*ALL ELIGIBLE FILMS WILL RECEIVE A NOMINEE LAUREL* *UK-Based Filmmakers ONLY*

Returning for the twelfth edition, The INDIs (Independent Directions) Film Awards champions and celebrates the talent of the UK’s young independent filmmakers up to the age of 25, and is a core of INDIs Film Festival+.

INDIs Film Festival+ celebrates and nurtures young filmmaking talent through screenings, workshops, industry and networking events.

For the first time since COVID, our awards screening will be in person! Before submitting, please check the event dates and make sure you are available to attend.

Films can be any genre, and be on any topic. We do accept films which look at or tackle challenging subject matters.

The INDIs is presented by Leeds Film, part of Leeds City Council, which also presents Leeds Young Film Festival and Leeds International Film Festival.

ALL ELIGIBLE FILMS WILL RECEIVE A NOMINEE LAUREL, shortlisted filmmakers will receive official selection laurels and the winner in each category will receive a winner's laurel.

Prizes are to be awarded to winners in each category.

AWARDS CATEGORIES are split both by age. The age groups are: 15-18, 19-21, 22-25. Please submit to the age category that reflects the ages of the majority of those who worked on the film.

ELIGIBILITY:

- Films MUST be independently made.

Made without major funding or production company support. You are not working to someone else’s agenda or subject for the film e.g. school, community group, production company. The film isn’t made as part of an educational organisation, such as BFI’s Film Academy or Channel 4’s Random Acts etc. (We do accept films by film students who have made their films while at college, but NOT as part of their coursework. However, we are not looking for films made by community groups, schools or with big organisations.)

- Films can be any genre and format

- Films must have a maximum runtime of 12 minutes, including credits.

Typically, the shorter the film, the more likely it is to be nominated. 12 minutes is an absolute maximum, any time over this means the film will be automatically disqualified.

- Films must have been produced by young filmmakers aged 15 - 25 at the time of production.

By this we mean that the majority of the people involved in the production of the film must be aged 15-25. The script or story must have been written or devised by young people aged 15-25 and young people must have been involved in using the camera and sound equipment and been involved in the editing process. The INDIs Award will be split into three categories, ages 15-18, 19-21 and ages 22-25. If your crew covers multiple age groups, please enter into the category that fits the majority of key decision-makers (Directors, Producers, Screenwriters)

- Filmmakers MUST be based in the UK.

- Films must have been made after January 2022.

- Non-English language films must have English Subtitles.

- All films must be submitted to the festival by Saturday 1st October 2023.

- Films that do not meet these entry criteria will be automatically disqualified without being considered for the festival.

TERMS OF ENTRY:

* I agree that The INDIs can use the images from the film in Festival publications, press and media releases about the Festival and on the Festival website.

* The festival will not return physical copies that are sent for consideration.

* I agree that The INDIs can keep the disc / file for its archive film libraries for viewing by other film festivals and organisations and for educational purposes.

* I confirm that permission has been granted and there are no outstanding copyright or licensing issues with any of the material or soundtrack in this film.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Ryan Barr

    Great festival! Wonderful films and filmmakers with some cool talks too!

    March 2024
  • Michael R. Houghton

    A brilliant festival for young, emerging filmmakers. I had a blast!

    March 2023
  • Christopher Harry

    Wonderful festival organised by really committed and welcoming people. Very lucky to have had my film "Day at Beach" screened. (Online festival edition)

    February 2022
  • Great lil festival! Pleasure to have our film screened and appreciated.

    December 2019
  • Anayis Der Hakopian

    Thank you for selecting my film "Fred's Night Out" for the 19-21 category. Last minute I couldn't make it to the festival but the communication from the staff was great. I was updated about my film and received my certificate in the mail within the week with a lovely note. Hopefully I'll be able to attend this festival in the future.

    October 2019