CROSSING THE SCREEN is an international film festival
Festival 2025
Crossing the Screen Film Festival 2025
Crossing the Screen 2025 marked the 9th edition of the Eastbourne International Film Festival, held from 26–30 March 2025 at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne. Continuing its evolution as a grassroots platform for independent cinema, the festival brought together filmmakers and audiences from around the world through a programme that blended international features, documentaries, animation, experimental cinema, and curated short film strands.
The edition showcased a rich diversity of voices and perspectives, with numerous UK, European, and world premieres highlighting bold storytelling and socially conscious filmmaking.
Alongside its international programme, the festival strengthened its role within the local creative community through educational workshops, networking events, and collaborations with students and emerging artists.
Animation sessions for children, industry seminars led by filmmakers and educators, and dedicated “Student Made” and “Sussex Made” screenings reflected the festival’s ongoing commitment to nurturing regional talent and creating accessible pathways into the film industry.
The 2025 edition also reinforced Crossing the Screen’s identity as a festival driven not only by cinema, but by conversation, creativity, and cultural connection.
Official catalogue:
CROSSING THE SCREEN 2025 – WINNERS
Best Narrative Feature Film Animal (Greece, Austria, Romania, Cyprus, Bulgaria 2024) by Sofia Exarchou
Best Documentary Feature Film The White Guard (Canada 2023) by Julien Elie
Best Narrative Short Film Art (United Kingdom 2023) by Ben Kernow
Special Jury Award The Adamant Girl (India 2024) by P.S. Vinothraj
Best East Sussex College Under 18 Film: Burial (United Kingdom 2025) by Joe Hill
Best Documentary Short Film Making Gains (UK 2024) by Kezia Feinson Dwyer
Best Animated Short Film Orange Juice (France, Poland 2024) by Alexandre Athané
Best Experimental Short Film A Noa (Spain 2024) by Dani Fortuny
Best Student Film East of the Sun, West of the Moon (UK 2024) by Nora Holmen
Best Sussex Production Life in the Old Cloth (United Kingdom 2024) by Eveshka Ghost
Honourable Mention The After Party (UK 2024) by Madeleine Rose Marsh
Best Innovative Production The Flowers Stand Silently, Witnessing (UK 2024) by Theo Panagopoulos