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
In July 2025, BUFF Studios distributed its 3rd feature ‘IREKE: RISE OF THE MAROONS’ (directed by Emmy-nominated BBC journalist Gbolahan Peter Macjob). The history-making movie became the first Nigerian indigenous film to premiere at the Cannes film market (Marche du Cannes) in May 2025. It also became the first Nollywood film (since records began) to release on the same day in Nigeria and the UK.
BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts)
Since 2020, the British Urban Film Festival has been a qualifying festival for British short films and British short animation films selected and screened at BUFF. As of 2025, BUFF is one of 86 qualifying festivals (31 British) which allow for films to be eligible for a BAFTA film award in the Best British short and/or Best British short animation category.
BIFA (British Independent Film Awards)
Since 2018, the British Urban Film Festival has been a qualifying film festival for British independent feature films, short films and documentaries selected and screened at BUFF. As of 2025, BUFF is one of 60 qualifying festivals (48 British) which allow for feature films to be eligible for a BIFA award. BUFF is also one of 40 section B qualifying festivals which allow for short films to be eligible for a BIFA award.
Iris Prize LGBT+ Film Festival
As a partner festival to Iris Prize LGBTQ+ film Festival, British Urban Film Festival is invited to nominate one film for consideration in the Iris Prize Best British Short category as of 2025. All films in the Best British shortlist will be broadcast on Film4 and be streamed on Channel 4 for one year.
Since 2020, British Urban Film Festival (BUFF) has been a qualifying festival for the Africa Movie Academy Awards, popularly known as AMAA and The AMA Awards – recognising professionals working in, or non-African professionals who have contributed to the African film industry. As of 2025, BUFF is invited to allow for films submitted to BUFF to be eligible for an Africa Movie Academy award across multiple categories.
IMDb (Internet Movie Database)
Since the advent of the BUFF Awards in 2015 (script prizes have been awarded since 2013), the British Urban Film Festival has been an IMDB qualifying festival for feature films, short films and documentaries.
Film Freeway Gold
Since 2018, writers and filmmakers have been afforded the option on FilmFreeway to receive discounted pricing by as much as 25% (as Gold member submitters) on film and script submissions to BUFF, one of over 5,500 verified FilmFreeway Gold festivals.
BUFF Awards
Since 2015, the British Urban Film Festival has annually awarded writers and filmmakers showcased at BUFF events along with leading figures from the Black and minority ethnic community. Previous winners have included Ashley Walters, Danielle Moseley, Adriel Leff, Emmanuel Imani, Isis Davis, Nicholas Pinnock, Asif Kapadia, Amma Asante, Wil Johnson, Femi Oyeniran, David Harewood, Jesse Quinones, Jo Southwell, Obi Emelonye, David Oyelowo, Ruby Barker, and George Russo.
Leading the way in diversity since 2005
In 2023, a new chapter in BUFF’s history was established when the organisation was invited by West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin to relocate its operations. With the financial support of West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Calderdale Council, Visit Calderdale, Dean Clough and Creative Minds, BUFF has hosted multiple festival screenings and special events in Leeds and Halifax as part of its commitment to develop audiences in the North of England.
Apple TV
In 2020, BUFF and Apple TV+ teamed up to host the 2020 British Urban Film Festival with an exclusive screening room for 70 official selections on the iTunes platform (a UK first) including Inheritance (directed by William Boyd) and The Velvet Abstract (directed by James Hughes).
New Year's Honours List
In 2020, BUFF founder, Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for services to the ethnic film industry. He received his medal at Buckingham Palace from HRH The Prince of Wales.
After the successful livestream of the 2017 BUFF Awards on BT.com, BUFF Studios started out as BUFF Originals; developing, producing and distributing first feature drama ‘NO SHADE’ in November 2018 (directed by Clare Anyiam-Osigwe).
The film has won multiple awards in Los Angeles, London and Lagos. BUFF Studios has since developed, produced and distributed a second feature/ob-doc ‘ABSOLUTELY MARVELLOUS’ in November 2022 (directed by Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe).
In September 2023, the film received international recognition with an official selection at the Caribbean Tales International Film Festival in Toronto. BUFF Studios also produces THE BUFF AWARDS (2016 – present), The Screenlately Show (May 2022) and was commissioned by The Voice Newspaper to produce WINDRUSH STORIES to commemorate Windrush at 70 in 2018.
BT Group
In 2017, BUFF and BT Group teamed up to host the 2017 British Urban Film Festival from BT Tower in London (a UK first). The BUFF Awards was broadcast live for the first time on BT.com and Facebook.
In 2016, BUFF came top in a global list of Black film festivals including the Hollywood Black Film Festival and the American Black Film Festival worthy of attending. The list was compiled and published by Metro Newspapers.
BeyGood
In 2023, BUFF Business Group was 1 of 10 Black-owned British businesses recognised and awarded a share of $100,000 in grant finance by the BeyGood foundation, founded by Beyonce Knowles-Carter (a UK first).
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A LITTLE BIT OF GLITTER
Synopsis: When Vidya, a 62 year old recently-widowed Indian woman sublets a room in her house to a 19 year old black gay man, she re-discovers her sense of self and her love for make up, despite complications from the family.
A LOUD PIECE OF ARMOUR
Synopsis: A Loud Piece of Armour follows Holly on a mission to rediscover the primal scream she once had as a child.
A YOUNG SOFIANE
Synopsis: On July 1, 2005, Sofiane Ouggad died in a scooter accident. His blood type, “A-,” suggested he was intoxicated; the young offender had caused the accident. A doubt remains: Sofiane’s blood type was “A+.” A mother’s fight to uncover the truth behind this incident.
AUTHORS OF THE ESTATE
Synopsis: In Northwest London, two estates take their story into their own hands, asking what if a council house can become a publishing house in this tale of ownership, creativity, and the power of words.
BALLYMAN
Synopsis: Ballyman follows Deji, a young Black man from South East London, as he traverses through the city hiding behind his (bally) balaclava
BODY OF OUR OWN
Synopsis: Amidst the vibrant chaos of South Asia, we meet three Hijra - Momo, Neshi and Jannat - as they explore friendship, freedom, and self-expression in a world that seeks to erase transgender women.
BURY YOUR GAYS
Synopsis: Actor Grace can’t understand why every role she lands ends in her untimely death—until a mysterious agent explains the ‘Bury Your Gays’ trope. Now, trapped in a genre-hopping battle for survival, Grace has one mission: do not die.
CAN'T FLOAT
Synopsis: A young Black man struggles to overcome his own fear of the water — and America's historical stereotypes of Black people — to learn to swim.
C.R.E.A.M
Synopsis: A modern-day adaptation of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” told entirely through the lyrics of the Wu-Tang Clan.
DIVINE INTERVENTION
Synopsis: To get the promotion of their dreams, a mischievous earth-bound angel must get two ex-best friends to finally admit their love to each other.
DYS IS ME
Synopsis: Alex is on the run. From something she doesn't want us to see. It's getting closer. Step into the unknown: A heart-pounding journey into the experience of dyspraxia.
ENDOLIFE
Synopsis: A short, hybrid documentary that combines the experiences of over 120 people with endometriosis into a single, scripted narrative.
EVERY TIME I SEE A YELLOW CAR
Synopsis: After a violent act shatters the lives of two brothers, Olly attempts to articulate a fractured and repressed truth, whilst his older brother Liam spirals between guilt and revenge.
FLOWN
Synopsis: Ijeoma is a seemingly happy and content woman until it becomes clear she is trapped in her small room for reasons unknown. A story about the experiences of Bipolar II disorder.
FROM SIDNEY, WITH LOVE
Synopsis: Convinced that she is the daughter of Sidney Poitier, a bold young girl runs away from her Yorkshire mining town to London in search of him.
GOOD CHOICE, JOSEPH
Synopsis: A man who feels paralysed by choice is sent into an existential spiral after finding a mysterious tape player that can tell the future.
HOW TO HIDE IT
Synopsis: A moment of weakness after a humiliating breakup leads a young Muslim woman to play a forbidden lottery ticket.
IN VIADI
Synopsis: IN VIADI is a journey back to oneself - an intimate yet profound act of reconnection.
IT COMES IN WAVES
Synopsis: A family of four escapes the genocide in Rwanda and lands in Ottawa. They quickly learn that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
LISA IS HERE
Synopsis: Struggling to find herself after leaving her homeland and the career of an actress, black Russian woman Lisa is working as a nanny and making attempts to become an actress in a foreign country.
MOLLY
Synopsis: A chance meeting at a launderette sparks an intense emotional intimacy between Vinnie and Ryan. As closeness blurs into desire, unspoken expectations surface, forcing them to confront what love demands before it fractures everything they have built.
RISE OF THE LEGION
Synopsis: Prepare to be enthralled, inspired, and swept away on a rhythmic journey unlike any other.“Rise of the Legion!” is a spellbinding documentary that dives deep into the heart and soul of The Spartan Legion Marching Band at Norfolk State University.
ROCKET FUEL
Synopsis: No money, shit-loads of time, and endless imagination - Lenny and Mullet are never bored wandering their estate looking for things to do. When they stumble across an abandoned car, they decide to turn it into a DIY spaceship.
SMALL GODS
Synopsis: While struggling to provide for her son, an indigenous single mother falls in love with a charismatic street performer. But when a crisis strikes, it threatens to destroy their young family.
SMILE SHINES WET
Synopsis: After a life-altering event, Takashi (70) leaves his hometown and relocates to Kyoto with his 7-year-old granddaughter Nayu, relying on the quiet help of a distant relative.
SPOOKY
Synopsis: A young child feels disconnected from her parents and drawn into themselves and technology, until an unexpected house guest shakes up their routine.
SQUEAKY BUM
Synopsis: On the day of the Euro's semi-final, a cocky teenage lad, Kyle, must confront grief and the shadow of his dad when a school puppet show hits too close to home.
SYNC
Synopsis: A promising teenage singer faces disappointment from his father when his voice breaks during puberty. Threatened by a melodious bird that captivates his father’s attention, he struggles to prove his worth and reclaim his place in the spotlight.
THE BRIDGE
Synopsis: The Bridge explores the untold story of Chelsea FC's devoted fan base of over 100 million people who have stood behind the club through every triumph and setback since 1905.
THE DECEMBER BLUES
Synopsis: Kofi, a freshly heartbroken Ghanaian boy, meets Bianca, a British girl visiting Accra for Detty December. But as the nights grow longer and Bianca’s return gets closer, they’re forced to face what love means when it comes with an expiration date.
THE DYING TRADE
Synopsis: Jack is a vegan activist. His father is a slaughterhouse worker. After years of avoiding the subject, Jack sets out to confront the unspoken tension between them.
THE ENGINEER
Synopsis: The remarkable story of Adrian Reynard, a pioneering force in motorsport engineering.
THE KANKURANG
Synopsis: After a family drama, Omar, a turbulent child, faces new responsibilities. He’ll have to meet the Kankurang to become a man and embrace adulthood.
THE LONG SPRING
Synopsis: Arron has taken his younger sister Kika on a journey to a better life, but his youthful optimism may have overlooked one of the darkest possibilities on the planet.
THE TRUTH ABOUT SPACE
Synopsis: A young man is released from prison and has to face up to the lie that his estranged daughter has been led to believe – that he was in space.
UGLY, AFRO HAIR
Synopsis: In a near-future society where altering natural hair is illegal, a Black woman must attend a state-mandated recovery group, Natural Hair Anonymous.
WEIGHT OF THE SOUL
Synopsis: A contemplative documentary that follows a young Ukrainian man whose life was split in two: before and after the call to duty.
WHAT WOULD MOTHER SAY?
Synopsis: Whilst vibing to reggaeton in the garden, mischievous Morty is about to light up her first joint—lifted straight from big sister Binky’s "secret stash." But when Binky catches her in the act, the sisters' long-running cold war erupts into open combat.
WHO ARE YOU, NANU?
Synopsis: After her Nanu’s (‘grandfather’ in Hindi) ceremonial cremation brings her to the Holy Ganges River in India, nine year-old oddball Isha befriends the phantom of her Nanu’s own rambunctious nine year-old self.
SHADOWS OF BEIRUT
Synopsis: A young woman decides to return to Beirut to see her estranged dying father after twenty five years. Between the struggle to forgive him and building up the courage to face him, she discovers the heart of her homeland through the people she meets.
