The Cine Circle Discovery Festival is a quarterly online film competition dedicated to uncovering standout short films across genres. Our mission is to spotlight emerging filmmakers, recognise exceptional work, and provide real distribution opportunities beyond awards.

Each quarter, our judging panel selects the strongest films in sci-fi, horror, thriller and additional categories. Selected finalists receive official laurels and are considered for distribution offers through Cine Circle Anthologies, our non-exclusive distribution model designed to help filmmakers reach new audiences and generate real revenue from their short films across global streaming platforms.

The festival is run by Cine Circle, a UK-based organisation specialising in film funding, distribution, and filmmaker education. With thousands of filmmakers in our network, we aim to create a transparent, supportive pathway for independent creators looking to elevate their careers.

If you're looking for recognition and meaningful next steps for your film, the Cine Circle Discovery Festival offers a platform built with filmmakers in mind.

Awards & Prizes

Quarterly Awards Include:
Best Sci-Fi Film
Best Horror Film
Best Thriller
Best Black Cinema Film
Best Short Film (All Genres)

All winners and finalists receive:
Official Cine Circle Discovery Festival laurels
Promotion across Cine Circle platforms and social channels
Eligibility for distribution consideration

Distribution Opportunities:
A curated selection of top-scoring films will be invited to discuss non-exclusive distribution deals as part of Cine Circle Anthologies, allowing filmmakers to keep full ownership while gaining exposure through packaged feature releases on major streaming platforms.

Please note that a distribution offer is not guaranteed; selections are based on quality, marketability, and anthology fit.

Rules & Terms

Submissions must be the original work of the applicant, who must hold all rights necessary for festival consideration.

All films must be submitted via FilmFreeway.

We accept films from any country but they must be in english.

By submitting, the applicant grants the festival permission to use stills, excerpts (up to 30 seconds), and promotional materials for marketing and festival promotion.

Selection does not guarantee a distribution offer. Distribution invitations are issued at the discretion of the Cine Circle team and are fully optional for filmmakers.

Films may be submitted regardless of prior release status, as long as the submitter holds relevant rights.

We do not require premiere status.

Entrants must be at least 18 years old or have permission from a parent/guardian.

Decisions by the selection committee and judges are final.
9 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Alan Hall

    The information to upload, after being selected, went to my spam and there was no follow up information.

    The only email that did get to me only had information for the 2019 festival.

    December 2021
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  • Madhu R

    Rashin Khan who played the role of Vincent Van Gogh in our short film "Death Offers Life - last moments of Vincent Van Gogh" got the award for Best Male Performer which is a great encouragement for him. We thank the entire festival team with our hearts.

    November 2021
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  • Elcid Asaei

    An excellent festival that I was proud to be a part of this year! Despite the obstacles of the pandemic, they put on a really good virtual show with informative panels, a really good networking format and an excellent selection of films. I hope to be back soon, thanks for the opportunity!!

    March 2021
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  • Constantin G. M. Weber

    Excellent film festival giving you the opportunity to grow as a writer.
    I was fortunate enough my script "MR TALENT" got officially selected and therefore I was offered the opportunity to pitch my concept.
    Especially as a writer, you shouldn't miss out on opportunities to practice your presentation/ pitch.

    I highly recommend submitting and to attend even if your script or film is not officially selected.

    October 2019
    Helpful
  • Tom Clover

    Very welcoming festival - had a great variation of events throughout the whole night. Communication was excellent and I will definitely will be submitting again.

    October 2019
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