Submissions Open for 16th London Rolling Film Festival as Event Returns to the West End

Submissions have officially opened for the sixteenth edition of the London Rolling Film Festival (LRFF XVI), which will return to central London from 17 to 21 September 2026 with an expanded programme celebrating independent filmmaking.

The festival, now firmly established within the capital’s film calendar, will host screenings, industry panels and networking events across several venues, including the Vue Cinema Piccadilly in the heart of the West End. Organisers say the 2026 edition aims to build on recent growth by creating additional opportunities for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.

Founded to support independent cinema, the festival has evolved from a small film night in a Shoreditch pub into a multi-day international event that attracts filmmakers, producers and creatives from across the industry. Submissions are now open via FilmFreeway, with a limited-time Early Bird entry fee starting at £1.

Across five days, the programme will feature screenings of short and independent films alongside discussions and networking sessions designed to encourage collaboration within the filmmaking community. The festival will conclude with a ceremony recognising excellence across a wide range of filmmaking disciplines.

A total of 15 awards will be presented, including the Best Short Film Audience Award and a range of jury prizes recognising achievements both in front of and behind the camera, from acting and cinematography to casting and music composition.

Among the returning honours is the True Spark Award, which celebrates films that deliver uplifting and meaningful stories. The award highlights the festival’s belief in cinema as a medium capable of inspiring positive change and sparking conversation through storytelling.

The Kimberley Marren Recognition Award will also return. Presented for several years, the accolade acknowledges individuals whose work behind the scenes helps shape the film industry but often goes unrecognised publicly.

Supporting emerging creatives remains a central focus of the festival. The Help To Roll Fund, designed to provide practical support to filmmakers developing new projects, will again be part of the programme in 2026. Previous recipients include the film You and Me Makes Three by Emmalie El Fadli, which is set to premiere at the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival on 28 March 2026.

Over the years, the festival has welcomed speakers and guests connected to major organisations such as BBC, Channel 4, Sky and Lionsgate. Past participants have included director Neil Marshall, known for films such as The Descent and Dog Soldiers as well as his work on the television series Game of Thrones.

Festival Director Alida Pantone said the event’s growth has been gradual but purposeful. She described the festival’s journey from its small beginnings to its current format as a reflection of the independent film community that continues to support it.

“Steady, little steps have brought us here, and I couldn’t be prouder of what the festival has become and what it continues to offer filmmakers,” Pantone said. “Our aim remains the same: to create a welcoming platform where independent filmmakers can showcase their work, connect with industry professionals and feel part of a vibrant creative community.”

As the festival prepares for its sixteenth edition, organisers hope the expanded programme will further strengthen its reputation as a meeting point for filmmakers seeking both visibility and collaboration in the international film landscape.

Submissions for the 2026 edition of the London Rolling Film Festival are now open, with full details available through FilmFreeway and the festival’s official website.

Festival: London Rolling Film Festival – XVI Edition
Dates: 17–21 September 2026
Location: Vue Cinema Piccadilly and other central London venues
Programme: Screenings, industry panels, networking events and awards
Awards: 15 awards including Audience Award and Jury Awards
Special Awards: True Spark Award; Kimberley Marren Recognition Award
Filmmaker Support: Help To Roll Fund; Pitch Corner
Submissions: Now open on FilmFreeway – Early Bird fee from £1