Cambridge Film Festival

ELIGIBILITY

1. Feature Films (60+ mins):
- Must not have been released in the UK in any format, including online.
- UK premiere required.
- Exceptions may be made for films of exceptionally high quality or those that premiere at the London Film Festival, at the discretion of Festival staff only.

2. Short Films (under 30 mins):
- No premiere requirement, but must not be publicly available online in the UK.
- UK premieres are eligible for Audience Awards.

3. All films must have been completed within 18 months of the festival start date.

4. Non-English language films must include embedded English subtitles.
- We encourage the addition of Closed Captions where possible for accessibility.

5. Films previously submitted to CFF will only be considered if significantly reworked.

6. All rights, permissions, and clearances must be obtained before submission, and applicants must ensure they have the right to submit the work. By entering your work, you agree to this and the responsibilities involved. The Cambridge Film Trust, the registered charity that runs the Cambridge Film Festival, assumes no responsibility for any copyright infringement, and submission fees will not be refunded.

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A.I. & MACHINE LEARNING

CFF requires all filmmakers to declare any significant use of AI in their submissions. This includes, but is not limited to:

- Use of AI to generate imagery, dialogue, or sound design.

- Use of AI to simulate performances by real or fictional individuals.

- Use of AI tools in scripting, editing, or post-production.

We understand the limitations of verification and will, to a large extent, rely on filmmakers’ honest self-reporting.

CFF does not accept submissions that:

- Use AI to replicate or simulate real individuals (living or deceased) without their explicit consent or the consent of their estate.

- Use AI-generated material that violates copyright, licensing, or data protection laws.

We reserve the right to request further information or clarification from filmmakers regarding their use of AI and may disqualify films that are found to breach these principles.

Films that involve AI will not be judged more or less favourably based solely on their use of AI. Our selection and jury process continues to prioritise originality, storytelling, technical proficiency, and emotional resonance.

CFF's full AI policy is available on our website

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SUBMISSION PLATFORM

- All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway as a secure online screener.

- We encourage filmmakers to include their pronouns in bios where applicable (e.g. "Elle Haywood (She/Her)").

- The Festival reserves the right to adjust deadlines and to close submissions early if necessary.

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SELECTION & COMMUNICATION

- Submissions are reviewed by the CFF programming team.

- Due to volume, we cannot offer individual feedback.

- All selected filmmakers will be contacted by 16 September 2026.

- Please ensure you’re contactable throughout August–September.

- Selected films will be listed publicly as part of the full festival programme.

- Please do not send any press materials with your submission. Should your film be accepted, we request that you send us digital images and other press/publicity materials, including press kits.

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SCREENING FORMAT & DELIVERY

- All screenings during the Festival period will be at the Festival's discretion. We reserve the right to change the advertised schedule at any time for any reason and will not accept liability for any costs incurred as a result of such changes.

- You must not withdraw your film from the Cambridge Film Festival programme after its selection/participation has been confirmed. Without our prior agreement, it must not be screened elsewhere before its presentation at the Festival.

- Your film must be available to screen as a DCP for an in-cinema presentation. No other formats will be accepted. DCPs of selected films must be received by the Festival at least one month before the Festival begins.

- The Festival cannot cover the costs of any format transfers or subtitling.

- The Cambridge Film Trust will accept responsibility for technical damage to prints of selected titles while they are in the possession of the Festival and will reimburse the value of the print stock (or part thereof) only. Please ensure you have sufficient insurance to cover your work while in transit to and from the Festival.

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SUBMISSION FEES & WAIVERS

CFF is a non-profit charity (registered charity no. 1120059), and reviewing submissions at scale is resource-intensive. However, we are committed to reducing barriers where possible.

We offer the following:

- Free submissions for filmmakers based in Cambridgeshire (Proof of address required)

- Free submissions for directors/producers who have screened at CFF previously

- 25% discount for Global Majority directors

To request a waiver, email:

submissions@cambridgefilmfestival.org.uk

Subject line: (FILM TITLE) – (DISCOUNT/WAIVER)

Please include either:

- Proof of address

- Film name and year of screening at CFF

- A note requesting the Global Majority director's discount

Please note: No other waivers can be offered, and fees are non-refundable.