We are democratising the film industry by giving independent filmmakers the tools they need to earn money directly and engage their network directly via our incredible festival.

We are thrilled to be launching our fourth Paus Premieres Festival, which will be taking place over the duration of autumn and winter this year. This is in light of the huge success of our first 3 festivals, which exceeded our expectations and reached attendance figures upwards of 70,000. We are proudly open to all kinds of submissions and will be introducing category winners ranging from best screenplay to best foreign-language film. As well as the select winners, all shortlisted films will be hosted on the official Paus streaming site and apps, giving you the chance to earn money for your work.

We have previously hosted films that have featured stars such as Sir Ian McKellen, David Tennant, Kate Heron, Sophia Di Martino, Russell Tovey, and Conleth Hill (to name a few); work from BAFTA award winners and Oscar-nominated directors as well as receiving press coverage from Screen Daily, Business Insider, IBC daily, and many more.

For each of the eight categories, we will select an individual winner as well as a shortlist of runners up. As a winner, you will be provided with an exclusive opportunity to premiere your film during a special and bespoke screening event and live Q&A with a special guest host.

During this event, we welcome friends, families, and fans to celebrate your success, and support you using our live tipping function on our app. 80% of every single tip you receive on the night will go directly into your pocket!

Those who are shortlisted as part of the festival will receive an exclusive online 24-hour screening experience directly on our app. Our iOS, Android & Desktop app screenings have seen incredible viewing figures, filling the equivalent of 140 cinema screens in a single day, meaning you could be part of this success, and stream your content to a large audience, including your friends, family, and fans.... for free!

The eight categories are:
Best Short
Best Feature
Best Documentary
Best Animated Film
Best Experimental Film
Best Music Video
Best Original Screenplay
Best Production Design

Our Paus judging panel has strong relationships with Apple, the BFI, Channel 4, Sony Pictures, Universal, Warner Bros, The Walt Disney Company, and the BBC. Being selected as a finalist or being shortlisted, will not only mean that you can earn money but also means that your film could receive interest and/or investment from the world’s most influential streamers and production companies.

All genres are accepted with a maximum length of 180 minutes.

If you are submitting work to be considered for Best Foreign Language Film, please ensure that you include English subtitles.

By submitting the film, the filmmaker agrees that:
1. The film must be at premiere status, and not available elsewhere online (for example publicly available on Vimeo). paus can geo-block screenings to ensure we do not impact your submissions to other International festivals that also require premiere status.
2. paus can use trailer/teaser/film poster/stills and/or BTS for promotional purposes.
3. Entry fees are non-refundable.
4. The submitter owns all the rights to the film.
5. The submitter cannot withdraw the submission after the official selection announcement.
6. Must also agree to the paus terms & conditions (paus.tv/terms-conditions)

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thank you The Paus Premieres Festival for selecting my film "The Soul of Sicily" as an award winner. It has been such a pleasure working with your festival team. Your communication to me throughout the process was very helpful. I strongly recommend your festival to other film makers. I am deeply appreciative and honored that you recognized the film in your festival. Congratulations to all the festival winners!

    December 2022
  • Thank you for having our film in your festival this year and happy holidays .

    December 2022
  • Zoran Ignjativic

    Fantastic communication , hospitality and everything !!!

    November 2022
  • Rodrigo Avila Cardona

    Very good festival, thanks for selecting my short film "Mazapanazos"

    October 2022
  • Great. Thanks and keep up the good work.

    October 2022