Following a successful launch event at AUB’s Palace Court Theatre in July, the main internationally acclaimed Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) is now set to open its doors at the Hilton Bournemouth on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October 2026. The internationally focused festival will welcome local film lovers, emerging and established filmmakers, screenwriters and industry guests from Bournemouth, across the UK and around the world.
Held annually, the second Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) will take place on Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October 2026 at the Hilton Bournemouth on Terrace Road. The festival will showcase more than 60 films, selected by a panel of BIFF judges from more than 300 entries, alongside a curated programme of out-of-competition films, including the new Yorkshire comedy Hot Flash. The programme brings together work by emerging and established filmmakers from Bournemouth, across the UK and around the world. Alongside the screenings, attendees will be able to take part in networking opportunities and workshops designed for anyone interested in working in the film industry. The festival will culminate in a black-tie awards ceremony on Saturday night, celebrating the achievements of the best-in-class winning filmmakers.
What: Bournemouth International Film Festival
Where: Hilton Hotel, Terrace Road, Bournemouth
When: Friday 9th and Saturday 10th October
Tickets: https://bit.ly/4gYPYgu
Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/4gYPYgu, ranging from £7.50 for a screening of the new film, Hot Flash; to Day Tripper tickets at £24.99; or all-access VIP tickets at £75, which include access to both festival days, a table seat at the Black Tie Awards Night and entry to the after-parties.
Speakers will include local filmmakers Nicole Sarah Fry and Julian Butterworth, whose BIFA-qualifying British period project, The Lace, won four awards at last year’s BIFF. Other speakers include stunt co-ordinator Paul Weston, local presenter Rhiannon Duffin, lecturers from Bournemouth University’s film department, local film writer and director team Tim Clague and Danny Stack, and industry agent James Little. Local business and professional speakers will include Claire Main, Economic Development Officer at BCP Council; media lawyer Luke English; and Fiona Bavinton and Clare Cahill from Compos Mentis.
Bournemouth-based festival director Steve McCarten said: “We’re delighted to welcome audiences, filmmakers and industry guests to the second Bournemouth International Film Festival. Following the success of last year’s event, BIFF continues to grow, with an exciting programme of screenings, workshops, networking opportunities and celebrations planned across the two days.
“With a limited number of tickets available, we recommend booking in advance to secure your place and make the most of everything the festival has to offer.”
This year’s Bournemouth International Film Festival is supported by a growing network of partners across the community, education, hospitality, film industry, media and commercial sectors. Community partners include BCP Film Office, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Bournemouth Coastal BID, Mitchell Digital Media and Bournemouth Writing Festival. Educational partners are Arts University Bournemouth and the National Film and Television School. Senior commercial partners include local company Not Just Travel and Solar Dynamics, while Hot Rocks is the festival’s hospitality partner alongside The Hilton. Industry partners include the BFI, Compos Mentis, R&R Group, MySMASH Media, Fact Not Fiction Films, Sylver Productions and Mushroom Marketing & PR. Media partners include Bournemouth One, Dorset Coast Radio, Last Minute Wonders and Odd Sock Productions.
Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, commented “Cultural festivals and events of all kinds are key to attracting visitors to the town and encouraging spend in our businesses and venues. It’s good to see the BIFF run for a second year and add to this roster of cultural activities”
Fiona McArthur, Executive Director Bournemouth Coastal BID added, “We’re immensely proud to be a Bournemouth International Film Festival Community Partner. Supporting emerging filmmakers and the wider industry brings real benefits to our local economy increasing footfall, bookings and spend across surrounding businesses. We want to see the festival grow into a leading attraction, further positioning Bournemouth firmly on the cultural map.”
Tickets for the Bournemouth International Film Festival 2026 are now available.
For more information, go to bournemouthfilmfest.co.uk
