The Bradford International Film Festival (BRADIFF) is back for its second year, bringing an exciting line-up of premieres, family favourites and cult classics to the city from Tuesday 28 October to Sunday 2 November 2025.
As the world’s first UNESCO City of Film and the UK City of Culture 2025, Bradford is set to once again shine on the international stage, welcoming filmmakers and audiences from across the globe.
BRADIFF 2025 will open with the UK premiere of I’m Not An Actor, directed by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Aditya Kripalani. The India-Germany co-production stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui (Sacred Games) and Chitrangada Satarupa (Tikli and Laxmi Bomb), both of whom have earned international recognition for their performances.
The film, which has already made waves on the global festival circuit, tells the story of a struggling actor in Mumbai and a retired banker in Frankfurt whose online audition sparks an unexpected, life-changing connection.
Director Aditya Kripalani said: “It is a true honour for I’m Not An Actor to open BRADIFF 2025, especially in a year when Bradford celebrates its status as UK City of Culture. Festivals are as much about discovery as they are about celebration, and I look forward to experiencing the diverse films and short titles alongside our own.”
The six-day festival will also feature something for everyone, from families to film enthusiasts.
On 31 October, audiences can enjoy a half-term screening of Scooby-Doo at Pictureville Cinema for just £5 a ticket, in partnership with Leeds Young Film Festival. The event promises a fun-filled outing for children and parents alike, celebrating the world’s most beloved mystery-solving dog.
For fans of cult cinema, BRADIFF will mark the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a glittering screening on 1 November at Bradford Arts Centre. Presented in partnership with Oxygen Films, the event will feature guest hosts, surprises, and of course, the iconic Time Warp. Audiences are encouraged to come dressed for the occasion.
Across the festival’s five evenings, BRADIFF will also showcase 56 short films from around the world, including drama, animation and documentary categories. The celebration will culminate on Sunday 2 November with the BRADIFF Awards Ceremony, recognising talent across seven categories, from Best Narrative Short to Best Global Majority Short.
Jan Ruppe, BRADIFF Co-Director, said: “Bringing BRADIFF back to Bradford for a second year feels like coming home. We’ve worked hard to put together a programme that really has something for everyone – whether that’s the buzz of a UK premiere, the joy of a family screening, or the fun of a cult classic. What makes the festival truly special is the way people here turn up, get involved, and make every screening an event. Bradford audiences give BRADIFF its heart, and we can’t wait to share this year’s line-up with them.”
With a rich mix of international cinema, family fun and local creativity, BRADIFF 2025 promises to be a highlight of Bradford’s cultural calendar, celebrating film, diversity, and the city’s global storytelling spirit.
