The Jane Austen International Film Festival is a competitive independent festival held annually in Jane Austen’s splendid Georgian city of Bath, England. We celebrate global independent filmmaking with ambitious programming, creating enriching screening experiences. During the festival we encourage networking and aim to give everyone an entertaining and enjoyable festival experience.
The Jane Austen International Film Festival is named after the famous English novelist Jane Austen (1775 – 1817) who resided for many years in the city of Bath and is known primarily for the major novels; Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Emma, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion.
What sets us apart from most other film festivals is our dedication to view every film submitted from start to finish. We believe it is imperative to view films in their entirety in order to make a fair and careful selection during the nomination process.
The festival is for independent filmmakers who produce works in the following genres: animation, art-house, comedy, documentary, drama, experimental, Feature Films, Filmed Theatre, horror and music video. (Music videos should have an artistic or experimental flair)
All screenings will take place in the historical, grade II listed, Little Theatre Cinema, located in the centre of the Georgian city of Bath
Our aim is to provide not only a memorable cinematic experience for audiences but also an enriching festival event for independent filmmakers. We are looking for the most exciting and innovative storytelling in these different genres, films that challenge and inspire audiences. Our festival is more than just a screening space, it is an opportunity to meet like-minded people and help bridge the gap between audiences and film creators.
Our focus on short-form filmmaking stems from an appreciation of the unique position short-form storytelling occupies within the cinematic universe. These films are generally harder to access and have difficulties reaching larger audiences. However, their position outside of mainstream cinema and their abbreviated length allow the filmmakers more experimentation and artistic freedom.
The JAIFF selection committee is made up of international industry professionals and the festival founders.
Films will be judged during the festival, as they are screened, by film industry professionals.
Notifications for all selected films will be announced via email, FilmFreeway, website and our social media on July 26th 2021.
The winners will be announced at the event and then later on our website and other social media outlets.
Those nominated will be requested to provide one of the following screening materials DCP or Blu-ray, to be received by us no later than 31/08/2021. If we do not receive your film we can not screen it. Further information about the event will be made available at this time.
Award winners will be selected and announced at our festival gala award evening and online at a later time.
The awards will only be given on the Gala Award Evening, each film should have its representative; producer, director, etc., present to receive an award.
The Jane Austen International Film Festival is held during the world famous Jane Austen Festival; 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th September, 2021. You may wish to arrive in Bath some days before the Film Festival in order to enjoy some of the activities on offer.
We encourage all attendees to dress in Regency costume, particularly for the Gala Award evening. Costumes can be hired in advance and collected at the festival. If Regency costume isn't for you then please dress in elegant evening attire.
Tuesday 21st September is the official start of the Film Festival. It begins with refreshments and there will be a press/photo opportunity before the film screenings. A cocktail networking event will be held in the evening.
Screenings on Wednesday 22nd will be followed by afternoon tea and a Jane Austen tour of the city.
Thursday 23rd is an ideal opportunity to meet up for coffee and pastries followed by the final screenings.
Friday 24th is The Gala Award evening will take place at 7pm sharp followed by drinks and a buffet with live entertainment.
Awards will include certificates or trophies in the following categories:
Animation
Best Animation
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Voice Actor (when applicable)
Best Director
Best Story
Art-house
Best Art-house film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor (when applicable)
Best Director
Best Story
Comedy
Best Comedy film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor (when applicable)
Best Director
Best Story
Documentary
Best Documentary
The Frederick Wiseman Award
Best Director
Best Original Concept
Best Soundtrack
Drama
Best Drama
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Story
Experimental
Best Experimental Film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor (when applicable)
Best Visualization
Best Director
Feature Films
Best Feature Film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Story
Filmed Theatre
Best Filmed Theatre film
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor (when applicable)
Best Director
Best Story
Horror
The William Beckford Award
Best Horror
Best Soundtrack
Best Original Concept
Best Actor
Best Director
Best Story
Music Videos
Best music video
Best artistic music video
Best Original Concept
Best Visualization
Best Director