NATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

National Film Festival

Where global storytelling meets cinematic excellence in the heart of London.

The National Film Festival is an annual celebration of cinema that brings together thousands of film lovers, industry professionals, actors, directors, producers, writers, and journalists from around the globe. It is held in London, one of the world’s leading cultural capitals and a premier destination for international cinema.

Every year, the festival curates a prestigious line-up of films that embody originality, bold storytelling, and visual brilliance. It features a mix of world premieres, independent gems, and hand-picked selections from the National Film Awards — showcasing the very best in contemporary cinema from established filmmakers and rising talent alike.

“The National Film Festival is more than just screenings — it is a platform for discovery, dialogue, and inspiration.”

🎬 What Is a Film Festival?

A film festival is a curated exhibition of films that typically takes place over several days. It brings together filmmakers and audiences to share stories, spark dialogue, and celebrate the art of cinema. Film festivals often include premieres, panels, workshops, networking sessions, and awards presentations.

The National Film Festival serves as a vital intersection between creativity, culture, and commerce — giving filmmakers global exposure while allowing audiences to engage directly with the creators behind the screen.

🌍 International Reach

In its most recent edition, the festival screened 107 films — including features, shorts, and documentaries — from 14 countries, in more than 14 languages. Among them were 7 world premieres, 23 National Film Awards premieres, and a host of groundbreaking new voices.

Above: A full house at one of the festival’s featured screenings

📈 Global Recognition

The festival was recently included in Luxury Weekly magazine’s Top 15 Film Festivals in the World for the fifth consecutive year — a testament to its global prestige and impact on international film culture.

It is widely regarded as a launchpad for next-generation filmmakers and a trusted space for discovering tomorrow’s most influential voices.

🗓 Year-Round Activities

In addition to screenings, the festival hosts:

🎤 Industry Panels and Q&A sessions

🎓 Filmmaking Workshops and Masterclasses

🤝 Networking Events and Media Mixers

🎥 Special Screenings for NFA Shortlisted Films

Want to get involved?
Email our festival team at: Lisa.Fuller@nationalfilmawards.co.uk
Include your name, role, and how you’d like to participate (filmmaker, speaker, media, sponsor, etc.).