Bournemouth International Film Festival 2026

Bournemouth International Film Festival returns this October for two days celebrating independent cinema, emerging talent and creative storytelling from the UK and around the world.

Taking place on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 October, the festival will bring together filmmakers, screenwriters, industry professionals and film lovers for a packed programme of feature films, short films, documentaries, animation, talks, workshops and live discussions.

Whether you work in the film industry or simply love discovering something new on the big screen, the festival is an opportunity to experience films and stories you might not normally find at your local cinema.

What to expect

Across the two days, visitors can dip in and out of screenings and events, hear from people working across film and television, meet filmmakers behind the selected productions and discover new creative talent.

The theme for BIFF 2026 is Social Realism, exploring cinema’s ability to tell stories about real lives, communities and the issues shaping the world around us. Alongside the themed programme, audiences can expect films covering a wide variety of genres and styles.

The festival will be centred around Hilton Bournemouth, bringing screenings, industry sessions and hospitality together in the heart of the town.

A celebration of independent film

Following the inaugural Bournemouth International Film Festival in 2025, the festival returns with an even greater focus on connecting audiences with new and independent voices.

For emerging filmmakers, BIFF provides a platform to showcase their work and make new industry connections. For audiences, it’s a chance to discover original films from both the UK and international filmmaking community and hear directly from the people who created them.

Black-Tie Awards Night

The festival concludes on Saturday evening with the BIFF Black-Tie Awards Night, celebrating achievements across filmmaking, acting, writing and the wider screen industry.

Event details

Dates: Friday 9 & Saturday 10 October 2026
Main venue: Hilton Bournemouth
Friday: approximately 10:30am–9:30pm
Saturday: approximately 10:30am–11:30pm
Tickets: Day tickets from £24.99, with two-day and All Access options also available.

With two full days of screenings, conversations and creative events taking place in the centre of Bournemouth, BIFF is a great addition to the town’s growing programme of cultural events.

Find out more and book tickets through the Bournemouth International Film Festival website.