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Introduction to the film festival

The London Independent Film Festival (LIFF) is devoted to the advancement of first- and second-time filmmakers telling amazing stories with limited budgets. Hosted every October at the Genesis cinema – repeatedly voted the best cinema in the UK – the 2025 London Independent Film Festival will screen the work of over 100 filmmakers from around the world. Stretching over 11 days with numerous industry events, LIFF offers an unmissable opportunity for networking and building collaborations for future projects. It's little wonder that Time Out Magazine has called LIFF "a treasure trove of undiscovered cinematic gems, one of Europe's top indie film fests".

With a reputable support system for emerging filmmakers, LIFF includes popular training programs run by industry professionals who understand the ins and outs of moving a filmmaker's career to the next level.

Awards

Awards & Prizes

The London Independent Film Festival gives awards in the following categories:
Best Low-budget Feature (over £100k)
Best Micro-budget Feature (under £100k)
Best No-Budget Feature (under £10k)
Best UK Feature
Best Documentary
Best Sci-Fi / Horror Feature
Best Female Director Feature
Best LGBT film
Best Short Film
Best UK Short
Best Short Documentary
Best Animated Short
Best Experimental Short
Best Short Short
Best Horror / Sci-Fi Short
Best Music Video

Screenplay Award categories:
Best Feature Screenplay
Best Sci-Fi / Horror Screenplay
Best UK Screenplay
Best Short Screenplay

Rules

Genre ：Action Comedy War Science fiction Ethics Horror Thriller Violence Adventure Crime Family Musical Romance VR/3D Magical Fantasy Shootout Suspense Youth Inspirational Arthouse Biography Western Drama Documentary
Subject ：Unlimited Children Humanistic Animals Food Women Education City Campus Sports Gay Old man Environment Home Political Workplace Special people
Video Format ：AVI HDV MPEG4 DCP MOV MPEG

Rules & Terms

1. All film submissions should be made digitally, not via DVD’s in the post. If you are unable/unwilling to use digital submission, please contact us and we’ll work something out.
2. Films which have been broadcast on Television, Cable or have had an international theatrical release prior to LIFF are NOT eligible for any competition but may be screened, out of competition.
3. Non-English language produced films must have English subtitles or be dubbed in English.
4. All entrants certify that they have been given full rights to use any and all music in their films.
5. Filmmakers or screenwriters accepted and are attending the festival are responsible for travel, lodging, and all other expenses.

Evaluation

Jury Profile
Jury Name Judge photos Jury Profile

Authorization type

    Proxy Submission

Duration (several sessions)

    23

Film Festival Features

  • Red Carpet
  • Celebrity Guest
  • Filmscreen
  • Cash prize
  • Trophy
  • Copyright transactions
  • Prize
  • Certificate

Dates & Deadlines

  • 2025-09-01
    Submission start time

  • 2025-11-06
    Earlybird Deadline

  • 2025-12-09
    Regular Deadline

  • 2026-01-06
    Late Deadline

  • 2026-02-03
    Final Deadline

  • 2026-02-03
    Submission end time

  • 2026-02-24
    Finalist notification start time

  • 2026-02-24
    Finalist notification end time

  • 2026-04-10
    Award ceremony start time

  • 2026-04-19
    Award ceremony end time

Categories and fees

  • Micro-Budget Feature (under $150k)
    Video length ：50 - 150
    Feature film longer than 50 minutes with a budget under $150k (£100k).

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Low-budget Feature (under $750k)
    Video length ：50 - 150
    Feature film longer than 50 minutes with a budget under $750k (£500k).

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • UK Feature
    Video length ：50 - 150
    Feature film longer than 50 minutes shot in the UK.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Sci-Fi / Horror Feature
    Video length ：50 - 150
    Feature film longer than 50 minutes with a sci-fi / horror theme.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • LGBT Feature
    Video length ：50 - 150
    Feature film longer than 50 minutes with a LGBT theme.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Female Director Feature
    Video length ：50 - 150
    Feature film longer than 50 minutes with a Female Director

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Documentary Feature
    Video length ：30 - 150
    Documentary film longer than 30 minutes.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Short Film
    Video length ：1 - 50
    Film shorter than 50 minutes.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • UK Short Film
    Video length ：1 - 50
    Film shorter than 50 minutes shot in the UK.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    Student： 40.5 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    Student： 45 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 55 Dollar

    Student： 49.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 60 Dollar

    Student： 54 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Short Documentary
    Video length ：1 - 30
    Documentary film shorter than 30 minutes.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    Student： 40.5 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    Student： 45 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 55 Dollar

    Student： 49.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 60 Dollar

    Student： 54 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Animated Short
    Video length ：50 - 50
    Animated film shorter than 50 minutes.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    Student： 40.5 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    Student： 45 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 55 Dollar

    Student： 49.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 60 Dollar

    Student： 54 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Sci-Fi / Horror Short
    Video length ：1 - 50
    Film shorter than 50 minutes with a sci-fi / horror theme.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    Student： 40.5 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    Student： 45 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 55 Dollar

    Student： 49.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 60 Dollar

    Student： 54 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Experimental Short
    Video length ：1 - 50
    Film shorter than 50 minutes with an experimental theme.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    Student： 40.5 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    Student： 45 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 55 Dollar

    Student： 49.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 60 Dollar

    Student： 54 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Short Short
    Video length ：1 - 5
    Film shorter than 5 minutes.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 35 Dollar

    Student： 31.5 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 40 Dollar

    Student： 36 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    Student： 40.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    Student： 45 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Music Video
    Video length ：10 - 10
    Music Videos shorter than 10 minutes

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 35 Dollar

    Student： 31.5 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 40 Dollar

    Student： 36 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    Student： 40.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    Student： 45 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Feature Screenplay
    Video length ：30 - 30
    Screenplay longer than 30 pages, any genre.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 70 Dollar

    Student： 63 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 75 Dollar

    Student： 67.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • UK Screenplay
    Video length ：30 - 30
    Screenplay longer than 30 pages by a UK writer

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 70 Dollar

    Student： 63 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 75 Dollar

    Student： 67.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Sci-Fi / Horror Screenplay
    Video length ：30 - 30
    Screenplay longer than 30 pages in Sci-Fi or Horror genres.

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 70 Dollar

    Student： 63 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 75 Dollar

    Student： 67.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • Short Screenplay
    Video length ：1 - 30
    Screenplay under 30 pages, any genre

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 35 Dollar

    Student： 31.5 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 40 Dollar

    Student： 36 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 45 Dollar

    Student： 40.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 50 Dollar

    Student： 45 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival
  • No-Budget Feature (under £10k)
    Video length ：50 - 150
    Feature film longer than 50 minutes with a budget under $150k (£100k).

    2025/11/06
    Earlybird Deadline

    Standard: 80 Dollar

    Student： 72 Dollar

    2025/12/09
    Regular Deadline

    Standard: 85 Dollar

    Student： 76.5 Dollar

    2026/01/06
    Late Deadline

    Standard: 95 Dollar

    Student： 85.5 Dollar

    2026/02/03
    Final Deadline

    Standard: 99 Dollar

    Student： 89 Dollar

    Submit to the Festival

Related film festivalMore

View in the applet

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