Submissions and Eligibility
Competition Categories
For all submissions, the world premiere must have taken place no earlier than April 19th, 2027. The festival welcomes works from across the globe in the following genres: Documentary, Animation, Comedy, Drama, Horror, and Fiction. All films must not exceed 30 minutes in duration.
Participants
The festival is international in scope. Participation is open to all filmmakers aged 18 or over, regardless of nationality. Films may be produced in any language, but all entries must include English subtitles for pre-selection and screening purposes.
Registration Fees
- Short films: £10 for early birds, 15£ regular, 18£ late deadline, and 20£ extended deadline.
- Birkbeck students and alumni: Free
- UoL students: 50%
Contact us by email to show your student credentials and get the disccount.
Each filmmaker or collective may submit multiple works; however, only one film per director will be selected for the final program. All films received will become part of the festival’s archives.
Jury
The jury will consist of six members, including film professionals and representatives of the organizing committee.
Awards
The following awards will be presented:
- Best Short Film (Economic award and plaque)
- Best Director (plaque)
- Best Screenplay (plaque)
- Best Actor (diploma)
- Best Actress (diploma)
- Best Student Film (diploma)
- Best Antagonist (diploma)
- Audience Award (diploma)
- Jury Award (diploma)
Awards will be announced during the official ceremony. Trophies will only be presented in person to winners or their designated representatives if the winners are from England.
If the winner is from England, he/she must come to collect the trophy or send a representative. If they are from outside England, he/she can send a video instead. If the winner does not follow these rules, the festival reserves the right to cancel the award and/or give it to the next selected film.
Trophies will not be shipped by mail. Prizes are subject to applicable legal deductions. The jury also reserves the right to grant special mentions or to declare awards vacant.
Submission Materials
Once a film has been nominated, all required materials must be delivered within the specified timeframe and in the requested formats. Films must be submitted in H.264 or DCP format, with English subtitles.
Intellectual Property
Filmmakers retain full ownership of their intellectual property. Entrants are responsible for ensuring that their work does not infringe third-party rights and is free of legal claims. By submitting a film to the Birkbeck Short Film Festival, selected participants agree to grant the organizers non-custodial rights to use the film for festival-related promotional and sponsor activities.
Acceptance of Rules
Submission to the festival constitutes full acceptance of these regulations. Any issues not expressly covered herein shall be resolved at the discretion of the Festival Organizing Committee. These regulations are subject to change or amendment due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the organizers.
