Our Focus
Our Festival Aims
Career Springboard
A Voice for New Creatives to Showcase their Skills
Creatively Inclusive
A festival for all Creatives, Filmmakers & Lovers
Industry Focussed
New and continued access to the industry
Community Driven
Raising voices from the heart of Bournemouth
About Us
A New and Exciting Voice in the Film Industry Starts Here!
Welcome to the Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF), a vibrant celebration of storytelling and cinematic excellence set against the stunning backdrop of Bournemouth’s golden beaches. Our mission is to provide a platform where UK and international filmmakers can showcase their work, engage with audiences, and collaborate within our creative community.
Building BIFF
Meet the Team
Steve McCarten. Leading BIFF is a distinguished filmmaker and educator hailing from Belfast. With a rich background in directing and writing, Steve is passionate about nurturing new talent and sharing his industry insights. His dedication to storytelling and education is further exemplified in his guide for aspiring filmmakers, “The First Frame: A Beginner’s Guide to Making and Screening Your First Short Film.” This resource reflects his commitment to supporting emerging voices in cinema.
- Dedication
- Support
- Showcasing New Talent
Our festival leadership team is taking shape, and we’re proud to be joined by a growing group of passionate, experienced individuals who share our vision for championing bold storytelling and emerging talent.
We’re excited to announce that Dr James Fair, Principal Academic at Bournemouth University, has joined the project, bringing his deep expertise in film education and production. We’re also thrilled to welcome Cherene Bracegirdle-Smith as our Head of Programming and Strategic Relations, curating our film selections and leading our industry engagement.
- Creative
- Inclusive
- Ambitious
BIFF is looking for passionate interns and volunteers from Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and Bournemouth University (BU) to help bring the festival to life. We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals who want to gain hands-on experience in marketing, event management, filmmaking, and more, while playing a key role in making BIFF 2025 a success.
This is a fantastic opportunity to develop skills, build industry connections, and be part of an exciting cultural event that celebrates storytelling and independent film. If you’re interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you!
- Develop Skills
- Networking
- Experience
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact us at info@bournemouthfilmfest.co.uk with your name, contact information, and a brief description of your interests and any relevant experience. We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and levels of experience.
Are you passionate about events or film? We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to support the team with the delivery of this years festival. Volunteering with BIFF offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and be part of an exciting cultural event.
- Gain Valuable Experience: Gain invaluable, behind the scenes experience in running a film festival.
- Network: Connect with filmmakers, artists, and fellow film enthusiasts.
- Contribute: Play a vital role in bringing a major cultural event to life.
BIFF Founding Year
The theme of BIFF 2025 is empowerment, whether it’s through the stories told on screen or the act of submitting a film for the first or even second time. This is a festival where bold voices rise, and new talent takes its place.
Upcoming Years
Keep an eye out for upcoming years!
