Now entering our 6th year, we pride ourselves on bringing you the very best in emerging filmmaking talent from around the world. We provide independent filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work and network with other filmmakers at our truly unique venue. Our popular Q&A panel features industry professionals, award winning filmmakers and talent executives. All shortlisted and winning filmmakers are encouraged to attend.

We are looking for both fictional and factual films that excite, inspire and challenge our beliefs of what low budget filmmaking can achieve.

Films will screen in Darwen, Lancashire in July 2023 at Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio, a purpose built school catering for 13-19 year olds in vocational creative arts subjects.

Films will compete for prizes in several categories.

Awards & Prizes

Student awards:
Best Student Film

Independent awards:
Best film
Rob Earnshaw Award for Best Director
Best Screenplay
Best Cinematography
Best Documentary Film
Best Animation

All winners will receive presentation laurels.

Rules & Terms

All genres and topics are welcomed.

All short films must be under 20 minutes.

Films need to have been released no earlier than January 2021

All foreign language films must include English subtitles.

All short listed films need to provide a representative to appear at the festival or a brief video introduction of 2mins maximum.

Film makers are responsible for all copy right of submitted films content and may be asked to provide evidence should this be needed.

All shortlisted filmmakers must be able to provide a HD downloadable link to their film.

Up on submitting your film, you agree to allow all submitted content and material to be used towards the marketing of the event.

All entry fees are non refundable.

For student entries, please supply name of institution and dates attended.
10 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Grant Taylor

    A really great festival with a lot of heart. It's amazing to know that your film can screen and inspire people at the same time. Communication with Scott, the festival director was amazing. I wish I could have attended the event, next time I will! I'd definitely recommend!

    August 2023
    Helpful
  • Laurence Sherrington

    Had a fantastic experience at this festival. Was really proud to be included amongst a really great programme of shorts.

    Hospitality was exceptional from organisers. Really blown away by the support and help they offered for me to be involved. Cannot recommend this festival enough.

    August 2023
    Helpful
  • Kirsten Slemint

    Being part of this festival in 2023 is something I won't soon forget. Clear, open communication guided me through a seamless process and even generously provided feedback on the film and how it was received. I am so grateful to have been considered, let alone awarded, by peers I regard so highly.

    August 2023
    Helpful
  • Ben Haynes

    Great communication! Wish I could’ve made it to the actual event but it looked great!

    August 2022
    Helpful
  • Joe Zalias

    Attended 2022 festival last night. An experience I will cherish for a a lifetime. We were looked after like VIP's and the program of films was exceptional. Felt very honoured to be a part of this and to have won an award.

    My favourite film festival so far!

    Thank you so much team.

    July 2022
    Helpful