Sponsored by

Championing New Voices in Global Independent Cinema

Now in its 11th edition, the Earl’s Court International Film Festival

(ECIFF) celebrates creativity

inclusion, and community

through independent film.

SUBMISSIONS

OPEN UNTIL

SEPTEMBER 2nd

OPENING

April 30th, 2025

CLOSING

Sept 2nd, 2025

NOTIFICATION

October 7th, 2025

EVENT DATE:

14-21 NOVEMBER, 2025

ABOUT THE

EARL'S COURT

INTERNATIONAL

FILM FESTIVAL

Founded in 2015, the Earl’s Court International Film Festival is a mission-driven organisation that showcases bold, original filmmaking from the UK and around the world. We champion emerging talent and build long-term relationships with filmmakers, audiences, and community and charity partners, using film as a platform for social impact and creative expression.


With a dual focus on production and exhibition, ECIFF operates year-round through its partner organisation, Film Earl’s Court, producing short films and delivering inclusive screening programmes across London. The festival culminates each November in a week-long celebration of independent film, featuring premieres, panel discussions, public screenings, networking events, and our Gala Night in Earl’s Court.


2025 FESTIVAL - AMAZING FILM DESERVES AMAZING SCREENING VENUES

This year’s festival runs from 14–21 November 2025, with screenings, masterclasses and Q&As at iconic venues including:

  • St Cuthbert’s, Earl’s Court

  • Riverside Studios, Hammersmith

  • Soho Screening Rooms, Soho

  • The Troubadour, Earl’s Court

  • The Electric Cinema at Soho House, White City

Other venues to be announced

In 2024, we welcomed record-breaking audiences, presented films from over 20 countries, and premiered multiple locally produced shorts. Our 2024 Gala Night brought together more than 400 filmmakers, industry leaders, and community members.

ECIFF CHARITY PARTNER: In 2024 and 2025, ECIFF is proud to support the Refugee Council of Great Britain - a UK charity helping refugees rebuild their lives through crisis advice, mental health support, and community integration. We collaborate to amplify the voices of displaced individuals and share their stories through film.

SPONSORED BY

OUR PRINCIPAL

SPONSOR SINCE 2020 IS

THE EARLS COURT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY,

WHOSE CONTINUED SUPPORT ENSURES ECIFF REMAINS ACCESSIBLE, COMMUNITY-ROOTED, AND CREATIVELY AMBITIOUS.

OUR MISSION : Creative Excellence | Social Inclusion | Community Connection: At its heart, ECIFF is about access and opportunity.

We provide pathways into the film industry for underrepresented voices, including intergenerational creatives, members of the neurodiverse creative community, and those from marginalised backgrounds - globally. Through workshops, funding schemes, and outreach events, we use filmmaking to spark dialogue, build confidence, and empower new talent.

OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT: Since 2015, ECIFF has co-produced over 30 short films and reached more than 1,000 people annually through free screenings, Q&As, and workshops.

We deliver filmmaking programmes in schools, care homes, and community hubs, and partner with groups like Asylum Link to support refugees. Our work with DYSPLA supports neurodiverse voices in the film industry. Our acclaimed programming includes environmental and social justice films such as Long Hot Winter, made possible by our volunteers and local partners.

STAY CONNECTED WITH ECIFF:

Explore ECIFF updates, filmmaker features, and behind-the-scenes stories through our media partner’s podcast series, and follow our Festival News page for the latest announcements. Whether you're a filmmaker, film lover, or first-time attendee, we invite you to join us for a celebration of global storytelling, local creativity, and independent film at its finest.

Dates for annual events and forums will be published on www.filmearlscourt.com.

CATEGORIES & FEES

Closing Deadline: £5

FESTIVAL DIRECTOR

Caroline Tod-Richardson

CONTACT & SOCIALS

RULES & TERMS

  • The maximum length is 15 minutes.

  • The film must have been made during the last two years.

  • We will not post your films on any online sites and will only screen at ECIFF 2025 in November if you are selected and you confirm you wish to be screened.

  • Only one submission is allowed per filmmaker.

  • We invite films by independent filmmakers; please only submit if you are part of the filmmaking team.

  • Submissions from film distribution companies will not be considered.

  • No unfinished work or work in progress is allowed.
    If your film is selected we will contact you if another screening format is required.

  • A judging panel will decide the winners of the awards at our Gala event. Our panel will be made up of respected professionals in the industry.