It's TUFF to get into film.
This is how you start.
Five days of access, opportunity and real industry connection.
London's student film festival & industry summit · Regent Street Cinema · 12–16 January 2027
Latest
Festival accreditation is on sale: £25 for all five days
Access to the TUFF programme of panels, masterclasses, workshops and pitching sessions, plus 12 months of free Regent Street Cinema membership.
Get your accreditation →New: Creative Access industry mixer, Wednesday 13 January
Meet film and TV professionals at a relaxed, informal mixer at Regent Street Cinema, 14.00–15.30.
Find out more →Pitch Your Short: applications open until 10 December
Five filmmakers will pitch their short film projects live to an industry panel on Friday 15 January.
How to apply →
‘How can I get into the film/TV industry?’ is the hardest question to answer because there is no predestined route, so everyone’s entry point is going to be unique. However, there are definitely things you can do to increase your chances, which is why TUFF is the festival the industry has been crying out for! Finally, a series of events and panels specifically designed to share experiences, tips and advice on getting that all important foot in the door, or give your idea the best chance of being noticed. This is absolutely an opportunity not to be missed.
TUFF: where film
education meets
industry
The Turn Up Film Festival (TUFF) is London's student film festival and industry summit, running 12–16 January 2027 at Regent Street Cinema, supported by 20 London universities and education institutions. Founded by the University of Westminster, Queen Mary University of London and Regent Street Cinema, TUFF brings emerging filmmakers, educators and industry together, creating a space to learn, connect, exchange ideas and help shape the future of film.
Across the festival, students and recent graduates from TUFF participating partner universities will screen their work, selected by course leaders, to industry and public audiences. These films will then be entered for the TUFF film awards competition. Shortlisted films for each award category will then be judged by a jury of industry experts.
In addition, students, graduates and emerging filmmakers registering for accreditation to TUFF will be able to take part in masterclasses, panel discussions, workshops and the Ask the Experts days which will offer the opportunity for direct conversations with working professionals. All filmmakers attending the festival are also invited to submit their pitches at a TUFF pitching session with a chance to pitch to an industry panel during the festival.
Short Film Showcase.
5 Days.
An audience
that matters.
Directing
Craft, vision and the language of the frame.
Producing
From idea to greenlight: the people who make films happen.
Financing
Where the money comes from, and how to fund your project.
Distribution
Getting films seen — festivals, sales agents, platforms.
Screenwriting
The script is the blueprint: how stories reach the page.
AI + Film
The tools reshaping production, and what they mean for new filmmakers.
The Awards
Films entered for TUFF are judged across 15 categories by our industry jury.
The Jury
Our jury represents
Who is it for?
Film Students
Currently enrolled, undergraduate or postgraduate.
Graduates
Up to 3 years post-graduation.
Emerging Filmmakers
Develop your voice. Build your network. Find your next step.
This isn't
just a festival
It's where the next generation of filmmakers meets the industry.
Dates & Location
Add to your calendar
New: industry mixer
Join Creative Access at TUFF at University of Westminster's Regent Street Cinema for a relaxed and informal industry mixer event. Meet professionals working across film and TV, hear about their career journeys, and discover practical advice on getting started and accessing opportunities.
Date: Wednesday 13 January
Time: 14.00–15.30
TUFF programme: partners@turnupfilmfestival.com
Media & press: press@turnupfilmfestival.com
Accreditation open!
Join us for the Turn Up Film Festival 2027, London's student film festival connecting emerging filmmakers with industry. Open to anyone at any stage of their learning or education considering a career in film.
Discover an exciting programme of panels, masterclasses, workshops and project pitching with industry professionals, sharing their insights, experiences and expertise.
With accreditation you will gain access to the TUFF programme of events, and networking opportunities with industry professionals, as well as a range of exclusive benefits at Regent Street Cinema.
Find out more on how to buy accreditationThe TUFF Team
Industry Partners
Industry partners also supporting include Into Film.
With Thanks To
Participating
London Universities
