Festival Policies
- Programming Transparency & Fair Selection Policy
- Code of Conduct & Social Responsibility
- Accessibility Commitment
- Environmental Responsibility
- Fee Waiver Policy
Updated: January 2026
The London Rolling Film Festival is committed to transparency, fairness and social responsibility in the way we programme films, host events and work with filmmakers and audiences.
1. Programming Transparency & Fair Selection Policy
The London Rolling Film Festival is committed to a fair, transparent and professional film selection process.
Submission Process
Films are submitted through FilmFreeway and reviewed through a structured multi-stage evaluation process. All submissions are fully watched before programming decisions are made.
Assessment Criteria
Films are evaluated based on a range of criteria including storytelling, originality, artistic vision, performances, technical quality and overall audience impact.
Multiple Reviewers
Submissions are independently reviewed by more than one member of the programming team to ensure different perspectives are considered and to reduce the risk of individual bias.
Independent Jury
Award winners are selected by an independent jury composed of film industry professionals such as critics, producers, distributors and directors of other film festivals.
Programme Diversity
The festival aims to create a programme that reflects a diversity of voices, cultures, perspectives and filmmaking styles.
Ethical Standards
Festival staff, programmers and jury members are expected to act with integrity and avoid conflicts of interest when evaluating films.
2.Code of Conduct & Social Responsibility
The London Rolling Film Festival is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful and welcoming environment for filmmakers, audiences, partners and staff.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We support diverse voices in filmmaking and aim to provide a platform for storytellers from different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives.
Respectful Environment
The festival maintains a zero-tolerance approach to harassment, discrimination or abusive behaviour. All participants, including staff, volunteers, filmmakers and guests, are expected to treat each other with professionalism and respect.
Accessibility
Festival events are hosted in venues that provide accessible facilities whenever possible. We encourage filmmakers to include captions or subtitles where possible and invite attendees to inform us of any access requirements in advance so we can accommodate their needs.
Environmental Awareness
Where possible, the festival aims to minimise its environmental impact by encouraging digital submissions, reducing printed materials and working with venues that support sustainable practices.
Community and Industry Support
The festival supports independent filmmakers through networking opportunities, industry panels and initiatives such as the Help to Roll Fund.
Reporting Concerns
Anyone experiencing or witnessing behaviour that does not align with this policy is encouraged to contact the festival team so that appropriate action can be taken.
3. Accessibility Commitment
The London Rolling Film Festival strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for audiences and filmmakers.
Festival venues are selected with accessibility in mind, including step-free access and accessible facilities where available. We encourage filmmakers to provide captions or subtitles for their films when possible.
Audience members and filmmakers are invited to contact the festival team in advance if they require specific support so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
4. Environmental Responsibility
The festival takes practical steps to reduce its environmental impact.
Film submissions, screening copies and communications are handled digitally. The festival programme is not printed; audiences access it through QR codes and online platforms.
Printed materials are kept to a minimum and posters and festival information are displayed digitally on venue screens.
Festival events are organised in venues located within walking distance of each other and easily accessible by public transport. We also collaborate with venues that are actively working to reduce their carbon footprint.
To reduce waste, festival lanyards are collected at the end of events, sanitised and reused when possible. Staff are encouraged to use reusable water bottles and coffee cups during the festival.
Festival staff and filmmakers are encouraged to complete sustainability training through Albert, the film and television industry’s environmental initiative.
5. Fee Waiver Policy
Submission fees help support the operational costs of running the festival while remaining accessible to independent filmmakers.
Fee waivers or discounts may be offered on a case-by-case basis, particularly for working-class filmmakers and filmmakers from countries with limited access to funding or industry support.
Filmmakers can request a fee waiver or discount by contacting the festival team.