Canterbury Comedy Short Film Awards
Festival Rules
Film Duration: Submissions for the festival must have a minimum duration of 5 minutes and a maximum duration of 15 minutes. This ensures that the films are concise and showcase the comedic storytelling within a specific timeframe.
Language Requirement: All films submitted must either be in English or come with hardcoded English subtitles. This allows for accessibility and ensures that the comedy and nuances of the films can be understood and appreciated by a diverse audience.
Comedy Genre: The festival exclusively accepts films within the comedy genre. We welcome a wide range of comedic styles, including but not limited to slapstick, satire, romantic comedy, dark comedy, and improvisational comedy. The primary objective is to entertain and elicit laughter from our audience.
Original Content: Submitted films must be original works created by the filmmakers. Any copyrighted material, including music, visuals, or dialogues, must be properly licensed or used within the guidelines of fair use.
Submission Format: We accept film submissions in digital format. Please ensure that the submitted films meet the technical specifications provided during the submission process. This ensures optimal screening quality during the festival.
Submission Deadline: The dates and deadlines are outlined on FilmFreeway. To be considered for the festival, all film submissions must be received by the specified deadlines. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Rights and Permissions: By submitting a film, filmmakers grant the festival the right to screen the film during the event and use excerpts or promotional materials for marketing and promotional purposes related to the festival. The filmmakers retain all rights to their work.
Judging and Selection: All films will go through a thorough selection process conducted by our panel of judges. The films will be evaluated based on various criteria, including comedic creativity, storytelling, technical execution, and overall entertainment value. Finalists will be selected and invited to the live awards night where their films will be screened and the winners will be announced. The decision of the judges is final.
Notification: Filmmakers whose submissions are selected for the festival will be notified by the July 2nd 2024. Details regarding scheduling, screenings, and awards will be communicated directly to the selected filmmakers.
Awards: The festival will present awards in various categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in comedy filmmaking. Award winners will be announced and celebrated during the awards ceremony. Category winners will be presented a trophy and all finalists will be presented with an official certificate and laurel. All finalists films will be screened to a live cinema audience in the prestigeous Curzon Riverside cinema. If the finalists or winners cannot attend the awards night, their trophy or certificate will be shipped out to them, free of charge.
We encourage all filmmakers to carefully review and adhere to the festival rules when submitting their films. These guidelines ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all participants and contribute to the success and integrity of the Canterbury Comedy Short Film Awards.
We are proud to present the following award categories for the Canterbury Comedy Short Film Awards:
Best Comedy Short: This category recognizes outstanding comedic storytelling in short films. From clever wit to uproarious laughter, this award honours the film that expertly balances humour and entertainment.
Best Student Comedy Short: Open exclusively to student filmmakers, this category celebrates emerging talent in the realm of comedy. We invite young creatives to showcase their comedic brilliance and compete for this prestigious award.
Best Comedy Actor/Actress: This category acknowledges the exceptional performances by actors who have brought comedic characters to life on the screen. From impeccable timing to captivating delivery, this award honors individuals who have mastered the art of making audiences laugh.
Best Student Comedy Actor/Actress: Exclusive to student actors, this category highlights promising talents in the field of comedy. We invite aspiring performers to showcase their comedic prowess and vie for recognition in this competitive category.
Best Comedy Screenplay: This category honours the brilliance behind the scenes—the skilled writers who have crafted exceptional comedic stories. From sharp dialogue to innovative plot twists, this award celebrates the art of comedic screenwriting.
Best Student Comedy Screenplay: Exclusively for student screenwriters, this category shines a spotlight on the next generation of comedic storytellers. We encourage young writers to unleash their creativity and submit their best written comedic films for consideration.
There is also an opportunity to submit your film to be considered in every catagory.
