about us
Derby International Film Festival was founded with a simple belief: great films deserve great audiences. We set out to create a festival that celebrates exceptional independent cinema while providing a welcoming space for filmmakers and film lovers to come together.
Proudly based in Derby, we’re passionate about championing the creative talent of the Midlands while showcasing remarkable films from across the globe. Whether you’re joining us as a filmmaker, industry professional, or audience member, DIFF is built on a shared love of storytelling and the experience of watching films together on the big screen.
Who Are We?
Why DIFF?
Our belief
We’re filmmakers, film lovers, and passionate advocates for independent cinema. Having experienced the festival circuit ourselves, we know the value of bringing great films to engaged audiences and creating spaces where meaningful connections can happen.
That’s why we created Derby International Film Festival. Our aim is to celebrate outstanding filmmaking, champion new and established voices, and build a festival that reflects the creativity, ambition, and community of Derby while welcoming stories from every corner of the world.
Because we believe every city deserves a film festival that reflects its creative spirit. Derby is home to talented filmmakers, passionate audiences, and a rich cultural community, yet it has never had an international film festival dedicated to bringing them together.
DIFF exists to celebrate exceptional independent cinema, give filmmakers a platform to share their work, and create an unforgettable experience for everyone who walks through our doors. We’re not here to be just another stop on the festival circuit, we’re here to build a festival that filmmakers are proud to be part of and audiences can’t wait to return to.
At the heart of DIFF is a simple belief: great cinema brings people together. We believe every film deserves to be treated with respect, every filmmaker deserves a genuine opportunity to be seen, and every audience deserves the chance to discover stories that challenge, inspire, and entertain. We’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive festival where creativity comes first and the shared experience of cinema is celebrated above all else.
At the heart of DIFF is a simple belief: great cinema brings people together. We believe every film deserves to be treated with respect, every filmmaker deserves a genuine opportunity to be seen, and every audience deserves the chance to discover stories that challenge, inspire, and entertain. We’re committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive festival where creativity comes first and the shared experience of cinema is celebrated above all else.
Whether you’re discovering your next favourite filmmaker, joining a Q&A, or simply enjoying a day at the cinema, DIFF is a place to experience independent film the way it was meant to be seen: on the big screen, surrounded by people who love cinema just as much as you do.