Young Voices. Big Stories.
A Festival for the UK ​​

 

The Children’s International Film Festival brings young filmmakers together with organisations making a real difference to youth creativity across the UK. Through workshops, screenings and awards, we create opportunities for young people to discover their talents, develop their skills and see their stories celebrated on the big screen.

 

Our 2026 Hastings festival welcomed organisations including Access NFTS, BAFTA, The Bright Foundation, Into Film and Ciné Schools, alongside films from across the UK and around the world. An inspiring day of filmmaking and discovery culminated in an unforgettable Awards Gala at the White Rock Theatre.

 

Now we’re looking ahead. Our ambition is to build a festival that reaches across the whole of the UK, creating places where young filmmakers and storytellers can connect, share their work and be recognised.

 

In 2027, we’re putting young people at the heart of that journey. Our growing youth-led approach will give them a stronger voice in shaping the festival, from the stories we showcase to the conversations we start.

​

These young filmmakers and storytellers are the next generation of the film industry, and the future looks incredibly bright. Their imagination, curiosity and willingness to experiment bring fresh perspectives to the screen, telling stories that deserve to be seen and heard. By giving them space to create, opportunities to learn and an audience to celebrate their work, we can help that early spark grow into a lifelong creative journey.

 

London | East Sussex  | South Yorkshire: young voices are getting louder.