Eligible films are reviewed by Festival-appointed screeners, programmers or jurors and may pass through more than one review round. Assessment can involve individual viewing, scoring and authorised group discussion. Selection considers a combination of storytelling, originality, artistic merit, execution, technical quality, overall impact and suitability for the programme or audience. Not every eligible film can […]
Yes. The Festival may revoke recognition where false or misleading information is discovered, policies are breached, serious misconduct occurs, or a legal or reputational risk arises. Such decisions are final. Misleading use of laurels or claims of recognition not actually received may also lead to corrective action.
You may use an official laurel only after the Festival has formally granted the corresponding recognition to that film. The laurel must relate solely to the recognised work and must not imply any additional award, endorsement or partnership. Laurels must not be altered, redesigned or recoloured. They may be resized only in proportion.
Selection notifications for the current festival edition are expected to begin on and finish on . The public selections announcement is scheduled for . Please monitor the submission platform and the email address attached to your entry for updates.
You cannot appeal because you disagree with the Festival’s artistic or programming judgement. Selection, rejection, screening placement and programming decisions are final. A genuine administrative or procedural error may be raised under the Appeals & Complaints process within 14 calendar days of the decision. The appeal must identify the alleged error and provide supporting evidence; […]
Selected filmmakers must provide a format suitable for exhibition by the stated deadline. Depending on the venue and programme, this may include a DCP, high-quality digital master, embedded subtitles, captions or other technical assets. The Festival will communicate the exact delivery specification to selected entrants. Do not send replacement formats or physical media unless requested.
No automatic right to admission arises from submission or selection. Every attendee, including a filmmaker, must hold a valid ticket, complimentary £0 ticket, pass or accreditation recognised by the venue. If the Festival offers a complimentary allocation for a particular edition or event, it will be communicated separately. Unless specifically invited for another purpose, filmmakers […]
The standard submission arrangement does not include screening fees, appearance fees, travel, accommodation, meals, tickets or other reimbursement. Costs connected with attending are the responsibility of the filmmaker and associated guests. Only a separate written invitation or agreement can create a different arrangement.
Judges and reviewers are appointed according to experience, expertise and suitability. They may include filmmakers, industry professionals, academics, critics or other specialists. Personnel may change between editions, categories and rounds. The Festival may remove or replace a judge where necessary and does not guarantee that a previous judge will participate again.
A reviewer must declare any personal, professional, creative or financial connection that could affect impartiality. They must withdraw from evaluating the affected film, and the submission may be reassigned. Judges must act independently, avoid outside influence and must not seek personal benefit from their role. Attempts to influence the judging process may result in disqualification.
