film Festival London, a qualifying festival for the British Independent Film Awards (BIFA). The Festival celebrates filmmakers of all career levels but is particularly interested in supporting filmmakers who might not yet have had a prestigious public celebration of their work. The Festival proudly awards cash awards ranging from ?1,000 to ?3,000 GBP to exceptional short films.
Mat Kirkby, Oscar Winner and Director atRidley Scott Associatesstates that “The UK Film Festival is the most focused, passionate and quality driven film festival in the UK. Their invaluable support helped get me to the Oscars in 2015, where I won the Academy Award for best short film.” With a programme that showcases new talent alongside established filmmakers and actors, UKFF is a lively networking hub.
Over the last eight years the festival has quickly become a career stepping stone, establishing a tradition of discovering and promoting films which have gone on to be Oscar and BAFTA nominees and winners. “Ida” from Poland, “The Broken Circle Breakdown” from Belgium, and Mat Kirkby’s short film “The Phone Call” with Jim Broadbent and Sally Hawkins all went on to win Oscars after screening at UK Film Festival. Additionally, seven scripts selected by UK Film Festival have been optioned and four have now been produced, gone on to win multiple awards and earn advantageous distribution deals.
MISSION & OBJECTIVE The UK Film Festival aims to champion great films but is particularly seeking work from new filmmakers who might not yet have had the chance for a prestigious public screening.
MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL Screenings take place in several prestigious theatres in London, including BFI and The Warner Bros Preview Theatre from 19 to 23 October 2019.
Whether you are a filmmaker or a screenwriter there is an opportunity to be found at UKFF – submit your project soon!
