welcome to bournemouth international film festival October 2025
3–4 october 2025 | Hilton Bournemouth | Submissions now open
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.
Our Team
Festival Director: Steve McCarten
Leading BIFF is Steve McCarten, 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.
Festival Co-Directors
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.
Additional team members will be announced soon as we continue to build a team that reflects the creativity, inclusivity and ambition at the heart of BIFF.
BIFF – Volunteers
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!
Join Us as a Volunteer
Are you passionate about marketing, events, or film? We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. Volunteering with BIFF offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills, and be part of an exciting cultural event.
Why Volunteer with BIFF?
- Gain Valuable Experience: Work alongside industry professionals and enhance your CV.
- Network: Connect with filmmakers, artists, and fellow film enthusiasts.
- Contribute: Play a vital role in bringing a major cultural event to life.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact us at info@staging.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.
