Your stories | On the big screen
In 2027, the Children’s International Film Festival will bring young filmmakers, schools and creative professionals together across London, East Sussex and South Yorkshire, with festivals in Kingston, Hastings and our flagship location, Rotherham.
Each location will host a festival day combining screenings, practical workshops and an awards celebration. A wider programme of school visits, creative careers days and special screenings will create opportunities to get involved before the main events.
Dates, venues, guests and booking information will be announced here
as the programme is confirmed.
THE FESTIVAL DAY
Screenings and Conversations
See the world through the eyes of young filmmakers.
Our schools screenings will celebrate films made by children and young people, with age-appropriate programmes for primary and secondary audiences. Filmmaker questions, introductions and audience discussions will explore the ideas behind the films and how they were brought to life.
For young filmmakers, it’s an opportunity to share their work on the big screen. For audiences, it’s a chance to discover new voices and find inspiration for their own stories.
Practical Filmmaking Workshops
Get involved in the craft of making films through practical sessions led by filmmakers and creative practitioners.
Planned workshops include screenwriting, directing, camera, sound, editing, animation, documentary and performance. Students will work together, experiment with techniques and discover the different skills that bring a story to life.
Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or already making your own films, there’s more to discover.
Finalist Screenings and Awards Gala
Celebrate the imagination, teamwork and achievement behind this year’s shortlisted films.
Finalist screenings and conversations will lead into an awards gala featuring young presenters, visiting guests and highlights from nominated work. Together, we’ll recognise the creativity of young filmmakers and the schools and communities supporting them.
FIND YOUR FESTIVAL
Rotherham | South Yorkshire
Our flagship festival
For schools all over the world
Rotherham will host the principal ChIFF celebration, bringing together young filmmakers, industry guests and creative partners.
Working with local partners including Grimm & Co and FLUX, the programme will connect school activity, film discovery and creative careers, with opportunities for young people to help shape and present the festival.
Kingston | London
The London Children’s International Film Festival
For schools across London
Developed with Creative Youth, our Kingston programme will connect classroom creativity with workshops, screenings and an awards celebration.
A wider programme of school visits, a creative careers day and curated screenings will give students opportunities to develop their skills, encounter different perspectives and explore their next steps.
Hastings | East Sussex
The Hastings Children’s International Film Festival
For schools across East Sussex
In partnership with The Bright Foundation and supported by ChIFF
Led locally by The Bright Foundation, Hastings will offer a programme shaped around East Sussex schools and young people. Its festival day will bring together screenings, creative workshops and an awards celebration, alongside a separate careers day.
BEYOND THE FESTIVAL DAY
Filmmakers in Your School
Kingston and Rotherham
Dedicated weeks of assemblies and classroom visits will bring filmmakers and storytelling into schools before the festivals.
Students will discover the festival, explore story ideas, try practical filmmaking activities and learn how to submit their work or take part.
Creative Careers Days
Kingston, Hastings and Rotherham
Our separate careers days will introduce students from Year 9 upwards to opportunities across film, television, animation, games and the wider creative industries.
Through talks, demonstrations and conversations, students will discover roles behind the credits and explore routes through college, training and apprenticeships.
Stories Without Borders
Kingston and Rotherham
Our Kingston and Rotherham programmes will explore refugees, journeys and belonging, encouraging young people to consider the stories we share and the experiences that connect us.
Curated screenings presented by Film Hub North and Film London will showcase short films by first-generation immigrant filmmakers. These programmes will reflect a breadth of experiences, including family, humour, identity, creativity and everyday life.
SHAPED BY YOUNG PEOPLE
Young people will play a greater role in ChIFF in 2027, contributing to film selection, interviewing, hosting and awards.
Supported by experienced filmmakers and creative professionals, they will bring their own questions, opinions and ambitions to the programme.
These are the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. Their voices belong at the heart of the festival.
BE PART OF CHIFF 2027
Bring your school. Share your film. Discover what you can create.
Whether you’re a teacher, young filmmaker, youth organisation or prospective partner, we’d love to hear from you.
Explore our submissions page or register your interest at info@ciffest.org.
