THE EARL’S COURT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL 2025
14th to 21st of November
2025 FESTIVAL – A YEAR TO REMEMBER
The eleventh edition of the Earl’s Court International Film Festival wrapped up on November 21st, 2025, marking a true celebration of cinematic excellence. Running from November 14th through 21st, the festival delivered an inspiring week that brought together filmmakers and film lovers from across the country and across the globe.
This milestone edition achieved record-breaking attendance while maintaining our successful community-focused event format. We showcased an extraordinary collection of British and international short films, documentaries, charity films, and special features across five prestigious London venues: St Cuthbert’s (Earl’s Court), the Electric Cinema at Soho House (White City), Soho Screening Rooms (Soho), the iconic Troubadour (Earl’s Court), and the Kensington and Chelsea Screening Rooms.
The festival reached a truly inspiring crescendo at this year’s spectacular ECIFF 2025 Gala Night in Earl’s Court, bringing together nearly 500 filmmakers, industry partners, festival regulars, special and honoured guests, and community members for an unforgettable evening celebrating the week’s finest short films and documentaries.
A sincere thank you to everyone involved – our 2025 edition has been truly special. The success of ECIFF 2025 reflects the extraordinary support of our sponsors, venues, hosts, volunteers, and passionate audience members who made this milestone year unforgettable.
2025 FESTIVAL WINNERS
Best British Film – Second Time Around
Director, Jack Howard
Best International – Ya Hanouni
Directors, Lyna Tadount and Sofian Chouaib
Best Comedy – The Last Ingredient
Director, Lorenzo Cioglia
Best Documentary – Forgotten Routes
Director, Varta Arutunian
Best Animation – Cell Buddies
Directors, Melle Windig / Hidde Alberts
FESTIVAL GALA NIGHT
A wonderful evening, the ECIFF 2025 Gala was held in the stunning St Cuthbert’s in Earl’s Court on Friday 21th of November.
SUPPORTING THE REFUGEE COUNCIL IN 2025
This year, Earl’s Court International Film Festival is proud to support the British Refugee Council, a leading charity working with refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. Founded in 1951 following the creation of the UN Refugee Convention, the Refugee Council exists to support and empower people who have fled conflict, violence and persecution in order to rebuild their lives here in the UK.
The organiation provides crisis advice, mental health counselling, employment programmes and other practical support to help people settle and integrate into their new community, and it works with refugees and partners to fight for improvements to the refugee protection system.
GLOBALLY UNIQUE FILM FESTIVAL
Working with our partner entity, Film Earl’s Court, we fund, co-produce, screen and premiere short films, supporting emerging talent and creating global visibility and opportunities for British writers, directors, producers and filmmakers.
The Earl’s Court International Film Festival has become a cherished annual fixture on London’s cultural calendar, consistently attracting established and emerging film talent from around the world. Our programming spans diverse genres and styles, from powerful documentaries to innovative animations, comedy to drama, providing a platform for exceptional storytelling across all forms.
ECIFF offers filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work across prestigious London venues, with our programming designed to connect creators with audiences, industry professionals, and fellow artists. The festival creates meaningful pathways for talent development while celebrating the art of independent cinema.
We are enormously grateful to our principal sponsor, The Earls Court Development Company, and to all our venues, partners, and volunteers who make ECIFF possible.
Caroline Tod-Richardson, ECIFF Festival Director
Amazing festival which I loved to attend and be part of. Huge thank you to Caroline and Film Earl’s Court for giving my film an opportunity. An amazing night and award.
Beautiful Festival with very lovely people. The selection is brilliant and the level is high. Very happy to have been selected with our film ‘2020’, receiving a Special Mention. :) Will submit my next films!
This festival was absolutely wonderful on both events that my short film got selected for. The final took place in this stunning elegant cathedral in Earl’s Court which was breathtaking and just full of the most influential people in the industry that also cared and took an interest.
It was an amazing festival. So honoured to have had my film officially selected. The Gala Awards was an incredible event.
NEWS, REVIEWS, AND COMMUNITY VIEWS
Earl’s Court International Film Festival Podcast
Brian Scudder interviews Caroline Tod-Richardson, ECIFF Festival Director, and Jamie Hodge, Head of Consultation and Engagement at the Earls Court Development Company.
WELCOME TO OUR ‘SIT WITH HOPE’ CAMPAIGN
The Good Grief Trust launched a new national initiative in 2024 at The Royal Windsor Flower Show.The aim of their new SIT WITH HOPE campaign continues to be to help improve awareness and signposting to bereavement services across the UK. We know that many do not know where to turn for help, and The Good Grief Trust offer a choice of 900+ charities and tailored local and national support services under one umbrella.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PRINCIPAL SPONSOR – THE EARLS COURT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
ALSO, TO THE FILMMAKERS AND EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTS THE EARLS COURT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR PRINCIPAL SPONSOR – THE EARLS COURT DEVELOPMENT COMPANY.
ALSO, TO THE FILMMAKERS AND EVERYONE THAT SUPPORTS THE EARLS COURT INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL.
