We are thrilled to announce that GRIMMFEST is now officially a BIFA qualifying Festival for both Shorts and Features.
Are you a UK film maker?
If your film is selected for our 2026 edition, you are one step closer to the British Independent Film Awards.
A screening with us counts as 1 of the 2 screenings required for BIFA eligibility.
We are looking for the best in British indie genre cinema to showcase to our audiences (and the BIFA voters!). We pride ourselves on championing bold, diverse and indie voices in genre cinema. Now we can take that support even further.
Submissions are OPEN. Head to our FilmFreeway page and start your journey to the @BIFA_film awards!
#BIFA #independentFilm #BritishFilm #Film Festival #ShortFilm #FeatureFilm #Filmmakers #SubmitYourFilm #Manchester
In more detail…….
GRIMMFEST is on the qualifying festival list. This changes the eligibility landscape for the filmmakers we select.
Grimmfest is now officially recognised as a primary British qualifying event for the Best British Short film Category and for all the Feature film categories.
Being a festival on the BIFA B list means that a selected film must play at least 2 B list festivals to qualify for the BIFA awards.
What does it mean for GRIMMFEST?
A badge of honour: it signals to film makers that Grimmfest meets high standards of rigorous programming, fair assessment criteria and a commitment to diversity.
Film makers often target section BIFA ‘B section’ festivals specifically to build the two – fest requirement needed for national award eligibility. Film makers will now specifically target Grimmfest to meet their BIFA eligibility.
This status places Grimmfest within a prestigious network of festivals that act as stepping stones for emerging British talent.
Unlike many festivals that only qualify for shorts, being recognised for features as well, significantly boosts our profile for indie feature directors/producers looking for qualifying screenings for BIFA best indie film and other awards.
Impact on Film Makers we select……
The Two festival rule. British short and feature films that screen at Grimmfest (On the B list) are now half way to BIFA eligibility. They need to screen at two B list festivals to qualify or one A list fest (Sundance, SXSW, etc!)
Our festival selection process adheres to BIFA’s rigorous standards for fairness and diversity, which adds prestige to a selected film maker’s laurel.
Méliès Competitive Member
And of course on top of that, we are also a competitive member of the Méliès federation, which means that all selected European short films (Including UK) are in the running for the prestigious Méliès d’argent for Best European Short Film at Grimmfest 2026 and will then be put forward for the Méliès d’Or competition at Sitges international film festival.
What are you waiting for, SUMBIT YOUR FILM HERE!!!!