The current festival edition begins on 5 September 2026 and ends on 6 September 2026.

Programme times, venue details and event information will be published in the official Festival schedule.

The Festival’s full current festival edition dates panel is shown below. It includes the submission, selection, schedule and event dates currently configured by the Festival.

Dates may be updated where operational circumstances require it, so please rely on the live information displayed on the website rather than saved screenshots or older announcements.

Use the Festival website and official communication channels for confirmed announcements, including submission updates, selections, programme information and event notices. Filmmakers may also receive essential submission-related messages through FilmFreeway or the email address connected to their entry.

Marketing emails are only sent where explicit consent has been given. Declining marketing does not prevent the Festival from sending essential administrative information about a submission, ticket, accreditation or other active arrangement.

Send your complaint in writing using the official contact details published on the Festival website. Use a clear subject such as Complaint – [Brief Description] and include your name and contact details, a description of the issue, relevant dates, times or locations, the names of anyone involved where known, and any supporting evidence.

The Festival will acknowledge a complaint within five working days and aims to provide a substantive written response within 30 calendar days. More complex matters may take longer, in which case an updated timeframe will be provided.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where appropriate. However, anonymity can limit the Festival’s ability to verify information, ask follow-up questions or provide a complete response.

Complaints are handled confidentially wherever reasonably practicable, and information is shared only with people who require it to investigate or resolve the matter, or where disclosure is legally required.

Report the concern promptly to Festival management or a member of Festival or venue staff. Concerns involving abuse, harassment, discrimination, threats, vulnerable people or immediate safety risks are treated as a priority and may lead to protective action or referral to the appropriate authorities.

Reports are assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible. The Festival does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Everyone participating in Festival activity is expected to act respectfully and professionally, treat others with dignity, follow Festival policies and venue rules, and comply with reasonable instructions from staff or security.

The Festival has zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, discrimination, hate speech, threatening or abusive behaviour, sexual misconduct, intimidation, retaliation and deliberate disruption. Depending on the circumstances, a breach may lead to a warning, removal, disqualification, loss of accreditation, exclusion from future events or referral to authorities.

The Festival processes personal information in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and applicable privacy law. Appropriate technical and organisational measures are used, including access controls, secure storage and limiting information to those who need it for Festival operations.

Personal data is not sold. It may be shared with authorised staff, judges, service providers, payment processors or authorities only where needed for legitimate Festival purposes or legal compliance.

Under UK GDPR, you may have the right to access your information, correct inaccurate data, request erasure where legally permitted, restrict or object to processing, request portability and withdraw consent. Identity verification may be required before a request is completed.

Contact the Festival using the details on the website to make a request. You may also complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office if you remain concerned about how your data has been handled.

Yes. Strictly necessary cookies support core website functions, security, sessions, shopping-basket activity and consent preferences. Analytics, functionality or marketing cookies are used only where the applicable consent requirements have been met.

You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies or manage individual preferences through the website’s consent controls. Disabling some cookies may affect particular website functions.

The Festival takes a best-efforts approach to reducing its environmental impact. Measures may include digital programmes and communications, reducing single-use materials, reusing signage, encouraging recycling, limiting unnecessary printing and shipping, and considering local or environmentally responsible suppliers where practical.

Attendees and participants are encouraged to use public transport, walk, cycle or car-share where suitable, dispose of waste responsibly and follow venue recycling guidance.

Tickets for the current festival edition are scheduled to be released on 31 July 2026.

Ticket availability, booking information and any event-specific access details will be shown on the relevant event or schedule page.

The schedule for the current festival edition is planned to be announced on 24 July 2026.

Once published, it will include confirmed screening blocks, event times and available booking information.

Arrival guidance may vary by venue, ticket type and event. Allow enough time for ticket checks, queues, accessibility arrangements and any security procedures. Entry systems may be staggered or adjusted where needed to manage capacity safely.

The event page or ticket confirmation should be treated as the primary source for event-specific arrival instructions.

Seating arrangements may vary by venue and event. The relevant booking page or ticket confirmation will state whether seats are allocated or offered on a general-admission basis.

All attendees must follow venue capacity rules, reserved-access arrangements and staff instructions. A valid ticket or pass does not permit entry once safe capacity has been reached.

Re-entry depends on the venue, the screening format and whether returning can be managed without disrupting the audience or compromising safety. Ask Festival or venue staff before leaving the auditorium.

For anti-piracy and audience-comfort reasons, doors may be managed during a film and re-entry cannot be guaranteed.

Running times and any planned intervals will be listed in the official schedule once the programme is announced. A screening block may contain one film or several shorts, and the structure can vary depending on the programme.

Check the individual event listing for the most accurate duration and access information.

Age restrictions may vary according to the film content, venue licensing requirements and the classification or guidance applied to a particular screening. The event listing and ticket page will identify any minimum age or parental guidance requirements.

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult where required, and venue staff may refuse entry where an age condition is not met.

Children may attend events that are suitable for their age and permitted by the venue’s entry conditions. Any family-friendly programme or age guidance will be identified in the schedule.

A responsible adult must supervise children where applicable. Please review the individual event listing before booking, as horror content can vary significantly between screenings.

The Festival aims to use accessible venues where reasonably possible and to communicate known access limitations in advance. Accessibility can vary between venues, rooms and event formats, so review the access information attached to the specific event.

Where you require an adjustment, contact the Festival before attending and describe the support you need. The Festival will consider reasonable adjustments within available resources and in cooperation with the venue.

Yes. Contact the Festival as early as reasonably possible and explain the event you plan to attend, the adjustment requested and your preferred way of communicating. Early notice gives the Festival and venue the best opportunity to assess and arrange practical support.

Reasonable adjustments are considered where feasible, but availability may depend on the venue, event format, resources and the nature of the request.

Films not presented in English must include embedded English subtitles, captions or dubbing unless dialogue is minimal and unnecessary for comprehension. Entrants are also encouraged to provide accessible captioned materials.

The Festival will make reasonable efforts to support accessible screenings where resources allow, but caption availability may vary by film, venue and format. Check the individual screening information for confirmed access features.

First-aid provision will be available through the venue or trained personnel, with Festival staff supporting venue medical arrangements where applicable. If you feel unwell or are injured, alert a member of staff immediately.

Attendees with known medical needs are encouraged to plan accordingly and bring any permitted medication or support they may require.

Depending on the venue and event, safety measures may include ticket or accreditation checks, capacity controls, managed queues, bag checks, auditorium monitoring and on-site security. Entry may be refused where a safety risk is identified.

Anyone engaging in threatening, unsafe, disruptive or unauthorised recording behaviour may be removed, and serious incidents may be referred to emergency services or other authorities.

Personal photography may be permitted in approved public areas, subject to venue signs, staff instructions, privacy and consent. Photography and filming are prohibited in screening auditoriums while films are being shown, in restricted areas and anywhere marked “No Photography”.

Recording any part of a film screening is strictly prohibited. Media or commercial activity requires Festival accreditation and may only take place in approved areas.

The Festival may photograph or film public event areas for promotional, editorial and archival purposes. Accredited media may also work in approved public or press areas.

Media representatives must respect privacy, obtain consent before recording interviews and obtain parental or guardian consent before photographing minors. Contact staff if you have a specific concern about photography or filming.

Food and drink rules are set by each venue and may also be affected by licensing, safety or screening conditions. Check with the venue on the day. Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed areas, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Anyone who appears significantly intoxicated may be refused entry or removed as the discretion of the venue.

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.

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 attend under the same venue rules as other audience members.

Where possible, we aim to hold Q&A sessions after selected screenings. These sessions depend on the festival schedule and available time, so we cannot guarantee that every film will have a Q&A or that every member of a filmmaking team will be able to take part. If you plan to attend the festival, please complete the RSVP so we know you’ll be there. This helps us plan Q&A sessions and make the best use of the time available.

For the purposes of the festival, we consider a filmmaker to be anyone who has made a recognised creative contribution to the film. This includes, but is not limited to, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, editors, composers, actors and other credited members of the creative team. We do our best to accommodate everyone who wishes to participate, but the number of participants on stage may be limited by venue capacity, scheduling and time constraints.

Award categories may change between editions and may be added, amended or removed at the Festival’s discretion. Some recognitions may be non-competitive, and the existence of a category does not guarantee that an award will be presented.

The current awards timeline is shown below:

Official categories and eligibility information will be announced through Festival channels.

All nominated films and award winners are selected through the festival’s judging process. Our judges assess each film on its own merits and are required to declare any conflicts of interest and keep the judging process confidential. Every effort is made to ensure the judging process is fair, impartial and consistent across all award categories. The judges’ decisions, including nominations and award winners, are final and cannot be appealed. As judging is confidential, we are unable to provide individual feedback or scoring for award decisions.

The main Festival nominations announcement is scheduled for 7 August 2026. The detailed awards workflow, including configured nominee and winner dates, appears below:

Only official Festival channels should be relied upon for confirmed results.

Accredited media may work only in designated press areas, red-carpet or photo-call zones and other public Festival spaces approved for media activity.

Photography and filming are prohibited in screening auditoriums while films are shown, jury areas, staff-only zones and any area marked “No Photography”. Staff instructions and venue safety restrictions must be followed at all times.

Report the matter promptly to Festival management or on-site staff, identifying the person or outlet involved, what occurred, the date and location, and any evidence available.

The concern will be assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible under the Festival’s complaints process.

Exhibition, sampling, retail or promotional activity may be possible where space, licensing, safety, accessibility and programme requirements allow. The Festival and venue must approve the activity, equipment, staffing, branding and operating conditions in advance.

Unauthorised trading, distribution or product placement is not permitted.

A proposed associated event must be approved in writing before it is promoted as officially connected with the Festival. The proposal should explain the content, venue, dates, rights clearances, ticketing, staffing, safety, accessibility, branding and financial responsibilities.

Approval of an idea does not transfer control of the Festival name, film rights or official programme status. A separate agreement may be required.

Where practical, the Festival aims to work with local or environmentally responsible suppliers, reduce unnecessary printing and shipping, use reusable or recyclable materials and consider waste and energy practices.

These are best-efforts considerations rather than absolute guarantees; availability, cost, venue infrastructure and event scale may affect final decisions.

The current festival edition begins on 5 September 2026 and ends on 6 September 2026.

Programme times, venue details and event information will be published in the official Festival schedule.

The Festival’s full current festival edition dates panel is shown below. It includes the submission, selection, schedule and event dates currently configured by the Festival.

Dates may be updated where operational circumstances require it, so please rely on the live information displayed on the website rather than saved screenshots or older announcements.

Use the Festival website and official communication channels for confirmed announcements, including submission updates, selections, programme information and event notices. Filmmakers may also receive essential submission-related messages through FilmFreeway or the email address connected to their entry.

Marketing emails are only sent where explicit consent has been given. Declining marketing does not prevent the Festival from sending essential administrative information about a submission, ticket, accreditation or other active arrangement.

Send your complaint in writing using the official contact details published on the Festival website. Use a clear subject such as Complaint – [Brief Description] and include your name and contact details, a description of the issue, relevant dates, times or locations, the names of anyone involved where known, and any supporting evidence.

The Festival will acknowledge a complaint within five working days and aims to provide a substantive written response within 30 calendar days. More complex matters may take longer, in which case an updated timeframe will be provided.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where appropriate. However, anonymity can limit the Festival’s ability to verify information, ask follow-up questions or provide a complete response.

Complaints are handled confidentially wherever reasonably practicable, and information is shared only with people who require it to investigate or resolve the matter, or where disclosure is legally required.

An administrative appeal may be made where you believe Festival procedures were not followed, eligibility rules were applied incorrectly, or a material administrative error affected the outcome. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 calendar days of the original decision and include the grounds and supporting evidence.

Artistic decisions cannot be appealed. This includes film selection, rejection, programming, category placement, jury scoring, nominations and award results.

Report the concern promptly to Festival management or a member of Festival or venue staff. Concerns involving abuse, harassment, discrimination, threats, vulnerable people or immediate safety risks are treated as a priority and may lead to protective action or referral to the appropriate authorities.

Reports are assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible. The Festival does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Everyone participating in Festival activity is expected to act respectfully and professionally, treat others with dignity, follow Festival policies and venue rules, and comply with reasonable instructions from staff or security.

The Festival has zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, discrimination, hate speech, threatening or abusive behaviour, sexual misconduct, intimidation, retaliation and deliberate disruption. Depending on the circumstances, a breach may lead to a warning, removal, disqualification, loss of accreditation, exclusion from future events or referral to authorities.

The Festival processes personal information in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and applicable privacy law. Appropriate technical and organisational measures are used, including access controls, secure storage and limiting information to those who need it for Festival operations.

Personal data is not sold. It may be shared with authorised staff, judges, service providers, payment processors or authorities only where needed for legitimate Festival purposes or legal compliance.

Under UK GDPR, you may have the right to access your information, correct inaccurate data, request erasure where legally permitted, restrict or object to processing, request portability and withdraw consent. Identity verification may be required before a request is completed.

Contact the Festival using the details on the website to make a request. You may also complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office if you remain concerned about how your data has been handled.

Yes. Strictly necessary cookies support core website functions, security, sessions, shopping-basket activity and consent preferences. Analytics, functionality or marketing cookies are used only where the applicable consent requirements have been met.

You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies or manage individual preferences through the website’s consent controls. Disabling some cookies may affect particular website functions.

You may view or print website content for personal, non-commercial use. Copying, modifying, reproducing or distributing Festival content requires written permission unless a separate policy or written agreement expressly allows the intended use.

Festival logos require written permission. Official laurels are treated differently and may only be used by films that have received the corresponding official recognition, subject to the laurel usage rules.

Tickets for the current festival edition are scheduled to be released on 31 July 2026.

Ticket availability, booking information and any event-specific access details will be shown on the relevant event or schedule page.

The schedule for the current festival edition is planned to be announced on 24 July 2026.

Once published, it will include confirmed screening blocks, event times and available booking information.

Arrival guidance may vary by venue, ticket type and event. Allow enough time for ticket checks, queues, accessibility arrangements and any security procedures. Entry systems may be staggered or adjusted where needed to manage capacity safely.

The event page or ticket confirmation should be treated as the primary source for event-specific arrival instructions.

Seating arrangements may vary by venue and event. The relevant booking page or ticket confirmation will state whether seats are allocated or offered on a general-admission basis.

All attendees must follow venue capacity rules, reserved-access arrangements and staff instructions. A valid ticket or pass does not permit entry once safe capacity has been reached.

Running times and any planned intervals will be listed in the official schedule once the programme is announced. A screening block may contain one film or several shorts, and the structure can vary depending on the programme.

Check the individual event listing for the most accurate duration and access information.

Age restrictions may vary according to the film content, venue licensing requirements and the classification or guidance applied to a particular screening. The event listing and ticket page will identify any minimum age or parental guidance requirements.

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult where required, and venue staff may refuse entry where an age condition is not met.

The Festival aims to use accessible venues where reasonably possible and to communicate known access limitations in advance. Accessibility can vary between venues, rooms and event formats, so review the access information attached to the specific event.

Where you require an adjustment, contact the Festival before attending and describe the support you need. The Festival will consider reasonable adjustments within available resources and in cooperation with the venue.

Yes. Contact the Festival as early as reasonably possible and explain the event you plan to attend, the adjustment requested and your preferred way of communicating. Early notice gives the Festival and venue the best opportunity to assess and arrange practical support.

Reasonable adjustments are considered where feasible, but availability may depend on the venue, event format, resources and the nature of the request.

Films not presented in English must include embedded English subtitles, captions or dubbing unless dialogue is minimal and unnecessary for comprehension. Entrants are also encouraged to provide accessible captioned materials.

The Festival will make reasonable efforts to support accessible screenings where resources allow, but caption availability may vary by film, venue and format. Check the individual screening information for confirmed access features.

First-aid provision will be available through the venue or trained personnel, with Festival staff supporting venue medical arrangements where applicable. If you feel unwell or are injured, alert a member of staff immediately.

Attendees with known medical needs are encouraged to plan accordingly and bring any permitted medication or support they may require.

Depending on the venue and event, safety measures may include ticket or accreditation checks, capacity controls, managed queues, bag checks, auditorium monitoring and on-site security. Entry may be refused where a safety risk is identified.

Anyone engaging in threatening, unsafe, disruptive or unauthorised recording behaviour may be removed, and serious incidents may be referred to emergency services or other authorities.

Personal photography may be permitted in approved public areas, subject to venue signs, staff instructions, privacy and consent. Photography and filming are prohibited in screening auditoriums while films are being shown, in restricted areas and anywhere marked “No Photography”.

Recording any part of a film screening is strictly prohibited. Media or commercial activity requires Festival accreditation and may only take place in approved areas.

The Festival may photograph or film public event areas for promotional, editorial and archival purposes. Accredited media may also work in approved public or press areas.

Media representatives must respect privacy, obtain consent before recording interviews and obtain parental or guardian consent before photographing minors. Contact staff if you have a specific concern about photography or filming.

Food and drink rules are set by each venue and may also be affected by licensing, safety or screening conditions. Check with the venue on the day. Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed areas, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Anyone who appears significantly intoxicated may be refused entry or removed as the discretion of the venue.

All films must be submitted through the Festival’s official FilmFreeway listing. Create or sign in to your FilmFreeway account, select the appropriate category, provide a working screener and complete the required entry information. FilmFreeway is a third-party service operating under its own terms and privacy policy. By submitting, you also confirm that you have read and accepted the Festival’s Submission Terms and that you are authorised to enter the film.

The submission deadlines for the current festival edition are:

• 27 February 2026

Please check the current submission information before entering, as deadlines may be updated where necessary.

Submission fees vary by deadline and entry band. The complete current festival edition fee table is displayed below:

Always confirm the final amount shown by FilmFreeway before completing payment, as the platform and the Festival listing are the transaction record for your entry.

A general entitlement to a fee waiver is not established by the current Submission Terms. Any waiver, discount or promotional code is discretionary and valid only where the Festival has expressly issued it.

Do not submit and assume a fee will be refunded later. Where you believe exceptional circumstances apply, contact the submissions team before entering. A request does not guarantee approval.

Submission fees are not refundable merely because a film is not selected, is disqualified for an inaccessible screener or rights issue, or is withdrawn after the relevant rights have become irrevocable. Selection is not guaranteed.

Any refund required because of exceptional circumstances will be handled according to the applicable Submission Terms and the transaction platform. The Festival’s liability is limited as set out in those Terms.

No. Eligible submissions are considered equally regardless of submission date, and selection is not based on entry order or popularity.

Submitting earlier may offer a lower fee and more time to correct a broken link or incomplete information, but it does not provide an artistic advantage in the review process.

You may enter more than one distinct film, provided each entry is submitted separately and satisfies the applicable eligibility, rights and technical requirements. Each entry is assessed independently and may require its own submission fee.

Multiple versions of the same film will not be considered, and a film previously submitted to an earlier Festival season is ineligible.

Yes. A film that has previously screened publicly or is already available online remains eligible unless the current Festival submission listing expressly states otherwise.

A work that has already been submitted to a previous Festival edition may be ineligible for resubmission, so check the current submission rules before entering.

A work in progress may be considered, provided a fully completed version can be supplied by the Festival’s final deadline. Make the status clear in the submission and ensure the screener remains viewable.

Selection does not remove the obligation to provide an exhibition-ready version that meets the final technical and delivery requirements.

Minor information updates may be possible through FilmFreeway, but multiple versions of the same film will not be considered. Do not assume that uploading a new file automatically changes the version under review.

Contact the submissions team before making a material replacement. Once a film is selected, accepted, delivered and prepared for exhibition, the screening arrangement and licence cannot be withdrawn or unilaterally replaced.

Your screener must remain accessible throughout the review period. A film that cannot be viewed because of an incorrect password, expired link or inaccessible file may be disqualified without refund if the problem is not corrected within a reasonable timeframe.

Monitor the email address and FilmFreeway account connected to the entry so you can respond promptly to any administrative request.

The Festival welcomes a broad range of creative voices and approaches, including work that does not fit neatly within a traditional genre. Every film must still comply with the category, length and eligibility conditions shown on the active FilmFreeway listing and with all Festival policies.

Content may be disqualified where required rights are missing, information is false, technical requirements are not met, or the work creates an unacceptable legal, ethical or reputational risk.

Running-time limits are category-specific and should be confirmed on the active FilmFreeway listing before submission. Submit the film to the category that accurately reflects its completed duration.

A film entered in an unsuitable category may be deemed ineligible or require administrative correction at the Festival’s discretion.

A film not presented in English must include embedded English subtitles, captions or English dubbing unless the dialogue is minimal and not required for comprehension. The subtitles or captions must remain readable in the submitted screener and final exhibition file.

Selected filmmakers may be asked to provide additional subtitle or caption materials to support exhibition and accessibility requirements.

You must hold all rights, permissions, licences and consents needed to submit and screen the film. This includes copyright, music, archive footage, artwork, performances and likeness rights.

For a music video, you must have permission from the relevant music rights holders and performing artists. The Festival may request proof. A film containing unauthorised material may be disqualified without refund, and the submitting party remains responsible for resulting claims.

Yes. All intellectual-property rights remain with the submitting party. Submission does not transfer ownership of the film to the Festival.

You grant the Festival a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free worldwide licence to screen the film as part of the Festival and associated events and to use approved promotional materials for Festival promotion, documentation and archives.

By submitting, you permit the Festival to use supplied excerpts, trailers, stills, posters, descriptions, credits and press-kit materials for non-commercial Festival promotion, programmes, press activity, social media, documentation and archives. The materials will not be sold or commercially licensed without further consent. Ensure everything supplied is cleared for these uses.

The Festival takes reasonable precautions by using reputable submission or screening systems, limiting access to authorised staff and judges, avoiding unnecessary duplication and requiring confidentiality from those with access.

Digital links may be password-protected, time-limited, watermarked or configured to prevent downloads. Physical screenings prohibit screen recording. No system can guarantee absolute protection, but suspected piracy or unauthorised access should be reported immediately.

Your film can only be viewed by people involved in the festival’s submission, selection and licensing process. This may include our submissions team, programmers, judges, authorised festival staff, the cinema hosting festival screenings, and, where required, licensing authorities such as the local council. Everyone with access to your film is required to keep it confidential and follow our Anti-Piracy Policy. They must not copy, download or share your film or submission materials without permission. We will not share your submission with anyone else unless you have given permission or we are required to do so by law.

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 be selected because programme space is limited.

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.

No individual feedback is guaranteed. Because of the volume of entries and the confidential nature of judging, the Festival does not disclose internal scores, notes, rankings, discussions or selection deliberations.

Entrants are notified of the final outcome through official channels, and the Festival is not required to enter into correspondence about artistic decisions.

Selection notifications for the current festival edition are expected to begin on 1 May 2026 and finish on 27 July 2026.

The public selections announcement is scheduled for 10 July 2026.

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; it cannot be used to request a new artistic assessment.

If your film is selected, we’ll contact you with the next steps and begin the festival onboarding process. We’ll create your official film page on the festival website and provide you with access to your Filmmaker Portal. Through the portal, you can update your film information, confirm attendance, upload screening materials, submit press information and complete any required festival forms.

If you’ve previously screened a film with us, we’ll link your new film page to your existing filmmaker account. Throughout the onboarding process, we’ll keep you informed by email with important updates, deadlines and everything you need to prepare for the festival.

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.

You may communicate a genuine constraint, but the Festival has sole discretion over screening dates, times, venues, formats, number of screenings and category placement. A request cannot be guaranteed.

Programming decisions are made according to artistic, technical, operational, audience and safety considerations and are final.

FilmFreeway may allow you to withdraw an entry before selection, but platform actions do not override the Festival’s contractual rights. Contact the submissions team if you need to withdraw so the status can be confirmed.

Once a film has been selected, accepted, delivered and prepared for exhibition, it may not be withdrawn by the submitting party and the relevant Festival screening licence becomes irrevocable.

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 attend under the same venue rules as other audience members.

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.

Attendance is not required for a film to receive official recognition, a nomination or an award. A selected film may be screened without the filmmaker being present, provided all acceptance and delivery requirements are completed. If a filmmaker RSVP’s in time they will be offered the opportunity for a Live Q&A or discussion, the Festival will confirm the details once RSVP is received from all intending to partake.

Where possible, we aim to hold Q&A sessions after selected screenings. These sessions depend on the festival schedule and available time, so we cannot guarantee that every film will have a Q&A or that every member of a filmmaking team will be able to take part. If you plan to attend the festival, please complete the RSVP so we know you’ll be there. This helps us plan Q&A sessions and make the best use of the time available.

For the purposes of the festival, we consider a filmmaker to be anyone who has made a recognised creative contribution to the film. This includes, but is not limited to, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, editors, composers, actors and other credited members of the creative team. We do our best to accommodate everyone who wishes to participate, but the number of participants on stage may be limited by venue capacity, scheduling and time constraints.

Award categories may change between editions and may be added, amended or removed at the Festival’s discretion. Some recognitions may be non-competitive, and the existence of a category does not guarantee that an award will be presented.

The current awards timeline is shown below:

Official categories and eligibility information will be announced through Festival channels.

All nominated films and award winners are selected through the festival’s judging process. Our judges assess each film on its own merits and are required to declare any conflicts of interest and keep the judging process confidential. Every effort is made to ensure the judging process is fair, impartial and consistent across all award categories. The judges’ decisions, including nominations and award winners, are final and cannot be appealed. As judging is confidential, we are unable to provide individual feedback or scoring for award decisions.

The main Festival nominations announcement is scheduled for 7 August 2026. The detailed awards workflow, including configured nominee and winner dates, appears below:

Only official Festival channels should be relied upon for confirmed results.

No. Attendance is not guaranteed or required in order to receive a nomination, award or other official recognition. Awards may be presented in person, online or through another format. Where a physical award is offered, shipping may not be included, costs may apply, and the Festival is not liable for loss or damage after dispatch.

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.

The Festival logo is protected and may only be used with our written permission. If you would like to use our branding, please refer to our Branding Guidelines or contact the festival team before using the logo.

If your film has been officially selected, nominated or received an award, we encourage you to use the official festival laurels provided by us. Our official laurels are supplied exclusively to recognised filmmakers and accredited media for use in promoting their participation in the festival.

Festival logos and laurels must not be altered and should always be used in accordance with our Branding Guidelines.

Submit the request through the Festival’s press contact with the subject, outlet, intended format, proposed questions or themes, preferred timing and publication date. The Festival may help coordinate availability but cannot guarantee that a particular filmmaker or representative will participate.

Clear consent must be obtained before recording any interview, and any embargo or confidentiality condition must be respected.

No part of a film screening may be recorded. A press screener or preview link must not be shared, downloaded, copied or captured, and any password, watermark or time limit must be respected.

Approved trailer clips, stills or other supplied press assets may be used only within the permission and embargo terms attached to them.

Any embargo date, publication restriction or confidentiality condition attached to a press screening, announcement, asset or interview must be observed exactly. Internal shortlists, jury discussions and unannounced winners are confidential.

A breach may result in correction or removal requests, revoked accreditation, exclusion from future activity or legal action where appropriate.

Report the matter promptly to Festival management or on-site staff, identifying the person or outlet involved, what occurred, the date and location, and any evidence available.

The concern will be assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible under the Festival’s complaints process.

A proposed associated event must be approved in writing before it is promoted as officially connected with the Festival. The proposal should explain the content, venue, dates, rights clearances, ticketing, staffing, safety, accessibility, branding and financial responsibilities.

Approval of an idea does not transfer control of the Festival name, film rights or official programme status. A separate agreement may be required.

The current festival edition begins on 5 September 2026 and ends on 6 September 2026.

Programme times, venue details and event information will be published in the official Festival schedule.

The Festival’s full current festival edition dates panel is shown below. It includes the submission, selection, schedule and event dates currently configured by the Festival.

Dates may be updated where operational circumstances require it, so please rely on the live information displayed on the website rather than saved screenshots or older announcements.

Use the Festival website and official communication channels for confirmed announcements, including submission updates, selections, programme information and event notices. Filmmakers may also receive essential submission-related messages through FilmFreeway or the email address connected to their entry.

Marketing emails are only sent where explicit consent has been given. Declining marketing does not prevent the Festival from sending essential administrative information about a submission, ticket, accreditation or other active arrangement.

Send your complaint in writing using the official contact details published on the Festival website. Use a clear subject such as Complaint – [Brief Description] and include your name and contact details, a description of the issue, relevant dates, times or locations, the names of anyone involved where known, and any supporting evidence.

The Festival will acknowledge a complaint within five working days and aims to provide a substantive written response within 30 calendar days. More complex matters may take longer, in which case an updated timeframe will be provided.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where appropriate. However, anonymity can limit the Festival’s ability to verify information, ask follow-up questions or provide a complete response.

Complaints are handled confidentially wherever reasonably practicable, and information is shared only with people who require it to investigate or resolve the matter, or where disclosure is legally required.

An administrative appeal may be made where you believe Festival procedures were not followed, eligibility rules were applied incorrectly, or a material administrative error affected the outcome. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 calendar days of the original decision and include the grounds and supporting evidence.

Artistic decisions cannot be appealed. This includes film selection, rejection, programming, category placement, jury scoring, nominations and award results.

Report the concern promptly to Festival management or a member of Festival or venue staff. Concerns involving abuse, harassment, discrimination, threats, vulnerable people or immediate safety risks are treated as a priority and may lead to protective action or referral to the appropriate authorities.

Reports are assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible. The Festival does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Everyone participating in Festival activity is expected to act respectfully and professionally, treat others with dignity, follow Festival policies and venue rules, and comply with reasonable instructions from staff or security.

The Festival has zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, discrimination, hate speech, threatening or abusive behaviour, sexual misconduct, intimidation, retaliation and deliberate disruption. Depending on the circumstances, a breach may lead to a warning, removal, disqualification, loss of accreditation, exclusion from future events or referral to authorities.

The Festival processes personal information in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and applicable privacy law. Appropriate technical and organisational measures are used, including access controls, secure storage and limiting information to those who need it for Festival operations.

Personal data is not sold. It may be shared with authorised staff, judges, service providers, payment processors or authorities only where needed for legitimate Festival purposes or legal compliance.

Under UK GDPR, you may have the right to access your information, correct inaccurate data, request erasure where legally permitted, restrict or object to processing, request portability and withdraw consent. Identity verification may be required before a request is completed.

Contact the Festival using the details on the website to make a request. You may also complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office if you remain concerned about how your data has been handled.

Yes. Strictly necessary cookies support core website functions, security, sessions, shopping-basket activity and consent preferences. Analytics, functionality or marketing cookies are used only where the applicable consent requirements have been met.

You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies or manage individual preferences through the website’s consent controls. Disabling some cookies may affect particular website functions.

You may view or print website content for personal, non-commercial use. Copying, modifying, reproducing or distributing Festival content requires written permission unless a separate policy or written agreement expressly allows the intended use.

Festival logos require written permission. Official laurels are treated differently and may only be used by films that have received the corresponding official recognition, subject to the laurel usage rules.

Tickets for the current festival edition are scheduled to be released on 31 July 2026.

Ticket availability, booking information and any event-specific access details will be shown on the relevant event or schedule page.

The schedule for the current festival edition is planned to be announced on 24 July 2026.

Once published, it will include confirmed screening blocks, event times and available booking information.

Arrival guidance may vary by venue, ticket type and event. Allow enough time for ticket checks, queues, accessibility arrangements and any security procedures. Entry systems may be staggered or adjusted where needed to manage capacity safely.

The event page or ticket confirmation should be treated as the primary source for event-specific arrival instructions.

Running times and any planned intervals will be listed in the official schedule once the programme is announced. A screening block may contain one film or several shorts, and the structure can vary depending on the programme.

Check the individual event listing for the most accurate duration and access information.

The Festival aims to use accessible venues where reasonably possible and to communicate known access limitations in advance. Accessibility can vary between venues, rooms and event formats, so review the access information attached to the specific event.

Where you require an adjustment, contact the Festival before attending and describe the support you need. The Festival will consider reasonable adjustments within available resources and in cooperation with the venue.

Yes. Contact the Festival as early as reasonably possible and explain the event you plan to attend, the adjustment requested and your preferred way of communicating. Early notice gives the Festival and venue the best opportunity to assess and arrange practical support.

Reasonable adjustments are considered where feasible, but availability may depend on the venue, event format, resources and the nature of the request.

Films not presented in English must include embedded English subtitles, captions or dubbing unless dialogue is minimal and unnecessary for comprehension. Entrants are also encouraged to provide accessible captioned materials.

The Festival will make reasonable efforts to support accessible screenings where resources allow, but caption availability may vary by film, venue and format. Check the individual screening information for confirmed access features.

First-aid provision will be available through the venue or trained personnel, with Festival staff supporting venue medical arrangements where applicable. If you feel unwell or are injured, alert a member of staff immediately.

Attendees with known medical needs are encouraged to plan accordingly and bring any permitted medication or support they may require.

Depending on the venue and event, safety measures may include ticket or accreditation checks, capacity controls, managed queues, bag checks, auditorium monitoring and on-site security. Entry may be refused where a safety risk is identified.

Anyone engaging in threatening, unsafe, disruptive or unauthorised recording behaviour may be removed, and serious incidents may be referred to emergency services or other authorities.

Personal photography may be permitted in approved public areas, subject to venue signs, staff instructions, privacy and consent. Photography and filming are prohibited in screening auditoriums while films are being shown, in restricted areas and anywhere marked “No Photography”.

Recording any part of a film screening is strictly prohibited. Media or commercial activity requires Festival accreditation and may only take place in approved areas.

The Festival may photograph or film public event areas for promotional, editorial and archival purposes. Accredited media may also work in approved public or press areas.

Media representatives must respect privacy, obtain consent before recording interviews and obtain parental or guardian consent before photographing minors. Contact staff if you have a specific concern about photography or filming.

Yes. All intellectual-property rights remain with the submitting party. Submission does not transfer ownership of the film to the Festival.

You grant the Festival a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free worldwide licence to screen the film as part of the Festival and associated events and to use approved promotional materials for Festival promotion, documentation and archives.

By submitting, you permit the Festival to use supplied excerpts, trailers, stills, posters, descriptions, credits and press-kit materials for non-commercial Festival promotion, programmes, press activity, social media, documentation and archives. The materials will not be sold or commercially licensed without further consent. Ensure everything supplied is cleared for these uses.

The Festival takes reasonable precautions by using reputable submission or screening systems, limiting access to authorised staff and judges, avoiding unnecessary duplication and requiring confidentiality from those with access.

Digital links may be password-protected, time-limited, watermarked or configured to prevent downloads. Physical screenings prohibit screen recording. No system can guarantee absolute protection, but suspected piracy or unauthorised access should be reported immediately.

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.

Selection notifications for the current festival edition are expected to begin on 1 May 2026 and finish on 27 July 2026.

The public selections announcement is scheduled for 10 July 2026.

Please monitor the submission platform and the email address attached to your entry for updates.

Where possible, we aim to hold Q&A sessions after selected screenings. These sessions depend on the festival schedule and available time, so we cannot guarantee that every film will have a Q&A or that every member of a filmmaking team will be able to take part. If you plan to attend the festival, please complete the RSVP so we know you’ll be there. This helps us plan Q&A sessions and make the best use of the time available.

For the purposes of the festival, we consider a filmmaker to be anyone who has made a recognised creative contribution to the film. This includes, but is not limited to, directors, producers, writers, cinematographers, editors, composers, actors and other credited members of the creative team. We do our best to accommodate everyone who wishes to participate, but the number of participants on stage may be limited by venue capacity, scheduling and time constraints.

Award categories may change between editions and may be added, amended or removed at the Festival’s discretion. Some recognitions may be non-competitive, and the existence of a category does not guarantee that an award will be presented.

The current awards timeline is shown below:

Official categories and eligibility information will be announced through Festival channels.

All nominated films and award winners are selected through the festival’s judging process. Our judges assess each film on its own merits and are required to declare any conflicts of interest and keep the judging process confidential. Every effort is made to ensure the judging process is fair, impartial and consistent across all award categories. The judges’ decisions, including nominations and award winners, are final and cannot be appealed. As judging is confidential, we are unable to provide individual feedback or scoring for award decisions.

The main Festival nominations announcement is scheduled for 7 August 2026. The detailed awards workflow, including configured nominee and winner dates, appears below:

Only official Festival channels should be relied upon for confirmed results.

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.

The Festival logo is protected and may only be used with our written permission. If you would like to use our branding, please refer to our Branding Guidelines or contact the festival team before using the logo.

If your film has been officially selected, nominated or received an award, we encourage you to use the official festival laurels provided by us. Our official laurels are supplied exclusively to recognised filmmakers and accredited media for use in promoting their participation in the festival.

Festival logos and laurels must not be altered and should always be used in accordance with our Branding Guidelines.

If you’re interested in covering the festival, please complete our media accreditation application or contact our press team. We’ll ask for information such as your name, media outlet, professional role, the type of coverage you plan to provide, and examples of your previous work.

All members of the press are welcome to use our general press areas during the festival. However, if you would like access to embargoed announcements, press releases, media assets and other accredited media benefits, you will need to apply for festival media accreditation.

Media accreditation is granted at the festival’s discretion and is not guaranteed. Accreditation is issued to an individual, is non-transferable, and may be suspended or revoked in accordance with the Festival’s Media Accreditation Guidelines.

Journalists, recognised media outlets, photographers, videographers, bloggers, influencers and other content creators may be considered where their proposed activity is relevant and professional. Proof of status or previous work may be requested.

All approved applicants must follow the Press, Media & Photography Policy, venue rules, embargoes, privacy requirements and staff instructions.

Submit the request through the Festival’s press contact with the subject, outlet, intended format, proposed questions or themes, preferred timing and publication date. The Festival may help coordinate availability but cannot guarantee that a particular filmmaker or representative will participate.

Clear consent must be obtained before recording any interview, and any embargo or confidentiality condition must be respected.

Accredited media may work only in designated press areas, red-carpet or photo-call zones and other public Festival spaces approved for media activity.

Photography and filming are prohibited in screening auditoriums while films are shown, jury areas, staff-only zones and any area marked “No Photography”. Staff instructions and venue safety restrictions must be followed at all times.

No part of a film screening may be recorded. A press screener or preview link must not be shared, downloaded, copied or captured, and any password, watermark or time limit must be respected.

Approved trailer clips, stills or other supplied press assets may be used only within the permission and embargo terms attached to them.

Accredited media may use approved Festival materials for accurate editorial coverage and in accordance with any supplied press guidance. Festival logos require written permission and must not be altered or used to imply endorsement or partnership.

Use outside editorial coverage, including advertising, merchandise or commercial promotion, requires separate approval.

Any embargo date, publication restriction or confidentiality condition attached to a press screening, announcement, asset or interview must be observed exactly. Internal shortlists, jury discussions and unannounced winners are confidential.

A breach may result in correction or removal requests, revoked accreditation, exclusion from future activity or legal action where appropriate.

Drones and specialist filming equipment require prior written approval. Use must comply with UK aviation, privacy and safety law and must not disrupt Festival operations, audiences or venue access.

Unauthorised drone use is prohibited and may lead to removal or referral to the relevant authorities.

Accreditation may be revoked for harassment, intimidation, privacy or intellectual-property violations, misrepresentation, breach of filming rules, ignoring instructions or failure to respect an embargo.

Serious cases may result in removal from events, future bans, correction or removal requests, or legal action.

Report the matter promptly to Festival management or on-site staff, identifying the person or outlet involved, what occurred, the date and location, and any evidence available.

The concern will be assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible under the Festival’s complaints process.

Sponsors and partners may use approved branding only as set out in writing, within the agreed timeframe and in the approved format. Logos must not be altered, distorted, placed beside inappropriate content or used to imply benefits beyond the agreement.

Merchandise, paid advertising and third-party sublicensing require specific approval.

The current festival edition begins on 5 September 2026 and ends on 6 September 2026.

Programme times, venue details and event information will be published in the official Festival schedule.

The Festival’s full current festival edition dates panel is shown below. It includes the submission, selection, schedule and event dates currently configured by the Festival.

Dates may be updated where operational circumstances require it, so please rely on the live information displayed on the website rather than saved screenshots or older announcements.

Use the Festival website and official communication channels for confirmed announcements, including submission updates, selections, programme information and event notices. Filmmakers may also receive essential submission-related messages through FilmFreeway or the email address connected to their entry.

Marketing emails are only sent where explicit consent has been given. Declining marketing does not prevent the Festival from sending essential administrative information about a submission, ticket, accreditation or other active arrangement.

Send your complaint in writing using the official contact details published on the Festival website. Use a clear subject such as Complaint – [Brief Description] and include your name and contact details, a description of the issue, relevant dates, times or locations, the names of anyone involved where known, and any supporting evidence.

The Festival will acknowledge a complaint within five working days and aims to provide a substantive written response within 30 calendar days. More complex matters may take longer, in which case an updated timeframe will be provided.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where appropriate. However, anonymity can limit the Festival’s ability to verify information, ask follow-up questions or provide a complete response.

Complaints are handled confidentially wherever reasonably practicable, and information is shared only with people who require it to investigate or resolve the matter, or where disclosure is legally required.

An administrative appeal may be made where you believe Festival procedures were not followed, eligibility rules were applied incorrectly, or a material administrative error affected the outcome. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 calendar days of the original decision and include the grounds and supporting evidence.

Artistic decisions cannot be appealed. This includes film selection, rejection, programming, category placement, jury scoring, nominations and award results.

Report the concern promptly to Festival management or a member of Festival or venue staff. Concerns involving abuse, harassment, discrimination, threats, vulnerable people or immediate safety risks are treated as a priority and may lead to protective action or referral to the appropriate authorities.

Reports are assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible. The Festival does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Everyone participating in Festival activity is expected to act respectfully and professionally, treat others with dignity, follow Festival policies and venue rules, and comply with reasonable instructions from staff or security.

The Festival has zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, discrimination, hate speech, threatening or abusive behaviour, sexual misconduct, intimidation, retaliation and deliberate disruption. Depending on the circumstances, a breach may lead to a warning, removal, disqualification, loss of accreditation, exclusion from future events or referral to authorities.

The Festival processes personal information in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and applicable privacy law. Appropriate technical and organisational measures are used, including access controls, secure storage and limiting information to those who need it for Festival operations.

Personal data is not sold. It may be shared with authorised staff, judges, service providers, payment processors or authorities only where needed for legitimate Festival purposes or legal compliance.

Under UK GDPR, you may have the right to access your information, correct inaccurate data, request erasure where legally permitted, restrict or object to processing, request portability and withdraw consent. Identity verification may be required before a request is completed.

Contact the Festival using the details on the website to make a request. You may also complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office if you remain concerned about how your data has been handled.

Yes. Strictly necessary cookies support core website functions, security, sessions, shopping-basket activity and consent preferences. Analytics, functionality or marketing cookies are used only where the applicable consent requirements have been met.

You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies or manage individual preferences through the website’s consent controls. Disabling some cookies may affect particular website functions.

The Festival takes a best-efforts approach to reducing its environmental impact. Measures may include digital programmes and communications, reducing single-use materials, reusing signage, encouraging recycling, limiting unnecessary printing and shipping, and considering local or environmentally responsible suppliers where practical.

Attendees and participants are encouraged to use public transport, walk, cycle or car-share where suitable, dispose of waste responsibly and follow venue recycling guidance.

The schedule for the current festival edition is planned to be announced on 24 July 2026.

Once published, it will include confirmed screening blocks, event times and available booking information.

Arrival guidance may vary by venue, ticket type and event. Allow enough time for ticket checks, queues, accessibility arrangements and any security procedures. Entry systems may be staggered or adjusted where needed to manage capacity safely.

The event page or ticket confirmation should be treated as the primary source for event-specific arrival instructions.

Age restrictions may vary according to the film content, venue licensing requirements and the classification or guidance applied to a particular screening. The event listing and ticket page will identify any minimum age or parental guidance requirements.

Children must be supervised by a responsible adult where required, and venue staff may refuse entry where an age condition is not met.

Children may attend events that are suitable for their age and permitted by the venue’s entry conditions. Any family-friendly programme or age guidance will be identified in the schedule.

A responsible adult must supervise children where applicable. Please review the individual event listing before booking, as horror content can vary significantly between screenings.

The Festival aims to use accessible venues where reasonably possible and to communicate known access limitations in advance. Accessibility can vary between venues, rooms and event formats, so review the access information attached to the specific event.

Where you require an adjustment, contact the Festival before attending and describe the support you need. The Festival will consider reasonable adjustments within available resources and in cooperation with the venue.

Yes. Contact the Festival as early as reasonably possible and explain the event you plan to attend, the adjustment requested and your preferred way of communicating. Early notice gives the Festival and venue the best opportunity to assess and arrange practical support.

Reasonable adjustments are considered where feasible, but availability may depend on the venue, event format, resources and the nature of the request.

First-aid provision will be available through the venue or trained personnel, with Festival staff supporting venue medical arrangements where applicable. If you feel unwell or are injured, alert a member of staff immediately.

Attendees with known medical needs are encouraged to plan accordingly and bring any permitted medication or support they may require.

Depending on the venue and event, safety measures may include ticket or accreditation checks, capacity controls, managed queues, bag checks, auditorium monitoring and on-site security. Entry may be refused where a safety risk is identified.

Anyone engaging in threatening, unsafe, disruptive or unauthorised recording behaviour may be removed, and serious incidents may be referred to emergency services or other authorities.

The Festival may photograph or film public event areas for promotional, editorial and archival purposes. Accredited media may also work in approved public or press areas.

Media representatives must respect privacy, obtain consent before recording interviews and obtain parental or guardian consent before photographing minors. Contact staff if you have a specific concern about photography or filming.

Food and drink rules are set by each venue and may also be affected by licensing, safety or screening conditions. Check with the venue on the day. Alcohol may only be consumed in licensed areas, and illegal substances are strictly prohibited. Anyone who appears significantly intoxicated may be refused entry or removed as the discretion of the venue.

Report the matter promptly to Festival management or on-site staff, identifying the person or outlet involved, what occurred, the date and location, and any evidence available.

The concern will be assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible under the Festival’s complaints process.

Volunteer opportunities may be offered for particular Festival editions and roles. When applications are open, the Festival will publish the available positions, expected commitment, eligibility requirements and application method through official channels.

Submitting an application does not guarantee a placement. Roles are assigned according to operational need, suitability, availability and any relevant safeguarding or access requirements.

Roles may support audience welcome, queues, information, screening access, guest assistance, event operations, accessibility, administration or other Festival needs. The exact roles vary by edition and venue.

Volunteers must follow the boundaries of their assigned role and must not enter restricted areas, handle technical equipment or represent the Festival publicly unless authorised.

Age and eligibility requirements depend on the role, working hours, safeguarding considerations, venue restrictions and the responsibilities involved. The application notice will state the minimum requirements for each opportunity.

Certain roles may require additional checks, training or controls. Children and vulnerable individuals are subject to the Festival’s safeguarding arrangements.

The expected shifts, dates, briefing time and role duration will be stated when opportunities are advertised. Applicants should disclose their availability accurately and only accept duties they can reasonably complete.

Volunteers must arrive as instructed, remain available for their agreed shift and tell the volunteer coordinator promptly if circumstances change.

Volunteers will receive guidance relevant to their assigned duties. This may include venue procedures, emergency arrangements, accessibility, audience communication, safeguarding, confidentiality, anti-piracy and incident reporting.

Volunteers must follow reasonable instructions from Festival and venue management and should report anything outside their role rather than attempting to manage a serious issue alone.

Volunteers must act respectfully, professionally and impartially; protect confidential information; support an inclusive environment; follow venue and safety rules; and avoid harassment, discrimination, intoxication or misuse of their role.

A breach may result in removal from duties, exclusion from Festival activity or further action depending on the seriousness of the conduct.

Any volunteer benefits are edition- and role-specific and will be stated in the relevant opportunity or volunteer agreement. Do not assume that a role includes tickets, meals, travel, accommodation, merchandise or expenses unless this is confirmed in writing.

Operational access provided for a shift is not the same as an unrestricted audience pass.

Report injuries, hazards, harassment, discrimination, security concerns, suspected piracy or safeguarding issues immediately to the designated Festival or venue contact. In an emergency, follow venue procedures and contact emergency services where instructed.

Do not promise secrecy to a person making a safeguarding disclosure. Information should be handled sensitively and shared only with those responsible for acting on it.

Partners, sponsors, suppliers and contractors must support a safe, respectful and inclusive Festival. Harassment, discrimination, abusive conduct, unsafe activity and misrepresentation are not tolerated.

Partners must also follow venue rules, privacy and intellectual-property requirements, environmental guidance and reasonable instructions from Festival management.

Where practical, the Festival aims to work with local or environmentally responsible suppliers, reduce unnecessary printing and shipping, use reusable or recyclable materials and consider waste and energy practices.

These are best-efforts considerations rather than absolute guarantees; availability, cost, venue infrastructure and event scale may affect final decisions.

The current festival edition begins on 5 September 2026 and ends on 6 September 2026.

Programme times, venue details and event information will be published in the official Festival schedule.

The Festival’s full current festival edition dates panel is shown below. It includes the submission, selection, schedule and event dates currently configured by the Festival.

Dates may be updated where operational circumstances require it, so please rely on the live information displayed on the website rather than saved screenshots or older announcements.

Use the Festival website and official communication channels for confirmed announcements, including submission updates, selections, programme information and event notices. Filmmakers may also receive essential submission-related messages through FilmFreeway or the email address connected to their entry.

Marketing emails are only sent where explicit consent has been given. Declining marketing does not prevent the Festival from sending essential administrative information about a submission, ticket, accreditation or other active arrangement.

Send your complaint in writing using the official contact details published on the Festival website. Use a clear subject such as Complaint – [Brief Description] and include your name and contact details, a description of the issue, relevant dates, times or locations, the names of anyone involved where known, and any supporting evidence.

The Festival will acknowledge a complaint within five working days and aims to provide a substantive written response within 30 calendar days. More complex matters may take longer, in which case an updated timeframe will be provided.

Anonymous complaints may be considered where appropriate. However, anonymity can limit the Festival’s ability to verify information, ask follow-up questions or provide a complete response.

Complaints are handled confidentially wherever reasonably practicable, and information is shared only with people who require it to investigate or resolve the matter, or where disclosure is legally required.

An administrative appeal may be made where you believe Festival procedures were not followed, eligibility rules were applied incorrectly, or a material administrative error affected the outcome. Appeals must be submitted in writing within 14 calendar days of the original decision and include the grounds and supporting evidence.

Artistic decisions cannot be appealed. This includes film selection, rejection, programming, category placement, jury scoring, nominations and award results.

Report the concern promptly to Festival management or a member of Festival or venue staff. Concerns involving abuse, harassment, discrimination, threats, vulnerable people or immediate safety risks are treated as a priority and may lead to protective action or referral to the appropriate authorities.

Reports are assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible. The Festival does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a genuine concern in good faith.

Everyone participating in Festival activity is expected to act respectfully and professionally, treat others with dignity, follow Festival policies and venue rules, and comply with reasonable instructions from staff or security.

The Festival has zero tolerance for harassment, bullying, discrimination, hate speech, threatening or abusive behaviour, sexual misconduct, intimidation, retaliation and deliberate disruption. Depending on the circumstances, a breach may lead to a warning, removal, disqualification, loss of accreditation, exclusion from future events or referral to authorities.

The Festival processes personal information in accordance with UK GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and applicable privacy law. Appropriate technical and organisational measures are used, including access controls, secure storage and limiting information to those who need it for Festival operations.

Personal data is not sold. It may be shared with authorised staff, judges, service providers, payment processors or authorities only where needed for legitimate Festival purposes or legal compliance.

Under UK GDPR, you may have the right to access your information, correct inaccurate data, request erasure where legally permitted, restrict or object to processing, request portability and withdraw consent. Identity verification may be required before a request is completed.

Contact the Festival using the details on the website to make a request. You may also complain to the UK Information Commissioner’s Office if you remain concerned about how your data has been handled.

Yes. Strictly necessary cookies support core website functions, security, sessions, shopping-basket activity and consent preferences. Analytics, functionality or marketing cookies are used only where the applicable consent requirements have been met.

You can accept all cookies, reject non-essential cookies or manage individual preferences through the website’s consent controls. Disabling some cookies may affect particular website functions.

You may view or print website content for personal, non-commercial use. Copying, modifying, reproducing or distributing Festival content requires written permission unless a separate policy or written agreement expressly allows the intended use.

Festival logos require written permission. Official laurels are treated differently and may only be used by films that have received the corresponding official recognition, subject to the laurel usage rules.

The Festival takes a best-efforts approach to reducing its environmental impact. Measures may include digital programmes and communications, reducing single-use materials, reusing signage, encouraging recycling, limiting unnecessary printing and shipping, and considering local or environmentally responsible suppliers where practical.

Attendees and participants are encouraged to use public transport, walk, cycle or car-share where suitable, dispose of waste responsibly and follow venue recycling guidance.

The schedule for the current festival edition is planned to be announced on 24 July 2026.

Once published, it will include confirmed screening blocks, event times and available booking information.

The Festival aims to use accessible venues where reasonably possible and to communicate known access limitations in advance. Accessibility can vary between venues, rooms and event formats, so review the access information attached to the specific event.

Where you require an adjustment, contact the Festival before attending and describe the support you need. The Festival will consider reasonable adjustments within available resources and in cooperation with the venue.

Yes. Contact the Festival as early as reasonably possible and explain the event you plan to attend, the adjustment requested and your preferred way of communicating. Early notice gives the Festival and venue the best opportunity to assess and arrange practical support.

Reasonable adjustments are considered where feasible, but availability may depend on the venue, event format, resources and the nature of the request.

Depending on the venue and event, safety measures may include ticket or accreditation checks, capacity controls, managed queues, bag checks, auditorium monitoring and on-site security. Entry may be refused where a safety risk is identified.

Anyone engaging in threatening, unsafe, disruptive or unauthorised recording behaviour may be removed, and serious incidents may be referred to emergency services or other authorities.

The Festival may photograph or film public event areas for promotional, editorial and archival purposes. Accredited media may also work in approved public or press areas.

Media representatives must respect privacy, obtain consent before recording interviews and obtain parental or guardian consent before photographing minors. Contact staff if you have a specific concern about photography or filming.

Yes. All intellectual-property rights remain with the submitting party. Submission does not transfer ownership of the film to the Festival.

You grant the Festival a limited, non-exclusive, royalty-free worldwide licence to screen the film as part of the Festival and associated events and to use approved promotional materials for Festival promotion, documentation and archives.

By submitting, you permit the Festival to use supplied excerpts, trailers, stills, posters, descriptions, credits and press-kit materials for non-commercial Festival promotion, programmes, press activity, social media, documentation and archives. The materials will not be sold or commercially licensed without further consent. Ensure everything supplied is cleared for these uses.

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.

The Festival logo is protected and may only be used with our written permission. If you would like to use our branding, please refer to our Branding Guidelines or contact the festival team before using the logo.

If your film has been officially selected, nominated or received an award, we encourage you to use the official festival laurels provided by us. Our official laurels are supplied exclusively to recognised filmmakers and accredited media for use in promoting their participation in the festival.

Festival logos and laurels must not be altered and should always be used in accordance with our Branding Guidelines.

Accredited media may use approved Festival materials for accurate editorial coverage and in accordance with any supplied press guidance. Festival logos require written permission and must not be altered or used to imply endorsement or partnership.

Use outside editorial coverage, including advertising, merchandise or commercial promotion, requires separate approval.

Any embargo date, publication restriction or confidentiality condition attached to a press screening, announcement, asset or interview must be observed exactly. Internal shortlists, jury discussions and unannounced winners are confidential.

A breach may result in correction or removal requests, revoked accreditation, exclusion from future activity or legal action where appropriate.

Report the matter promptly to Festival management or on-site staff, identifying the person or outlet involved, what occurred, the date and location, and any evidence available.

The concern will be assessed fairly and handled confidentially where reasonably possible under the Festival’s complaints process.

Contact the Festival with an outline of your organisation, proposed support, objectives, timescale and the type of audience or activity you hope to reach. Support may be financial, operational, promotional or in kind, subject to suitability and a written agreement.

No partnership, endorsement or branding right exists until the Festival has approved the arrangement in writing.

Packages and benefits may vary by edition, event, inventory and partner objectives. A written proposal may cover approved branding, acknowledgements, hospitality, activation space, content, promotional opportunities or other defined benefits.

Only the signed agreement determines the final package. Public references to sponsorship or partnership must not exceed the approved wording, period or assets.

In-kind support may be considered where the proposed products or services meet a genuine Festival need and are appropriate for the audience, venues, safety requirements and Festival values.

Provide a clear description, quantity, value, delivery arrangements and any conditions. Acceptance is discretionary and must be confirmed in writing before branding or partnership claims are made.

Exhibition, sampling, retail or promotional activity may be possible where space, licensing, safety, accessibility and programme requirements allow. The Festival and venue must approve the activity, equipment, staffing, branding and operating conditions in advance.

Unauthorised trading, distribution or product placement is not permitted.

A proposed associated event must be approved in writing before it is promoted as officially connected with the Festival. The proposal should explain the content, venue, dates, rights clearances, ticketing, staffing, safety, accessibility, branding and financial responsibilities.

Approval of an idea does not transfer control of the Festival name, film rights or official programme status. A separate agreement may be required.

Sponsors and partners may use approved branding only as set out in writing, within the agreed timeframe and in the approved format. Logos must not be altered, distorted, placed beside inappropriate content or used to imply benefits beyond the agreement.

Merchandise, paid advertising and third-party sublicensing require specific approval.

Partners, sponsors, suppliers and contractors must support a safe, respectful and inclusive Festival. Harassment, discrimination, abusive conduct, unsafe activity and misrepresentation are not tolerated.

Partners must also follow venue rules, privacy and intellectual-property requirements, environmental guidance and reasonable instructions from Festival management.

Where practical, the Festival aims to work with local or environmentally responsible suppliers, reduce unnecessary printing and shipping, use reusable or recyclable materials and consider waste and energy practices.

These are best-efforts considerations rather than absolute guarantees; availability, cost, venue infrastructure and event scale may affect final decisions.