The UK Film Awards celebrates the best in independent cinema, bringing together filmmakers, screenwriters, actors and creatives from around the world. Now in our second year, the festival continues to grow as a platform for bold storytelling, industry recognition and meaningful creative connections.

Our mission is to champion exceptional filmmaking — from emerging talent to established professionals — and to honour the craft behind every great story. The inaugural festival, hosted at Picturehouse Epsom, set the foundation with an unforgettable night of screenings and celebration. The 2025 edition builds on that success with more categories, expanded programming and dedicated recognition across acting, directing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, visual effects and innovative AI filmmaking.

Festival Leadership

Lee Akehurst — Founder & Festival Director
Award-winning producer, as well as writer and director, with feature credits including Dark Rage, Night Call and The Underdog. Lee has also worked as a freelance consultant, coordinating with A24 and UK/US film finance initiatives. In addition to producing and directing, he was commissioned by the UK government to deliver CEF, a film-industry training programme with Westminster Adult Education across multiple EU countries.

Martin J. Thomas — Festival Director
English director, producer and screenwriter whose work spans independent and studio features including The Underdog, The Bag, Soho, World War Z, Wrath of the Titans, The Last Seven and Jack Said. Martin is currently developing two new feature films slated for 2026.

Together, Lee and Martin lead the UK Film Awards with a commitment to creativity, inclusion and the celebration of outstanding independent filmmaking.

About Us

Submissions for the 2025 festival are now open.
Enter via FilmFreeway: filmfreeway.com/UKFilmAwards