Join us for an unforgettable evening of glamour, creativity, and celebration at the Canterbury Film Awards 2025, held at the prestigious Canterbury Riverside Curzon Cinema on September 19th, 2025. This elegant event will honor the brightest talents in independent filmmaking, showcasing selected films from around the world in an exclusive screening.

While not all submissions can be screened, those who are chosen will have their work displayed before an audience of film lovers, industry professionals, and fellow filmmakers. The event will be hosted by two dynamic comedians, promising a night filled with laughter and entertainment.

Guests can take advantage of our photography backdrops for photo opportunities, whether it's a professional shot by one of our photographers, or a selfie ewith your friends. Our videographer will also be capturing interviews and key moments throughout the night.

For those looking to unwind, the bar will be fully stocked with a sophisticated selection of cocktails, beers, ales, spirits, and wines. Pair your drink with options from the food menu, with nibbles, snacks, small plates and even wood fired pizzas.

Discover more about the event and our company, see highlights from last year, and stay up to date by visiting our website:

www.canterburyfilmawards.com.

The Canterbury Film Awards is proud to celebrate creativity in all its forms by accepting submissions across all genres. We encourage filmmakers and screenwriters to explore their unique voices, no matter the style or tone of their work. From heartwarming dramas to thrilling action pieces, we embrace the full spectrum of cinematic storytelling.

Accepted Genres for Film, TV and Script Submissions:

Drama
Comedy
Thriller
Action
Horror
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Mystery
Romance
Documentary
Animation
Experimental
Musical
Historical
Crime
Adventure
Western
Supernatural
Dark Comedy
Biographical

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Canterbury's premier film event.

Submit your film, music video or screenplay today!

Awards & Prizes

All finalists and winners will recieve a certificate, a laurel and a chance that their film will be screened to a live cinema audience at the Canterbury Riverside Cinema.

Rules & Terms


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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 creativity, storytelling, technical execution, and overall entertainment value. Finalists will be selected and invited to the live awards night where their films may be screened and the winners will be announced. The decision of the judges is final.

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Details regarding scheduling, screenings, and awards will be communicated directly to the selected filmmakers.

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Awards: The festival will present awards in various categories, recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking. Award winners will be announced and celebrated during the awards ceremony. Category winners will be presented a their awards and all finalists will be presented with an official certificate and laurel. All finalists films have a chance to be screened to a live cinema audience in the prestigeous Curzon Riverside cinema. If the finalists or winners cannot attend the awards night, their certificate will be shipped out to them, free of charge.

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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 Film Awards.