An event for filmmakers by filmmakers, our aim is to ensure that even in these difficult times SEIFF is able to maintain its ethos of giving a valuable platform to the best creatives; while being an event where the personal touch is paramount.
"In all my years of going to festivals I've never been to one with such a consistently strong programme. When a film is screened at SEIFF you know it's something special." Ada Vaughan, Producer
"The festival was a revelation. The scope and quality of films, workshops and networking opportunities were truly splendid. It's busy, it's exciting, it's thrilling. Organised to a fine detail, the SEIFF is a filmmaker's dream. One of the best in the UK." Dave Gilbank, Polterheist
MISSION
SEIFF is a true celebration of independent film which brings together filmmakers, film shakers and the movie-going public in a warm, convivial environment.
With a focus on increasing opportunity for independent filmmakers, SEIFF looks to promote and exhibit exceptional work by creatives from around the globe and help them make valuable connections - while increasing the audience for their work. SEIFF is more than just a film festival, it's an unforgettable experience for all involved, making SEIFF an essential industry event.
SEIFF is an IMDB listed event and all award-winners will be listed on IMDB with an accompanying review.
THE INDUSTRY
SEIFF presents a diverse programme of only the highest quality independent feature films, animation, documentaries and short films from all around the world.
SEIFF looks to make important discoveries of upcoming directors, actors, writers and all those involved in the filmmaking process, ensuring it’s a renowned and valued platform for both undiscovered talent and respected industry peers alike.
Our key objective is for SEIFF to be seen as a mark of quality and a SEIFF award to be a stamp of recognition and true validation.
With a large number of exceptional films being made that struggle to gain attention but deserve to be seen by critics, agents, peers and film lovers, SEIFF aims to bring to the festival the most superlative and creative films. SEIFF prioritises making the festival an attractive destination for agents, critics, investors and other career-makers.
The festival includes networking, Q&As, screenings, social events and special guests.
Our closing annual awards ceremony, gives recognition to the best talent in front of and behind the camera with a gala ceremony open to filmmakers and the public.
WOMEN DIRECTORS
SEIFF is particularly keen to promote the work of women filmmakers and includes a special award for women directors. Women directors in all film categories are eligible.
AWARDS CEREMONY
The annual red carpet awards event rewards excellence in the following categories with all submissions judged by a panel divided equally between industry professionals and local filmgoers to ensure a wholly fair and balanced critical process:
Best documentary
Best animated film
Best student film (any film category)
Best director
Best female director
Actor in a leading role
Actress in a leading role
Actor in a supporting role
Actress in a leading role
Cinematography
Sound
Original score
Screenplay
Best comedy short
Best short
People's Choice
Rising Star
Visionary Award
Jury Prize
Platinum Award
Best VR Film
The festival reserves the right to add awards where it deems a film or individual warrants special merit or remove awards where no deserving winner has been found. All films are screened on merit only and all awards presented to deserving recipients only.
All films, scripts and screenplays officially selected will receive the festival's Official Selection laurels to display on any artwork. Award winners will receive awards laurels and a trophy.
OFFICIAL SELECTIONS
All official selections will receive one free festival pass and a ticket to the red carpet awards ceremony, as well as an invitation to the networking party with the judging panel and other industry alumni. Any additional team members wishing to attend will be required to purchase a festival pass and closing ceremony tickets.
TROPHIES
Trophies will be presented at the closing awards ceremony. Trophies will be sent at the festival's expense to any winners not able to attend.
PRINTED BROCHURE
All films officially selected will be screened at the festival and will be featured in the printed festival brochure. A complimentary copy of the festival brochure will be given to all team members at the festival or sent to the representative of each film, script, or screenplay featured in the brochure as officially selected for those unable to attend.
A key feature of the programme is the Q&A with an elected representative of each film. The ethos of our festival is bringing the audiences together with the filmmakers and the 'get to know the filmmakers' in our programme is a key element and a popular talking point. Audiences enjoy getting to know the people behind the films so that they are able to connect with their work in a more meaningful way. The kind of filmmaker who embraces this ethos and enjoys questions such as 'What song do you want played at your funeral?' is the kind of filmmaker who should submit to SEIFF!