2 Counties Independent Film Festival (2CIFF) (2)

Festival start: 21 August 2026      Festival end: 23 August 2026

2 Counties Independent Film Festival (2CIFF)
21–23 August 2026 | Milton Keynes, United Kingdom

This is where bold voices break through.
This is where stories find their audience.
This is where filmmakers step into what’s next.

Welcome to 2CIFF.

A new force on the international festival circuit, 2 Counties Independent Film Festival is built for filmmakers who are not waiting for permission — but are ready to be seen.

We champion daring storytelling, fresh perspectives, and the kind of work that stays with an audience long after the screen goes dark.

A Festival Experience — Not Just a Screening

Taking place 21–23 August 2026, 2CIFF unfolds over a vibrant summer weekend at the iconic Milton Keynes Gallery and the state-of-the-art Sky Room Cinema (in collaboration with Curzon Cinemas).

This is not a passive viewing experience. It’s an immersive, high-energy environment where film, art, and industry collide.

Expect:

Premium cinematic screenings

Curated networking events & afterparties inside a contemporary gallery space

Panels, workshops, and industry conversations designed to elevate emerging voices

A dynamic international audience, with easy access from London and beyond

Built by Filmmakers, For Filmmakers

2CIFF is driven by a team of award-winning actors, directors, producers, writers, and stunt professionals—

We understand the journey because we’ve lived it.

Our mission is clear:
to discover, support, and amplify the next generation of global filmmaking talent.

A Smarter, Fairer Festival Model

We’ve stripped away the complexity and made submission simple:

Submit to just ONE main category

If selected, your film is automatically considered for 20+ award categories

Every selected film receives:

Official screening at the festival

2 complimentary tickets for cast & crew

Access to exclusive networking events, talks and all areas of the festival.

Entry to the Gala and awards ceremony

A curated festival goodie bag

Because we believe your focus should be on your film — not navigating submission systems.

A Region at the Heart of Global Cinema

2CIFF is proudly rooted in a region rich with cinematic heritage and future-facing innovation.

From Pinewood Studios and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) to Cardington Studios and the upcoming Universal Studios development, this is a landscape where global cinema is made.

Home to talent such as Emily Atack, Ben Whishaw, and Sophie Rundle, these counties continue to inspire filmmakers shaping the industry today.

A Platform Designed to Grow With You

2CIFF is not just a festival — it’s a movement in its early chapters.

With ambitious plans to expand year-on-year and achieve internationally recognised status, we are building something that filmmakers can grow with, not just submit to.

The Stage Your Film Deserves

Up to 100 selected films screened across the weekend

Judged by a diverse panel of industry experts and VIP guests

A high-profile awards ceremony celebrating excellence across all genres

A festival atmosphere that balances prestige with genuine community

Whether your work is bold, intimate, experimental, or genre-defining —
if it moves an audience, it belongs at 2CIFF.

Submit your film. Join the experience. Be part of what comes next.

The date of festival is as of cited on Festhome, all selected films will be screened during the 2CIFF 2026 at the MK GALLERY AND SKYROOM CINEMA

1. Short films must be no longer than 50 minutes including credits.

2. Feature films must be no longer than 160 minutes including credits.

3. Student films must be no longer than 50 minutes including credits.

4. 2CIFF reserve the right to ask for proof of student eligibility even after submission so requires that the student film has been made by a registered student (Valid ID) or within the boundaries of a filmmaking course.

5. All rights to the film must be owned by the filmmakers.

6.2CIFF will not accept films completed prior to 1st Jan 2023

7.Non English films must include English subtitles in order to be selected.

8.No feedback is provided as part of the festival commitment.

9.2CIFF does not accept responsibility for films which are not sent in a downloadable format once requested.

10.All submitted films are watched and voted for for a selected status by a panel of festival judges selected by the festival director. Selections are then voted on to determine eventual winners the process is recorded and data is kept for future potential analytical review.

11.All selected films are automatically considered for all available awards.

12.All films have to be submitted using the Festhome platform and a fee will be required at the point of submission. All fees are non-refundable.

13.Award can be collected in person during the festival or sent to the filmmaker at their cost -To be determined if requested.

14.2CIFF will reserve the right to use any film material such as BIO or POSTER to use within 2CIFF promotional announcements on all media streams.

Once you have entered one of the main 6 categories and if selected you will then be entered automatically into every sub category. Because we are a screening festival we are aiming to select as many films as we can, so the chances of being involved in the festival are high.

2CIFF believes it is vital that every element of filmmaking is lauded and we aim to celebrate as many departments of the art as possible.

Categories.

Best Cinematography

Best Directing

Best Actor

Best Actress

Best Supporting Actor

Best Supporting Actress

Best Production Design

Best Editing

Best VFX

Best SFX

Best Sound Design

Best Animation

Best Sci-fi

Best Horror

Best Comedy

Best Drama

Best Action

Best Documentary

Best UK Feature

Best UK Short

Best UK Student

Best International Feature

Best International Short

Best International Student

Best of Bedfordshire

Best of Buckinghamshire