Since 1992, Raindance Film Festival is known for showcasing the very best independent films from around the world. A Raindance film is distinctive for several reasons. Here’s what makes a great independent film stand out at our festival:
Original Storytelling:
First and foremost, the independent films that gain attention at Raindance feature qualities that most other film festivals ignore. Raindance seeks unique, compelling narratives that might not conform to mainstream cinema. These stories often explore niche, untouched, or culturally specific subjects that offer fresh perspectives.
Passion and Vision of the Filmmaker:
Innovative Filmmaking Techniques:
Strong Character Development:
Cultural and Social Relevance:
Budget Constraints Leading to Creativity:
Critical Engagement:
You and a Raindance film
Reading this means you are a discerning individual. You’re able to filter all the corporate bullshit. You are open to the bold, the fresh and new ideas.
Raindance screens films that are not only artistically ambitious but also resonate on a human level. Our audiences are offered stories and perspectives that are rarely seen in mainstream cinema.
Why not attend the Raindance Film Festival and see if the film review lives up to the movie?
Ways Raindance Can Help You
Do you want to get that story out of your head onto paper? and from the paper to the screen?
Here are some bite-sized ways we can help you, irregardless of your budget or time constraint:
A taster evening; 99 Minute Film School – a single evening explaining how the film industry works.
A taster One Day Masterclass: Saturday Film School – discover the ins-and-outs of writing, directing and producing a film in an information packed and entertaining day
The Raindance 2 year Higher National Degree: a students entry point to Higher Education
Study filmmaking or acting over 2 years at one of our 3 international campus’! This is a full-time University level course. Through Raindance, students will have the opportunity to attend renowned courses delivered by industry professionals and attend our networking events to develop further opportunities.
The Raindance BA in Filmmaking or Performance: The Raindance Film School Top-Up BA (Hons) in Film and Performing Arts Practices is a one year practical course. It’s been designed to provide aspiring, and existing, Film and Performing Arts practitioners the opportunity to develop their existing academic or professional experience up to BA level in a chosen pathway or pathways (producing, directing, screenwriting or acting).
The Raindance MA: Study your MA in Filmmaking or Screenwriting at Raindance Film School (accredited by De Montfort University). They are 21st-century degrees for filmmakers, entrepreneurs, creatives and future academics wishing to upskill or transition into the film and digital media industry. These programmes provides a unique opportunity for you to benefit from the experience of Industry Experts across the world, whilst developing your personal professional practice, as well as your research and independent study skills.
Photo Credit: Bertie Watson
I founded Raindance Film Festival in 1993 because the British film industry was closed, polite, and congratulating itself while shutting new filmmakers out.
I co-founded the British Independent Film Awards in 1998 because British indie film deserved more than a shrug, a pat on the head, and a Tuesday night screening.
Raindance didn’t start as a brand. It started as a rebellion: film training without gatekeepers, a festival without permission, and a community built by filmmakers who weren’t waiting to be invited in.
Later, we took it global: Toronto, Vancouver, New York, LA, Berlin, and Brussels, because independent film doesn’t belong to one city, one class, or one accent.
I’ve produced 700+ short films and seven features, including Deadly Virtues (2014) and ALICE, which won the SXSW Grand Jury Prize (2019) not because someone “discovered” us, but because the work earned its place.
I’ve written three books used by filmmakers worldwide because too many courses taught compliance instead of survival.
In 2009, I was awarded a PhD for services to film education, ironic, given that most of my career has been about tearing down the rules that education insisted you follow.
I don’t believe in waiting for permission.I believe in making work, building systems, and forcing the industry to catch up.
Specialties: Independent Film (the real kind) · Producing · Writing · Film Education · Festivals · Breaking Broken Systems
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