Canterbury Film Awards

Independent International Film Festival & Screenplay Competition — Canterbury, Kent (UK)

🦀In partnership with Crabhammer Productions🦀

The Canterbury Film Awards is an international independent film festival and screenplay competition based in historic Canterbury, Kent (UK). We celebrate bold filmmaking, innovative storytelling, and emerging creative talent from around the world.

Each year, we screen a curated programme of short films and music videos, followed by a live awards ceremony and networking opportunities.

We proudly champion first-time filmmakers, student filmmakers, indie creators, and screenwriters looking to showcase their work at a fast-growing UK festival known for strong judging, transparent rules, and a filmmaker-friendly approach.

We are proudly partnered with Crabhammer Productions, who select and present the annual Crabhammer Film Award and Crabhammer Screenplay Award — two of the festival’s most highly anticipated honours.

PARTNERSHIP — CRABHAMMER PRODUCTIONS

Our official industry partner, Crabhammer Productions, independently selects:

- Crabhammer Film Award — any film category, any genre
- Crabhammer Screenplay Award — any length, any genre

These awards spotlight standout creativity and originality. Winners receive special recognition at the ceremony and on our website.

Entrants are welcome to submit their work both to the Canterbury Film Awards categories and the Crabhammer Independant Selection categories.

Canterbury Film Awards 2026 — Live Event, Screening Festival and Awards Night

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 November 28th, 2026. This elegant event will honour the brightest talents in independent filmmaking, showcasing selected works in an exclusive screening.

While not all submissions can be screened, all selected projects will be presented to an audience of film lovers, industry professionals, and fellow filmmakers. The evening will be hosted by hilarious and dynamic comedian, Scott Fishenden, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, entertainment, and unforgettable moments.

Guests can enjoy professional photography backdrops, take selfies with friends, and even record interviews with our on-site videographer. The fully stocked bar offers cocktails, beers, ales, wines, spirits, and food options ranging from snacks and small plates to freshly made wood-fired pizzas.

Discover more about the event, view last year’s highlights, and keep up to date at:

www.canterburyfilmawards.com

We celebrate creativity in all its forms and accept submissions across all genres, styles, and tones.

Accepted Genres for Film, TV, and Script Submissions include:
Drama • Comedy • Thriller • Action • Horror • Fantasy • Science Fiction • Mystery • Romance • Documentary • Animation • Experimental • Musical • Historical • Crime • Adventure • Western • Supernatural • Dark Comedy • Biographical • and more...

Don’t miss your chance to be part of Canterbury’s premier film event.
Submit your film, music video, or screenplay today!

FESTIVAL DETAILS

Next Event: 28th November 2026

Location: Canterbury, Kent; a creative hub in South East England, close to London

Format: Short film screenings + music videos + live awards show

Audience: Filmmakers, industry creatives, and film fans (18+)

WHY SUBMIT TO THE CANTERBURY FILM AWARDS?

- International film festival based in the UK
- Short films + music videos screened at a live event
- Strong screenplay competition with multiple categories
- Transparent judging
- Multiple awards opportunities
- Prestigious partnership with Crabhammer Productions
- Growing audience and visibility
- Recognised laurels for building your IMDb + festival portfolio
- Filmmaker-focused approach; we champion new voices

***BFI Diversity Standards***

The Canterbury Film Awards is proud to actively adopt and uphold the BFI Diversity Standards, the UK’s leading framework for inclusion in film exhibition and talent development. We believe that meaningful representation, accessibility, and equal opportunity strengthen our festival and the wider filmmaking community.
We strive to meet the Standards across the following areas:

On-Screen Representation (Standard A)
We champion a diverse range of films that reflect the rich variety of voices and stories within the UK and internationally. Our programming considers themes, characters, and perspectives from underrepresented groups, including different ethnicities, genders, sexual identities, disabilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Creative Leadership & Judging (Standard B)
We work to ensure our programming team, guest judges, and partners represent a mix of backgrounds and experiences. We believe diverse viewpoints strengthen our decision-making and help us recognise the most original, boundary-pushing work.

Industry Access & Opportunities (Standard C)
The festival provides accessible opportunities for emerging filmmakers, such feedback opportunities, volunteer roles, and outreach with local creatives. Our goal is to create pathways for new talent, especially those who may face barriers to entering the industry.

Audience Development & Accessibility (Standard D/E)
We aim to make our festival inclusive and welcoming. We prioritise accessible venues and communication, encourage subtitled submissions, and engage with local community groups to broaden our audience. We are committed to improving accessibility each year as we grow.

Our Promise
By adopting the BFI Diversity Standards, the Canterbury Film Awards is committed to building a film festival that reflects the world we live in. inclusive, open, and driven by a genuine celebration of diversity.

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FAIR JUDGING CRITERIA

We score projects based on:

- Story & structure
- Direction
- Performance
- Cinematography
- Sound & music
- Originality
- Overall impact

Crabhammer Productions selects their awards independently adhering to the same fair judging policy and standards.