BOURNEMOUTH, England — The first-ever Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) took place at the Hilton Bournemouth in the U.K. on Oct. 3 and 4. Officially opened by acclaimed actor and festival patron Christopher Eccleston, the festival was attended by a who’s who of emerging international, national, and local talent.
More than 300 filmmakers, film fans, and film students from the U.K. and overseas attended the festival, which featured 62 films, 14 industry workshops, and more than 50 award winners celebrated at the concluding black-tie awards night.
Over 50 awards were presented at the ceremony to filmmakers at different stages of their careers, from local Arts University Bournemouth film student Em Robinson for her film ‘Hand Bag’, to BAFTA- and Emmy-winning director Ian Curtis for ‘Hide’. In addition to the best film awards, accolades were also presented for best editing, best sound, best composer and original score, best cinematographer, and best short script.
Festival Director Steve McCarten said:
“The festival was a resounding success. The feedback was excellent, with some attendees saying that it was the best-run film festival they’d been to this year and the most welcoming. I am absolutely thrilled by the amazing support and attendance at the first-ever Bournemouth International Film Festival! The awards night was completely sold out, with standing room only, and many other film sessions and talks were also sold out. It was more than a festival—it was the beginning of a long-term cultural investment in our region, helping to put a spotlight on the emerging film scene here in Bournemouth, whilst recognizing brilliant local, national, and international work.”
McCarten continued:
“We’ve had amazing support from the local community—from local sponsors Chine Financial and Adventure Attractions to around 50 volunteers helping out at the festival, including freshers who just started their courses here two weeks ago, as well as local businesspeople and residents. Thank you to everyone who was a part of the festival—we couldn’t have done this without you!”
Over 175 submissions were judged by an award-winning lineup of industry judges, with 55 awards handed out to deserving winners at the sold-out black-tie awards night. Some of the major winners included:
Best student film: ‘Hand Bag,’ directed by Em Robinson (one of 3 wins)
Best U.K. animation: ‘If I Raised My Mother,’ directed by Bhavna Madan Mohan (one of 4 wins)
Best documentary short: ‘More Like Paul,’ directed by Damian Sciberras (one of 3 wins)
Best documentary feature: ‘Y Crwydryn,’ directed by Rhys Edwards (one of 5 wins)
Best international short: ‘Blood Like Water,’ directed by Dima Hamdan (one of 4 wins)
Best international feature: ‘Seems Like Love,’ directed by Yana Klimova-Yusupova (one of 5 wins)
Best genre short: ‘The Lace,’ directed by Nicole Sarah Fry and Julian Butterworth (one of 4 wins)
Best genre director and cinematography: ‘The Pearl Comb,’ directed by Ali Cook
Best U.K. short film: ‘Hide,’ directed by Ian Curtis (one of 6 wins)
Best U.K. feature film: ‘The Caretaker’ (one of 3 wins)
Best short script: ‘Walk By’
Best local filmmaker: ‘The Lace,’ directed by Nicole Sarah Fry and Julian Butterworth
Best social impact short documentary: ‘Bluff,’ directed by Naomi Wright
Best social impact feature documentary: ‘Quiet on Set,’ directed by Mark Forbes
Audience choice award: ‘Paranoyya,’ directed by Mike Glover
Jury prize: ‘Hide,’ directed by Ian Curtis
The judges praised the exceptional quality of submissions:
“‘Y Crwydryn’ is a poignant meditation on mortality, masculinity, friendship, and music, with beautifully directed set pieces and strong cinematography. The bond between the central character and his friend is captured with real tenderness.”
“‘Hide’ is a superbly crafted film with an outstanding lead performance from Niamh Blackshaw.”
“‘If I Raised My Mother’ is a really beautiful film. The script is both clever and deeply touching, with an emotional resonance that stays with you. I especially admire the styling and the subtlety of the character animation—it brings such authenticity and warmth to the story. The beautiful soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, adding another layer of depth and emotion. A thoughtful, moving piece of work.”
For a full list of winners in all 55 categories, visit bournemouthfilmfest.co.uk.
