Festival in the Spotlight

Showcasing in the heart of London and praised by the Guardian newspaper, the UK Film Festival London creates an international networking hub that connects up-and-coming filmmakers with established names such as recent winners and participants, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Dustin Hoffman, James Corden, Sally Hawkins, Jim Broadbent, Olivia Colman, Bill Nighy, Billy Crystal, Riz Ahmed as well as their most recent attendees, Timothy Spall and Steven Berkoff.

The festival champions and awards great independent short and feature films from all over the world - particularly from those filmmakers seeking their first prestigious public screening. They are the first festival to include constructive feedback for all films entered in their new First Time Director Category.

Mat Kirkby, Oscar Winner and Director at Ridley Scott Associates states 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 where I won the Academy Award for best short film."

“…an amazing festival discovering and showcasing an incredible selection of local and international films. Our UK premiere here offered us great exposure both in the UK and across the festival circuit.” Jamie Donoughue, Director – Oscar Nominee.

“Utterly spanking programme, and what a lovely bunch of filmmakers. Truly a gem of a festival.” Harry Lighton, Director – Bafta Nominee.

“A 5 star festival. Thanks to the UKFF, I managed to achieve unprecedented results and advance significantly in my career.”

Petros Silvestros – Director – Twice Berlinale Winner.

“Judi Dench and Dustin Hoffman. Good company to be in… a seal of quality.”

The Guardian.

A BIFA qualifying festival, UKFF has become a proven stepping-stone to the Oscars and Baftas. Oscar winners include; "Ida", "The Broken Circle Breakdown”, "The Phone Call" (with Jim Broadbent and Sally Hawkins) and “The Stutterer”. Oscar nominees include "Dekalb Elementary" (2018), “Negative Space” (2019), “Nefta Football Club” (2020) and “The Present” (2021). Jerusha and Jared Hess’s “95 Senses” was nominated for an Oscar in 2024.

Their script competitions have also made a big impact - 7 winners have been optioned and a further 9 have now been produced with three going on to win multiple awards and gaining prestigious distribution deals.

Screenings take place in several well-known cinemas in London, including Close Up, BFI, The Warner Bros Preview Theatre and Soho Hotel Cinema. Festival dates are 18 - 22 November 2026.

Whether you are a filmmaker or a screenwriter there is an opportunity to be found at UKFF.

The Deadline for the Fast Track Late Submission is 20 October 2026.