We are now a BIFA qualifying festival

As an emerging documentary festival, it’s a huge honour to announce that Folkestone Documentary Festival is now an official BIFA qualifying festival for British features and shorts. Alongside our recent Grierson Awards qualification, this means selected films screening at the festival may now be eligible for consideration by the British Independent Film Awards - one of the UK’s leading celebrations of independent cinema.

Becoming BIFA qualifying recognises the strength of the festival’s curation and programming, and further establishes Folkestone Documentary Festival as an important platform for championing bold, independent filmmaking within the UK screen industry. Co-Director of the festival, Charlie Phillips, says:

“BIFA is one of the most respected organisations supporting independent film in the UK, so becoming a qualifying festival is a massive step for us. It means films screening at Folkestone Documentary Festival now have a clearer pathway towards national industry recognition, while helping us attract exciting new British features and shorts to the programme.”
 
Open submissions are being accepted until 23 June via Film Freeway.

The 6th edition of Folkestone Documentary Festival takes place from 22–25 October 2026. Super Early Bird passes are now sold out, but you can grab an Early Bird Festival Pass before 31 July for just £40 (£25 concession).