Partners include BACKSTAGE, FilmCor.

The Collective Film Festival London aims to establish itself as a premier platform for underrepresented filmmakers striving to break into the industry.

We are deeply committed to amplifying voices that often go unheard, championing diverse and underrepresented stories. This festival is not just an event but a celebration of film's ability to connect, inspire, and empower.

The Collective Film Festival London will feature an array of enriching activities, including filmmaker Q&A sessions, networking opportunities, and masterclasses designed to help creatives in the next step of their career.

We value films that resonate with viewers, tell unique stories, and effectively convey messages that inspire change.

Awards & Prizes

Award categories will be determined by the submissions received. Example awards may include: Best Short Film, Best Feature Film, Best First-Time Filmmaker, Best Micro Short, Celebration Award, Best Non-English film.

All prizes and awards are subject to change at the discretion of the Festival and its Partners at any time.

All official selections, finalists, and winners will be notified and receive laurels.

All winning films will receive an official festival statue.

Winners, finalists, and honourable mentions will be invited to a Q&A with festival hosts to discuss their films.

All winning films will be screened at the Collective Film Festival in London on Friday, 18 July 2025.

Rules & Terms

Terms & Conditions: The Collective Film Festival London 2025

Submission Guidelines
Entrants may submit multiple films, but each film must be submitted separately via FilmFreeway. We welcome:
Short films of all genres and styles: fiction and non-fiction (e.g documentaries), live action and animation. Submissions must be between 5-20 minutes in length.
Fictional Feature films of all genres and styles, live action and animation, over 40 minutes in length.
Duplicate entries will not be reviewed.
Submitters must be the director or producer of the film or have explicit permission from the director/producer.
Films must have been produced no earlier than 2023.
Non-English language films must include hard-coded English subtitles.

Eligibility
Entrants under the age of 16 must have their submission fee paid by a parent or guardian.
The submitter must legally own the work or have permission to submit it.

Technical Requirements
All films must be in .mov or .mp4 format, compressed using H.264 where possible.
Resolution must be a minimum of 720p.

Submission Fees and Refund Policy
Submission fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
Fee waivers may be granted only in extreme cases, at the discretion of the festival organisers.

Screening Selection and Notification
Films selected for screening will be curated by our team, who will notify successful applicants.
Payment of submission fees does not guarantee selection for screening.

Publicity and Rights
If production stills are not included on the FilmFreeway profile, the festival may use an appropriate screenshot from the film.
By submitting, entrants agree to allow their work to be shared via festival platforms if selected, without exclusive rights being claimed by the festival.
Filmmakers retain full rights to submit their work to other festivals and platforms.

Attendance and Costs
Selected filmmakers are welcome to attend the screening, but all travel and accommodation expenses must be covered by the entrant.
Each selected filmmaker accepted will have a single comp to their program.

Additional Policies
Submissions cannot be sent via email; emailed links or files will not be considered.
Submission deadlines and associated fees (e.g., Early Bird, Regular, Late Deadline) are as listed on FilmFreeway and subject to change.
Any brands or logos featured in the short films as there is the sole responsibility of the filmmakers.
Any misuse of the festival’s services or violation of terms may result in disqualification or removal from the festival.

Terms of Service Updates
Any changes to these terms will be communicated to entrants at least three (3) days before implementation.

By submitting your film to Collective Film Festival London, you agree to these terms and conditions.