Norwich Film Festival (NFF) returns from the 3rd to 16th November 2025 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.
Founded in 2009, NFF is part of the international festival circuit and a celebration of independent film. Through its open submissions process, the festival champions local, national and global talent providing a platform in Norwich for new and established filmmakers. NFF is a BAFTA-qualifying and BIFA-recognised short film festival.
NFF is a registered charity run by a small team of 10 volunteers. With the support of these and more 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, and films premiered at NFF have gone on to win at the BAFTAs and Oscars, and feature at Sundance, Tribeca, and SXSW.
For NFF 25 Ewan Tough, Head of Programming says “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.”
Watch the Norwich Film Festival Official Selection electrifying trailer HERE.
The 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:
Monday 3rd November – Norwich Playhouse: Phantom of the Opera (100th Anniversary) with live score by Minima.
Wednesday 5th November – Cinema City Norwich: Far from Heaven + Q&A.
Thursday 6th November – Cinema City Norwich: High Wire + Q&A.
Monday 10th November – Cinema City Norwich: Thelma & Louise (35mm screening).
Tuesday 11th November – Cinema City Norwich: Kinky Boots (20th Anniversary) + Q&A hosted by local Drag Artists.
Thursday 13th November – 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’. The annual Industry Day takes place on Friday 14th November 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’.
Tickets & Info.
The full programme and screening times for all 134 short films and features are available now.
Explore the programme & book tickets HERE.
