
Welcome to Birmingham!
2025 FESTIVAL: 14th - 23rd November
The Birmingham Film Festival is a 10-day international film celebration showcasing professional and independent films from around the world, comprising of a wide range of genres, styles, budgets and topics, all shown in our spectacular 350-seat auditorium.
Over 5,500 guests are expected through the doors at our events, making the Birmingham Film Festival the largest film and media event in the West Midlands.
Screenings & Awards Competition
The heart of any festival is of course the films and we show over 200 of them, which have been nominated in our awards categories.
With 350 seats available and screenings free to attend, there is nowhere better to be for movie goers!​
The festival culminates with our GALA AWARDS CEREMONY where the winners are announced and presented their award. A huge celebration of not just the best films but all those who have created and contributed to the year's event. A glamorous and style way to bring a fantastic week to an end.
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Directors, producer and cast members are invited to share their experiences in our Q&A sessions on stage, following the screening of their films , giving audiences and delegates a chance to gain an insight into films shown at the festival.
Festival Coference
Or programme of Workshops and Seminars offer an opportunity to earn essential film and media skills from industry professionals across a range of subjects. Gain the knowledge and experience to further your career. Our delegates are given access to a wealth of knowledge and opportunity.​
There are numerous Networking Events to meet and interact with a wide range of film and media industry professionals.
As well as none stop Meet-Ups & Mixers for fun and informal social environment but with plenty to get excited about.​​
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Sales Market
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Feature films may be entered into our Sales Market sales section for which we present them to our sales and distribution committee. This is made up of several companies and individuals working in film sales and distribution.
Films are evaluated and if selected are entered into the "Birmingham Film Festival Sales Market" which is a comprehensive sales programme, creating opportunity for distribution deals and sales representation to be acquired by the filmmakers.
Each year our distribution committee consists of various members. Check the website for details of this year's Sales Market offering.
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Script Analysis
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Feature film screenplays submitted to the festival can request professional script analysis from our expert, Damian Gallagher. Having worked exnstenively in LA as a script analyser for producers David Ladd (Hart’s War) and alongside his brother, Alan Ladd Jr. (Braveheart), Damian can offer the highest level of professional feedback for your work. Damian's analysis and report can help you craft your work into something that has the best impact and shows your talent in the best light.
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OFFICIAL SPONSORS
Become an official sponsor of the Birmingham Film Festival and not only will you be supporting the amazing creatives whos work we share, but you will be part of the event.
Sponsors have the chance to attend events, advertise and promote their business and PRESENT AWARDS at our Gala Awards Ceremony.
It's a great way top create awareness, reach a new audience and get behind the talented artists on show.
Get in touch if you wish to learn more about become and official partner of the 2025 Birmingham Film Festival.
EMAIL US
We have a range of awards given to the films considered best in various categories. We celebrate every aspect of film and screen production. Our committee selects the films to show and our Grand Jury pick the winners, which we announce at our Awards Gala.
At the Awards Gala you can join us as we celebrate the amazing work and films from the festival. A great way to end a great week!
official award categories 2024
BFF Bull Award
Best Film in Festival
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Micro Short Film (Under 5 minutes)
Best Documentary​
Best Screenplay - Feature Film
Best Screenplay - Short Film /TV
Best Music Video​
Best Animated Film
Best TV Pilot
Best Fan Film
Best Male Actor
Best Female Actor
Best Ensemble Cast
Best Cinematography
Best First Time Filmmaker
Best Online Content
Best Student Filmmaker
Festival Favourite
Chosen by the committee and festival directors as the film they most enjoyed
Best Horror Film
Short or Feature
Best Costume
Best Editing
Best Hair & Make Up
Best Production Design
Best Stunts or Choreography
Best Young Film Maker (under 18)
​Best Young Male Actor (under 18)
Best Young Female Actor (under 18)
​Best Local Film
Midlands based production, theme or cast and crew.
Best International Film
Produced outside the UK.
Best Original Score
Music created for your film specifically.
Best Sound Design
Best Special Effects
Digital or practical.
Audience Vote Award
Founders

DEAN WILLIAMS - CEO
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As a producer, performer and actor, Dean has over 80 credits to his name in his 15 year career.

KEVIN MCDONAGH - PRESIDENT
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Writer/director, with 25 years of experience, including feature films, television and music videos.
Patrons

STEVEN KNIGHT
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Birmingham born screenwriter and film director. Creator of "Peaky Blinders", writer of "Allied" and "Serenity".

TREVOR BEATTIE
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Producer of "Moon" and "Spitfire" and founding partner, chairman and creative director of Beattie McGuinness Bungay (BMB). Formerly the chairman and creative director of TBWA London.
Ambassadors

SINDY CAMPBELL
Film Birmingham.
Sindy was among the very first people within the city to get behind the festival and help establish it. Her guidance and support has been fundamental to the festival's success.

JON PEGG
Multi award winning writer and director.
Jon's support of the BFF from day one meant he was an ambassador well before we made it official.

Dr. NEIL HILLMAN - MPSE
Dr. Neil Hillman is a sound designer and editor, notable for his work on the Oscar-winning film Lincoln, Pirate's of the Caribbean and Line of Duty.
The Crew

JOE CAPELLA
Liaison
Joe is a trained actor with 24 years experience in events and entertainment.
He's a real people person!

PHILLIPE ASHFIELD
Producer and Talent Rep, working to devlop shows that promote inclusivity and opportunities for all.
In house producer at Scarlett Johansson's "Akula Films" production company.

PERDITA LAWTON
Business liaison
"Voice of God"
Midlands based actress with extensive experience in commercial production and project. Perdy is the heart of our media business relationships and voices the festival announcements.
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PAUL ANGIER
Exhibition Manager
Paul has a career in film stretching over 30 years and has been the head of our exhibition team since 2018.

LAUREN SIMMONDS
Team Leader
Since 2019, actress, writer and effects designer Lauren has been part of the festival. Her behind the scenes efforts are what keep the whole show running.

ANNA PIGGOT-REEVES
Careers Liaison
Producer, Director and Actor Anna joined the team in 2021 and has been indispensable. Not only producing and starring in many films but helping film makers grow their careers.

KITTY HARPER
Partnership Manager
An award winning writer and director in her own right, Kitty is the festival's senior manager for partnerships, which the festival relies on immensely, and has helped our family grow.

SOPHIE BULLOCK
Student Liason
Sophie is a student at BOA and works close with the student and educational providers to help us delivery new and and long last opportunities for the next generation of talent.

FREYA RICHARDSON
Events Co-ordinator
Freya is recent graduate of Falmouth University and has joined the team to help ensure we deliver incredible events for our guests. She's been a huge asset and contributed a huge amount in a short time.
GRAND JURY


ANTHONY WALDRON
Birmingham born BAFTA winning producer / director / writer.
Anthony has 15 years experience producing television for Channel 4, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, The Travel Channel and many more.


JOANNA QUINN
Birmingham born, multi award-winning director and animator of films including Affairs of the Art and Dreams and Desires.
Emmy and Bafta winner and Academy Award Nominee.

ALAN SHARMAN
A world renowned fashion, commercial and talent agent, based in the heart of Birmingham, who has shown us great support and generosity. A huge thank you to Alan and the entire team at The Alan Sharman Agency.

LAUREN PIZZICAROLI
Canadian screenwriter and script consultant now residing in the UK, is the CEO and Founder of Source Script Consulting. She also works as Executive Assistant for The Film Festival Doctor, the award-winning festival strategy consultancy service. In addition to her work experience, Lauren has served as a jury member for BIFA, BAFTA, and Canadian Screen Award qualifying festivals.

LUKE RUFO
Shooting producer for ITV, with 15 years experience working in TV documentaries and fiction. Luke is an award winning director and has worked in the UK and Europe for various production companies, making television for several media channels.

NICK BARTLETT
Nick studied at the Bath School of Art and Design, where his award winning portfolio landed him a job as a CG artist at a renowned post house, providing him a strong technical background from which to make the leap into directing.


LORETTA PREECE
A multi-award winning series producer, with 20 years of program making experience as an exec/series producer, writer, story producer, script producer and development exec on shows such as Sister Boniface, Casualty, Doctors, Belonging and The Coroner.


MICHAEL B. CLIFFORD
BAFTA award winning film director, working in drama and documentary..
Michael's latest drama Bardo – A Rogue & Peasant Slave is now on the festival circuit.

KIA PEGG
Kia is an English actress and presenter of CBBCs Saturday Mash Up. Kia is best known for her role as Jody Jackson in British children's drama show Tracy Beaker Returns and its follow-up The Dumping Ground and Scarlett Kiernan on Doctors.

DAMIAN GALLAGHER
Damian is a Birmingham born writer, actor and producer. He worked in film production, for producer David Ladd (Hart's War) and alongside David's brother, Oscar winning producer Alan Ladd Jr. (Braveheart).
He worked as part of the script development team, providing coverage on screenplays for the producers.

DAVID BEAUMONT
David has worked in the media industry for nearly 20 years. He has over a hundred cinematography credits and has produced four feature films, and now directs for UK and US television..
SCREENINGS
MILLENNIUM POINT
Curzon St, Birmingham B4 7AP
Millennium Point is a multi-use meeting and conference venue, public building and charitable trust in Birmingham, England, situated in the developing Eastside of the city centre.
EVENTS
FAZELEY STUDIOS - OPAL EVENTS
191 Fazeley St, Deritend, Birmingham B5 5SE
This former warehouse and church was reimagined in the early 2000s to create a stunning venue in the heart of Digbeth, located under the soaring ceilings of the church or overlooking over the courtyard.
OFFICIAL HOTEL PARTNERS
Simply use the code CNE15PA to save 15% off when booking over the phone or on our website.
APARTHOTEL
St. Chads Queensway, Birmingham B4 6HY
0121 369 5555
WEBSITE
Just a 7-minute drive to the 4-star apartments, you will feel home from home. aparthotel Birmingham is 4 stars, newly built with 161 serviced apartments, in the Colmore business district. All apartments contain kitchenettes with washing machine/ dryers as well as ensuites, dining facilities, sofa and king beds. A mix of studios, 1 bed and 2 bed apartments to suit your needs as well as an onsite NISA shop, there is something for all your needs.
PARK REGIS
160 Broad Street, Birmingham, B15 1DT
0121 369 5555
WEBSITE
Park Regis Birmingham is a 4-star hotel and the tallest addition to Birmingham’s skyline. Offering 253 guest rooms and suites, situated on the famous Broad Street, with a boutique feel for all guests to enjoy.
SHOP
EMAIL:
General Enquiries: info@birminghamfilmfestival.com
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Exhibition Enquiries: info@birminghamfilmfestival.com
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Seminar and Event Office: events@birminghamfilmfestival.com
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TIKTOK: @bhamfilmfest​
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FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/birminghamfilmfestival
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INSTAGRAM: @bhamfilmfest