The greatest amateur film festival in the British Isles is organised by IAC, the Film and Video Institute.  IAC encourages and supports amateur film and audio-visual makers throughout the UK and overseas. One of the major ways it supports film makers is  through BIAFF, the British International Amateur Film Festival.

Each year around 250 movies arrive from all round the globe for our competition.

BIAFF is most unusual in having no limit on length, subject matter, type of movie or age of film maker. In February teams of judges come together and assess all the entries. These are graded according to their quality and the very best go forward to a final jury which awards special prizes. Towards the end of March the results are announced. About two weeks after Easter the British International Amateur Film Festival is held showing a wide selection of the best entries and runners-up. The highlight of the weekend is a premier awards show screening the winning films.

Every single movie is studied, graded on a ‘star’ system and given a written critique. These notes are impartial comments – the kind you cannot get from family and friends. BIAFF offers:

•     an independent and impartial critique of your film project
•     an opportunity to win awards
•     a chance to have your film presented on a large screen in front of a film-loving audience

There are special arrangements for entries from young people who are under 16 years or between 16 to 21 at the closing date. They have a choice of two options (but not both) according to their aspirations and experience:

• Compete in the main competition and be judged against older competitors on an equal basis. This is for young film-makers wishing to establish a “track record”, possibly achieving the highest awards of the festival.  OR
• Enter a special competition designed specifically to coach and encourage younger film-makers. No specific “Star” grading will be awarded, but an educational critique will be provided for each entry and a trophy will be awarded for the best film in each age group.