Welcome to the Beach House Short Film Festival, one of Africa's premier film events, held annually in Lagos every March. As a leading NGO in the cultural sector, we proudly celebrate the brilliance of independent filmmakers, showcasing their unique voices and diverse stories.

What sets us apart is our prestigious Queen Idia Award, a historical recognition of exceptional talent and contribution to African cinema. Our festival offers screenings, panel discussions, workshops, and pitch decks, providing filmmakers with a platform to grow and make a lasting impact on the global stage.

The Beach House Short Film Festival is not just about cinema, it’s a celebration of Africa’s rich culture, history, and future. Join us in honoring the transformative power of short films and its role in shaping the continent’s development.

Awards & Prizes

Awards Categories

Overall Best Short Film
Best Documentary Short
Best Sci-Fi & Animation Short
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Film Personality of the Year (Africa)

Special Honor
All winners will receive a real bronze sculpture of the Legendary Warrior of the Benin Empire, Queen Idia.

Rules & Terms

Rules & Terms

The competition is open to all categories of short films from around the world.

Films must have a maximum runtime of 30 minutes, including credits.

By entering your film into this festival, you grant the organizers full permission to use the submitted footage, including any cuts or edits, for promotional purposes, marketing, and
festival-related activities.

Decisions on film selection or rejection are at the sole discretion of the festival organizers.

All entries must be submitted via digital download access through FilmFreeway.

Filmmakers are required to provide a short bio and a high-quality headshot photo.

A brief synopsis of the film (no more than 3 sentences) and a film poster must also be submitted.

Please include your social media handle in your submission.

If your film is not in English, you must submit a version with English subtitles.

All entries, regardless of distribution status, are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your entries at the Beach House Short Film Festival and wish you the best of luck in the selection process.

Please Note: Winners who miss the live event will need to arrange postage and packaging for the awards to be sent to them.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
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  • veysel özgür sağlam

    I would like to thank the festival members who increased our value by winning awards at this festival.

    April 2025
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    Response from festival:

    Thank You

  • Adeoye Adetunji

    Amazing , Amazing festival… much coveted plaques

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much

  • Nwamaka Chikezie

    Throughout our journey from learning about our film's selection to the festival's conclusion, the organizers maintained consistent and professional communication. Thank you, BHASFF, for your dedication. I extend my best wishes to you and eagerly anticipate attending future events.

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We hope to see you at our live events some day. Thanks

  • Daniel Omokhagbo Itegboje

    It was a wonderful experience with great communication from the organisers.

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    Gratitude for taking the time to review our film festival

  • Gosia Juszczak

    A wonderful festival that I hope will even grow bigger. WOnderful people and communication. Hope next time I can be there in person.

    May 2024
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    Response from festival:

    We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for taking the time to review our film festival. We hope to see you at our live events some days