Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
Norwich Film Festival ’25 is LIVE
3–16 November 2025 • Norwich, UK
That’s right film lovers, Norwich Film Festival (NFF) returns 3-16 November with its busiest edition yet; 134 short films from 19 countries, a slate of new and classic feature films, and an expanded programme of talks and events for young and emerging filmmakers.
Narrowing it down to the 134 short films was a mammoth task as the quality of film was immense. The programme is bursting with original, diverse, bold and culturally rich content. This year’s festival is one not to be missed. Take a sneak peak at what to expect!
2025 FESTIVAL IN NUMBERS
- 134 shorts selected from 19 countries – 291 hours watched by our programming team
- 40% of selected films directed by women
- 31 films from first‑time filmmakers
- 37 films in languages other than English
- 27 films from student filmmakers
- 116 filmmakers new to NFF
Familiar names appearing across the official short film selection include Kate Bush, Miriam Margolyes, Stephen Fry, Domhnall Gleeson, David Jonsson, Karl Pilkington, Susan Wokoma, Kerry Godliman, Jordan Stephens, Jazz Emu, Nabhaan Rizwan, Jack Howard, Joanna Scanlan and Caroline Goodall.
FEATURES & SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAMME
- Mon 3 Nov – Norwich Playhouse: Phantom of the Opera (100th Anniversary) with live score by Minima
- Wed 5 Nov – Cinema City Norwich: Far from Heaven + Q&A
- Thu 6 Nov – Cinema City Norwich: High Wire + Q&A
- Mon 10 Nov – Cinema City Norwich: Thelma & Louise (35mm screening)
- Tue 11 Nov – Cinema City Norwich: Kinky Boots (20th Anniversary) + Q&A hosted by local Drag Artists
- Thu 13 Nov – Cinema City Norwich: x2 films – DJ Ahmet & Alpha
Local debuts fresh from BFI London Film Festival:
- Alpha — the third feature from Julia Ducournau, Palme d’Or winner for Titane
- DJ Ahmet — Sundance 2025 Audience Award; UK release set for 2026
- High Wire — sold‑out screenings at LFF
AWARDS
An expert jury of filmmakers, directors, writers and producers will select six short filmmakers to receive £1,000 cash prizes plus invaluable feedback and mentorship. Categories include British, International, Animated, Documentary, Student and East Anglian film.
INDUSTRY & LEARNING
Beyond screenings, NFF hosts practical talks such as ‘Writing for Screen’ and ‘From Short to Features’. OUR annual Industry Day takes place on Fri 14 Nov at Norwich University of the Arts, welcoming students from across Norwich for a full day of sessions including ‘How to Get into Film’, ‘Prosthetics in Film’, and ‘Stunt Choreography’.
DID YOU KNOW …..
- Norwich Film Festival is a registered charity run by a small team of 10 volunteers.
- With the support of volunteers, funders and sponsors, NFF has screened 1,400+ short films since 2009 and hosted 250+ events.
- Over £50,000 has been given to filmmakers in total over the years, thanks to the festival’s sponsors and partners.
- Films submitted to NFF have gone on to win at the BAFTAs and the Oscars, and at festivals such as Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW. Recent award‑winners include Rock Paper Scissors (2025), Jellyfish & Lobster (2024) and An Irish Goodbye (2023).
- BAFTA‑qualifying means all British shorts screened at NFF automatically become eligible for BAFTA Short Film or Short Animation Award consideration, subject to eligibility criteria. NFF is also BIFA‑recognised.
Posted in: press release
