Bournemouth International Film Festival 2026

The Bournemouth International Film Festival returns to the Hilton Bournemouth on 9 and 10 October 2026. It's a two-day celebration of emerging filmmaking talent, and the organisers describe it as 'a platform for bold narratives and fearless new talent'.

The programme is built around screenings of short films and feature-length works, with entries coming from both the UK and abroad. Beyond the screen, there are industry talks, panel discussions, and workshops designed to support filmmakers at every stage of their career, alongside networking opportunities to connect with other creatives and professionals. The whole thing culminates in a black-tie awards night that recognises outstanding work across several categories.

This year's theme is Social Realism — Real Stories. Real Cinema. It focuses on films that hold a mirror to lived experience, with a particular eye on community, work, identity, and belonging. If you're into cinema that deals with the everyday rather than the imagined, that's where the festival is aiming.

On the practical side, the festival is a paid event, and there are festival passes available. An Earlybird Festival Pass went for £45.99, which included access to a launch party held back in June. There are age restrictions to keep in mind: screenings and general events are for over-16s, while the awards night is strictly over-18s. Behind the scenes, BIFF is a non-profit Community Interest Company, so all profits go back into annual initiatives for filmmakers, including grants, training, and production opportunities. If you're a filmmaker, a film lover, or just working in the industry, it's worth having on your radar for October.