Short Spotlight film festival – Second Edition
by Arishu Films

Short Spotlight is a platform created by Arishu Films to celebrate independent and emerging filmmakers from around the world.

Following the success of our first edition, the Second Edition of Short Spotlight continues our mission to showcase original short films on the big screen in Birmingham, UK, while fostering a supportive and collaborative creative community.

We welcome short films across Drama, Horror, Comedy, and other genres including fiction, documentary, experimental, and animation, with runtimes between 1 and 20 minutes.

Awards & Prizes

“We aim to recognise and support every filmmaker while maintaining a curated and high-quality screening experience.”

• Screened films will receive an Official Selection – Screening laurel and will be shown in front of a live audience in Birmingham.
• Non-screened films will receive Official Recognition from Short Spotlight, acknowledging their participation, but will not receive a screening laurel.

This distinction reflects the limited number of cinema screening slots while still recognising the work of all submitting filmmakers.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms

Eligibility

Open to independent filmmakers worldwide
Films must be original works
Runtime must be between 1 and 20 minutes
AI-generated films or AI-generated visuals are not eligible

Submission Requirements:
Films not in English must include English subtitles
Films must be submitted in a cinema-compatible format (16:9 / DCP / HD file)
Films that do not meet technical requirements may be disqualified

Rights & Permissions:
Filmmakers confirm they hold all necessary rights for public screening
Arishu Films is not responsible for any copyright infringement issues

Screening Selection:
Submission does not guarantee a cinema screening
A limited number of films (typically 10–15) will be selected based on runtime, genre balance, and overall curation
The total programme runtime is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes, within a 3-hour venue slot
Screened films will receive an Official Selection – Screening laurel and will be shown to a live audience
Non-screened films will receive Official Recognition from Short Spotlight

Notification & Refund Policy:
All submitters will be notified of their selection status on the official notification date
Each filmmaker will be informed whether their film is selected for screening or recognised without screening
If a film is not selected for screening, the festival portion of the submission fee will be refunded
Refunds will be processed within 15 working days after notification
Platform or booking fees charged by submission platforms are non-refundable

Submission Fees:
A submission fee applies for the Second Edition
Fees support venue hire, curation, screening costs, and festival operations

Tickets & Attendance:
All attendees, including filmmakers, must purchase a ticket to attend the screening
Ticket prices typically range from £5–£10 depending on availability (early bird and standard tiers)
No complimentary tickets are provided to selected filmmakers
Filmmakers are responsible for their own travel and accommodation

Promotion & Marketing:
By submitting, filmmakers grant permission for stills, trailers, or short excerpts to be used for festival promotion, website, and social media

Liability:
Arishu Films is not liable for loss, damage, or technical issues related to submitted materials

Data Privacy:
Personal information will be used only for festival communication
Data will not be shared with third parties

Changes & Cancellations:
Arishu Films reserves the right to modify dates, venue, or programme details if necessary
Any significant changes will be communicated to filmmakers promptly
14 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jade Dandan Evangelista

    I’m deeply grateful to Short Spotlight Film Festival for selecting our short films from Wetsitales. This recognition means so much to me as an independent filmmaker, and I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my work through a festival that values original voices and passionate storytelling.
    I wish the new Short Spotlight Film Festival many more successful years of championing independent filmmakers like me. May it continue to shine a light on bold, creative voices and inspire artists from around the world to keep telling their stories.

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Vittorio Caratozzolo

    Very happy to have been (virtually) your guests with our multiple officiai selections. Next year we'll try again to surprise you!

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Weston Barber

    It is an honor to have my film- The Skyward Sapphire Chase: A Frog's Rainforest Quest, selected into Short spotlight film festival.

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Mike Tweddle

    Wonderful concept to help independent film makers get shown to an appreciative audience in a beautiful setting, hopefully the first of many and an honour to be invited to show our film and be a part of bigger, important picture

    February 2026
    Helpful
  • Roberto Scaglione

    A real opportunity for independent cinema.

    February 2026
    Helpful