RUNNING IT BACK

Founded by Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe MBE in 2005, the British Urban Film Festival is the UK's longest running film platform, built to recognise and represent diversity in all forms. Complimented by its annual film and script awards, BUFF is accredited by BAFTA, BIFA, Iris Prize, AMAA, Film Freeway, IMDB & Odeon

EXPLORE

Such a well run festival. The whole atmosphere was so positive and the QnA after the screening was conducted in a really thoughtful and kind way by the interviewer. It was awesome chatting to the other filmmakers after the screening as well. I’d love to return again with my next short film.

Alan Hall

Absolutely amazing festival with a good organisation, interesting programme and thoughtful Q&A.

Elena Nenasheva

The whole festival was fantastic and especially the awards ceremony! The way in which it was all organised was really great, the organisers were very professional and did an excellent job in grouping the films. I saw some of the other films and the quality of the selection was incredible. My film ‘The Long Quiet’ was nominated for the Best Feature Film award and I thoroughly enjoyed the black tie awards ceremony which was a truly fantastic event. It was quite overwhelming and a very special evening! Great to network with other filmmakers and have the opportunity to really celebrate all the work than goes into an independent film. Really enjoyed my screening, and a thoughtful Q&A by Annie. Would highly recommend submitting work to this festival.

Lucy D’Cruz
DIRECTOR

This is genuinely one of the best film festivals I have ever attended. There were a few hiccups in the communication but as soon as this was realized, the festival dealt with it hands on. Very wonderful festival, brilliant curating. This is indeed worth applying for and attending

Jennifer Drake

What an amazing festival! The communication, the support, the perks, the inclusivity, I could go on. I highly recommend BUFF. I am so grateful to have had my short film “When I…”, included in this festival. This has definitely been one of the highlights, of my first festival run. Thank you so much! 

director "I am" (official selection)
Elisha St Juste
DIRECTOR

Daniel Was extremely honoured to be selected by BUFF with our film ‘Elephant’. In the midst of a pandemic, the team worked tirelessly to create a virtual experience that was wonderful and inclusive. We as filmmakers really felt nurtured and special. Thank you. 

producer "Elephant" (official selection)
Damian Paul Daniel
producer

Brilliant festival, really well organized with great
communication and promotion. Fantastic selection of films and
coordinated events, wonderful platform for indie films, and
well worth entering! 

award-winning director "Baby boy", "Smack edd" (official selections)
Greg Hall
DIRECTOR

An important festival run and staffed by a deeply passionate and committed team. Apply & attend, you won’t be disappointed! 

director "The King" (official selection)
Fred Casella
DIRECTOR

The communication is incredibly thoughtful throughout the
process. Furthermore, the whole team support you as a filmmaker, and
promote you as much as they can. They really embrace their
filmmakers and make them feel like they are part of a family.
The British Urban Film Festival sets a gold standard, and is a
complete first class festival experience.

director "The Velvet Abstract", "When the rain sets in" (official selections)
James Hughes
DIRECTOR

We were thrilled that our client got selected to screen at British Urban Film Festival and would definitely recommend anyone whose film fits their remit to submit. The deliverables needed were probably some of the most expansive we’ve ever had requested (including Instagram trailers and replications of the poster with their laurels on) but our communication with them was thorough which meant we could arrange what they needed and ask for extensions due to the short turnaround time. We were thrilled that our client got selected to screen at the British Urban Film Festival and would definitely recommend anyone whose film fits their remit to submit. The deliverables needed were probably some of the most expansive we’ve ever had requested (including Instagram trailers and replications of the poster with their laurels on) but our communication with them was thorough which meant we could arrange what they needed and ask for extensions due to the short turnaround time.

film Festival Strategists
Festival Formula
Film Festival Strategists

Stories we all want to see

The British Urban Film Festival has been showing up and showing out for diversity since it was founded in 2005 and continues loving what it does. BUFF also loves cinema which is why we have the best job in the world which is watching hundreds and hundreds of films as a festival platform at our own leisure! We then get to select our favourite films and movies and screen them to audiences for a whole week at our own film festival – what’s not to love?

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Putting filmmakers first

The reason we’re so passionate about this job is because when BUFF watches films, we know that we’re watching stories that we all want to see –  we get excited knowing that audiences will be watching stories we all want to see. And yet with every passing year we ask ourselves what other stories do we want to see? And after the best part of 20 years, we’re pretty sure that audiences out there are asking the same question.

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United by film

If you’re a writer or a director and you’ve got a story that we all want to see, imagine how passionate we will be to see it; imagine how excited audiences will be to watch it.
 
Submit your films and scripts on Film Freeway

Great Event, Great Experience, Great People !!!

award winning writer "War Criminal" (official selection)
Hecham Elhajoui
writer

A fantastic festival to be a part of, my film ‘In The Red’ was
given a lot of attention and publicity through this festival, as
well as being placed on a great platform like Apple TV because
of it. Very professional, highly recommend and it would be an
honour to have my work featured again in the future!

director "In the red" (official selection)
Patrick Rooney
director

If you’re a writer or filmmaker with an original story to tell, if
you got an idea that you feel is strong but is the type of story
that often is overlooked then this could be for you.
If you’re an outsider, misfit, or someone who normally isn’t
represented well or at all in film then this festival is especially
for you. 

director "digiHIRO" (official selection)
Tony Amore
director

We were delighted to have our short film CLEARING screening at BUFF 2021. This festival is going from strength to strength and seeks to support filmmakers as much as possible. Thank you!

director "Clearing", "Asunder" (official selections)
Janet Marrett
director

It’s a great film festival. It’s a great honor to
participate. Thank you for choosing my movie. Thanks!

director 'Why we are unhappy in cities" (official selection)
Gang Zhao
director

Gardner Great festival with fantastic communication and promotion. 

director "Blackout" (official selection)
SERENA CHLOE Gardner
director

2023 B U Film Fest CIC