BFI London Film Festival

About BFI London Film Festival

The BFI London Film Festival is the UK's lead organisation for film and moving image that invites everyone to discover new films, series, and immersive storytelling across screenings, talks, exhibitions, and events. It serves as a celebration of cinema where audiences vote on

Awards this festival can qualify you for

• BAFTA Short · British Short Film

  Accepted into the official programme is sufficient. No win required. British productions only. Film must screen at TWO BAFTA-qualifying festivals in total to qualify.

• BIFA Best Film · Best British Independent Film

  In-person official selection at BFI LFF qualifies a British independent film for BIFA entry. No win required.

• BIFA Documentary · Best British Documentary

  In-person official selection at this BIFA Section A festival qualifies a British independent documentary (BIFA docs use the same routes as features: one Section A festival, or two Section B British festivals). No win required. Online-only screenings do not qualify. 2026 window: 1 Nov 2025 to 30 Nov 2026.

• BIFA Short · Best British Short Film

  In-person official selection is sufficient. No win required. British production. Under 40 minutes.

• EFA Short · Best European Short Film

  Film must win the EFA-candidate prize at this festival to be nominated for the EFA Short Film Award. Must be a European production (majority EU/EEA financing).

BFI London Film Festival submission FAQ

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