Category: News

• Steve
• June 6, 2025June 6, 2025
• 1 Comment
• News

BIFF x Centerframe: A New Home for Filmmaker and Screenwriter Submissions BIFF x Centerframe: A New Home for Filmmaker and Screenwriter Submissions We’re thrilled to announce a new partnership between the Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) and Centerframe, the creative platform and community built by and for filmmakers. As we launch our 2025 edition, Centerframe will act as an official submission platform for filmmakers and screenwriters entering BIFF making the process smoother, smarter, and more aligned with the creative community we’re here to support. Why this matters BIFF was created to champion new voices in film, emerging talent, independent vision, and first-time creators. We want the process of submitting your work to be as empowering as the work itself. Centerframe is a natural partner for that vision. Founded by filmmakers, the platform is more than a tool, it’s a space where creators connect, collaborate, and get their work seen by the right people. It’s also free for filmmakers to join and easy to use, with built-in features designed to elevate your project and your voice. Together, we’re making it easier than ever for filmmakers and screenwriters to submit their work to BIFF, and be part of something bigger. Submissions are now open If you’re a filmmaker or writer with a story that deserves a spotlight, we want to hear from you. Submissions for BIFF 2025 are officially open via Centerframe: 👉 Submit now on Centerframe We’ll be selecting outstanding films and scripts for: Public and industry screenings Live Q&As and panel events The BIFF Awards, including Best Feature, Best Short, Best Screenplay and so much more Whether it’s your first script or your tenth film, this is your chance to be part of something bold, inclusive, and new. This is just the beginning BIFF is building something for the long term, a festival that supports creatives from page to screen and beyond. Partnering with Centerframe brings us closer to that mission, and we couldn’t be more excited to open the door to submissions through such a trusted, creator-first platform. Let’s build the future of film together. Steve McCartenFestival Director All Posts Hospitality Partner News Venue Partner BIFF x Centerframe: A New Home for Filmmaker and Screenwriter Submissions June 6, 2025/ BIFF x Centerframe: A New Home for Filmmaker and Screenwriter Submissions BIFF x Centerframe: A New Home for Filmmaker and… Read More BIFF2025 Welcomes Chine Financial as Official Finance Partner June 4, 2025/ BIFF2025 Welcomes Chine Financial as Official Finance Partner We are proud to announce Chine Financial as the official Finance Partner… Read More BIFF Joins Dorset Chamber: A New Chapter in Creative Collaboration June 4, 2025/ BIFF Joins Dorset Chamber: A New Chapter in Creative Collaboration We’re proud to announce that Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF)… Read More Breaking the Paywall: Why Film Festivals Must Champion Access Over Exclusivity May 31, 2025/ Breaking the Paywall: Why Film Festivals Must Champion Access Over Exclusivity A recent post made the rounds in the film… Read More Call for Volunteer Pre-Selectors – Help Shape BIFF 2025 May 26, 2025/ Are you passionate about film and curious about how a festival programme comes together behind the scenes? We’re looking for… Read More Welcome Cherene Bracegirdle-Smith to the BIFF Family May 8, 2025/ We are super excited to announce Cherene is joining BIFF as Head of Programming and Strategic Relations.  Cherene Bracegirdle-Smith is… Read More Hilton Bournemouth April 14, 2025/ Venue & Hospitality Partner: Hilton Bournemouth We are proud to announce Hilton Bournemouth as the official Venue and Hospitality Partner… Read More

• Steve
• June 4, 2025June 4, 2025
• 1 Comment
• News

BIFF Joins Dorset Chamber: A New Chapter in Creative Collaboration We’re proud to announce that Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) is now an official member of the Dorset Chamber of Commerce and Industry – the leading voice of business across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the wider region. Visit Dorset Chamber As a not-for-profit organisation committed to cultural development, accessibility, and creative growth, this new partnership marks an exciting step for BIFF as we expand our connections across Dorset’s thriving business community. Why This Matters At its core, BIFF is about more than films — it’s about creating opportunity. We’re here to spotlight emerging talent, build bridges between industries, and support local growth through culture, creativity and commerce. By joining the Dorset Chamber, we’re not just raising the profile of BIFF — we’re opening the door to collaborations, sponsorships, training, and visibility for businesses that want to reach an engaged, diverse, and dynamic audience. A Win for Local Business Whether you’re in hospitality, retail, tech, finance, or creative services, being part of BIFF offers real benefits: Access to audiences of thousands across the South Coast and UK Alignment with a mission-led, community-driven festival Opportunities for brand exposure, staff development, and CSR impact Inclusion in our year-round outreach, education, and industry events As we gear up for BIFF 2025, this partnership is the perfect springboard to connect with like-minded businesses across Dorset and build something truly special — together. Let’s Work Together If you’re a fellow Dorset Chamber member, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s explore how your business could be part of this year’s festival and help us support the next generation of filmmakers. Get in touch today! Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional) All Posts Hospitality Partner News Venue Partner BIFF Joins Dorset Chamber: A New Chapter in Creative Collaboration June 4, 2025/ https://dorsetchamber.co.uk/ BIFF Joins Dorset Chamber: A New Chapter in Creative Collaboration We’re proud to announce that Bournemouth International Film Festival… Read More Breaking the Paywall: Why Film Festivals Must Champion Access Over Exclusivity May 31, 2025/ Breaking the Paywall: Why Film Festivals Must Champion Access Over Exclusivity A recent post made the rounds in the film… Read More Call for Volunteer Pre-Selectors – Help Shape BIFF 2025 May 26, 2025/ Are you passionate about film and curious about how a festival programme comes together behind the scenes? We’re looking for… Read More Welcome Cherene Bracegirdle-Smith to the BIFF Family May 8, 2025/ We are super excited to announce Cherene is joining BIFF as Head of Programming and Strategic Relations.  Cherene Bracegirdle-Smith is… Read More Hilton Bournemouth April 14, 2025/ Venue & Hospitality Partner: Hilton Bournemouth We are proud to announce Hilton Bournemouth as the official Venue and Hospitality Partner… Read More

• Steve
• May 31, 2025June 4, 2025
• 2 Comments
• News

Breaking the Paywall: Why Film Festivals Must Champion Access Over Exclusivity A recent post made the rounds in the film and TV industry: “If I went to every TV industry festival in a year, I’d be spending at least £10,000 just on tickets.” Derek Drennan Supports Creatives In Industry And they weren’t exaggerating. Tickets for major festivals can range from £500 to £1,500 and that’s before travel, accommodation, and other costs. For many aspiring creatives, it’s a financial wall that keeps them out of the room entirely. At Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF), we believe there’s a better way. What if festivals made access their priority? We’ve heard it too many times: new voices, especially disabled, Black, working-class, and other underrepresented creatives, are simply priced out of the very festivals meant to showcase them. The result? Less diversity, fewer risks, and stories that too often sound the same. BIFF was created to be the antidote to that. Here’s what we’re doing differently at BIFF 2025: 🎟 Tickets start from just £20.That’s right. You can experience world cinema, panels, and filmmaker Q&As for the price of a takeaway. Full weekend passes are currently on offer via our Crowdfunder campaign. 🎬 We offer submission discounts for students, Gold FilmFreeway members, and first-time filmmakers. 🤝 Selected filmmakers don’t pay to screen.If you’re chosen, your film is shown with no added fees, no small print. 🌍 We run year-round outreach programmes to mentor and support future talent because true cultural growth doesn’t only happen in October. We back people, not profits BIFF is a not-for-profit festival, which means we reinvest everything into the platform, the artists, and the audience. That’s how it should be. Because when you give creatives a place to be seen and heard, everyone wins, especially the future of film. A more inclusive industry starts here Festivals should be about stories. Bold, weird, beautiful stories from people you’ve never heard of… yet. So let’s change the game, not just talk about it. Join us this October. Submit. Attend. Support. Be part of the future. 🎟 View ticket options here🎥 Submit your film or script   We want to see more of those voices in the spotlight. We want to help get them there.

• Steve
• May 26, 2025June 11, 2025
• 2 Comments
• News

Are you passionate about film and curious about how a festival programme comes together behind the scenes? We’re looking for Volunteer Pre-Selectors to help us review submissions for the Bournemouth International Film Festival 2025 and we’d love to have you on board.   What’s the role? As a Pre-Selector, you’ll be part of the programming team helping us choose the films that will light up screens at the Hilton Bournemouth this October. You’ll watch and review a set number of short films, features, animations or documentaries, all from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule. This is a flexible, remote volunteer opportunity perfect for anyone looking to gain experience in film selection, discover new voices, and be part of something inspiring.   What You’ll Do Watch and assess a number of film submissions  depending on your availability Provide short but valuable written feedback that helps inform final programming decisions Take part in optional online meet-ups to discuss films with fellow pre-selectors and BIFF’s programming team   Who We’re Looking For Film fans with an appreciation for bold storytelling and original ideas People who can critically engage with fiction, non-fiction, animation, and genre cinema Organised, self-motivated individuals able to stick to deadlines and commit to the viewing workload We especially welcome applications from underrepresented communities in the film and media industry   Why Get Involved? Hands-on insight into how festivals curate their line-ups A chance to spot exciting new talent from around the world A free pass to attend BIFF 2025 in Bournemouth this October Connect with other cinephiles and industry professionals Build your CV — many of our volunteers go on to work with other festivals and programming teams This is an unpaid volunteer position with full flexibility around your schedule. Open to applicants UK-wide and beyond, though we’re especially keen to hear from people in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area who want to get more involved with their local cultural scene. 📌 Deadline to apply: 5pm, 31st July 2025📌 Apply now and help us shape the BIFF 2025 programme!

• Steve
• May 8, 2025May 26, 2025
• 1 Comment
• News

We are super excited to announce Cherene is joining BIFF as Head of Programming and Strategic Relations.  Cherene Bracegirdle-Smith is a dynamic creative force whose unconventional journey from legal and media finance to scripted drama production exemplifies a fresh, multidimensional talent shaping the industry.  Based in the North West of England, she is a multi-skilled Producer, Film Certification Analyst for the British Film Institute and Women’s Business Awards ‘Business Mum of the Year 2025 nominee’, seamlessly blending analytical expertise with artistic vision.  With Production Accounting experience working on High-End TV productions such as The Long Shadow, Champion, A Kind of Spark and Can You Keep a Secret? to her strategic career pivot into Executive producing Hide (2024), a short film which won; 🏆Best Short Film Fiction at North East International Film Festival, 🏆Best North West Film at Manchester Film Festival 2025 and 🏆Main Winner Liverpool Indie Awards 2025 to establishing Last Minute Wonders producing two short films, Olympus Lost (2025) and The Nomophobe (2025) beginning their festival run later this year. Cherene has cultivated a rare skillset that bridges financial oversight with creative execution. Her contributions to award-winning projects reflect a deep understanding of industry standards and audience engagement. She approaches content production with a keen eye for storytelling, ensuring that each project resonates both emotionally and commercially. Cherene is a dedicated and proactive professional who balances a dynamic career with raising six children. Her strong commitment to continuous learning, exceptional organisational skills, and strategic problem-solving set her apart. As a neurodivergent individual (Autism & ADHD), she brings a unique perspective, fostering innovation and efficiency in every endeavour.