Celebrating independent film making
We are delighted to be supporting the first ever Essex International Film Festival which takes place across the county of Essex on Thursday 27 March – Sunday 30 March 2025
The Essex International Film Festival offers filmmakers from around the world the opportunity to have their films screened live at multiple venues. Whether a seasoned filmmaker or an emerging talent, the Essex International Film Festival provides a supportive environment for film makers to celebrate and elevate their craft.
The Essex International Film Festival is co-directed by Emmy nominated director Iain B Macdonald together with Lily Streames and Charles Sharman-Cox.
The festival will feature a carefully curated selection of screenings, thought-provoking masterclasses and networking opportunities over the course of four exhilarating days. find out more about the festival
With great rail links to and from London and it’s close proximity to London Stansted International airport, London Southend Airport and the port of Harwich, the Essex International Film Festival is easily accessible to filmmakers everywhere. Click here for accommodation and where to visit in Essex
The Jury
Submissions will only be accepted via the Film Freeway platform.
After the submission period concludes on 1 December 2024, the expert panel of judges will meticulously review each film, evaluating it’s artistic merit, narrative strength and technical proficiency
The judging panel has brought together key figures from the screen sector including:
Jane Gull (Patron + Jury) – Award Winning Director/ Writer – BBC, CH4, ARTE TV & APPLE TV and Essex Cultural Ambassador.
Saul Dibb – BAFTA winning Director + Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning films
Michelle Farr-Scott – Comedy Producer – Ranga Bee, BBC, SKY, UKTV.
Thomas Thurgood – Production Coordinator for Original Series, UK
Busayo Ige – BAFTA Longlisted Writer/ Actor and Essex Cultural Ambassador.
Mike Cater – Casting Associate – Luci Lennox Casting Office, Barcelona
Elham Elsas – BAFTA nominated and Oscar-shortlisted Writer/Director
Awards & Prizes
All awards will be presented at the festival’s closing gala in Chelmsford on Sunday 30 March 2025.
Category Awards
– Best Drama
– Best Comedy
– Best Horror/ Thriller
– Best LGBTQ+
– Best Documentary
– Best Animation
– Best Experimental
– Best Sci-Fi
– Best Student Film
In addition to the Best Category awards, The Essex International Film Festival will also present a number of special awards.
Special Awards
All films selected for screening will automatically be considered for the following:
– Best International Short
– Best UK Short
– Best Essex Short (Essex Films only)
– Best Actor
– Best Actress
– Best Director
– Best Cinematographer
– The ‘Boudica Film of the Festival’ award
All films with an Essex connection (through cast, crew, location or subject matter) will automatically be entered for the ‘Best Essex Short’ and in addition it will be considered for the ‘Made in Essex’ programme which will screen at The Curzon Cinema, Colchester opening gala and across the county in selected satellite venues.
Masterclasses, Networking & Other Opportunities
The festival will feature a diverse programme of masterclasses and workshops led by leading industry professionals. EIFF is committed to breaking down barriers within the industry and providing accessible learning opportunities for all. Whether you are a seasoned professional, an emerging talent or a film lover, our festival will provide a supportive environment to celebrate and elevate the craft of filmmaking.
Get involved!
Are you passionate about film? Do you want to be at the heart of one of the most vibrant cultural events in Essex? Here’s your chance to make it happen!
The ESSEX INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is a collaboration with ESSEX FILM COLLECTIVE
