My vision is to create a new, inclusive and innovative film festival in the North East of England but aimed internationally and beyond the film industry reach.

The Festival will attract global audiences and submissions while maximising the opportunity to showcase local talent, companies and stunning film locations.

This can be achieved by connecting networks of filmmakers, actors and industry specialist with local key players, and assure the outcome generates a lasting impact on both participants and partners.

The Festival organisation is designed around collaboration and participation and has already secured the partnership of organisations like Disability North, Northumbria University, No Worries Marketing, Titan Media & Close Protection and sponsors such as Clearly Drinks brand.

The Festival has a broad scope but an inclusive narrative. This will be underpinned by our choice to include the standard international submission categories as well as more diverse, collaborative and inclusive ones such as F – Rated Films, Best LGBTQ+, Best Student Film, Low/No Budget Films, Most Diverse Work and the first ever VisABLE category which is to represent disability in all its forms.

Thank you for your interest in the NEIFF
Lisa-Marie Tonelli, Festival Director.