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The CPIFF is organised and sponsored by Harlequin Productions aiming to promote independent film makers and talent from all over the world.

The festival provides opportunities for film makers to have their work screened at selected venues around Crystal Palace in South East London to a passionate audience of film professionals, journalists and the general public and the chance to win a Best in Category plus a Best in Festival 'Transmitter' award selected by a panel of celebrity and respected industry judges.

The Judges

Johnny Vegas is one of the UK's best known comedians, his CV as a performer, writer and producer is long, from starring in countless TV and radio shows to acting alongside Johnny Depp.
Mark Steel A familiar face on TV: 'Have I got news for you', 'What the papers say', 'The Mark Steel lectures', Q. I. A regular on BBC radio 4 with his own series 'Mark Steel's in Town' and a weekly columnist for the Independent newspaper.
Quentin Miles Animation director at Cinesite, he has directed special effects and animation on some of the biggest films such as Harry Potter, the James Bond franchise, Batman movies, X-Men and The Golden Compass, He recently worked on Clash of the Titans, Prince of Persia and Disney Pixars' John Carter of Mars. An impressive pedigree.
Martin Tempia Martin has produced TV for over 25 years working for the likes of Celador, Hat Trick Productions and Polygram. He currently has his own projects in development with Channel 4 and the BBC.

Judging criteria

Each submission will be watched by industry professionals at Harlequin Productions. The films will be judged and scored on Direction, Cinematography, Entertainment Value, Acting, Screenplay and Soundtrack where relevant to the category. Finalists will be chosen and forwarded to the main judges who will choose a winner for each category. A 'Best in Festival' will also be chosen.

The Festival

Over the festival period the finalists and other films from each category will be screened at venues in Crystal Palace. 'Transmitter' awards, specially designed and hand-made, will be presented to the Best in Categories and Best in Festival.

Crystal Palace is one of the coolest parts of London, a triangle of streets with bars and restaurants of every cuisine, it is steeped in history, has great views overlooking London and 3 parks - one even has dinosaurs and is the home of the national sports centre which hosts international athletics and live concerts. Two transmitters stand out clearly in the skyline hence the festival's 'Transmitter' award. In 1938 John Logie Baird, the inventor of television, made the world's first ever colour broadcast from the actual Crystal Palace site after it burned down in 1936. The BBC still broadcast from here.