The Docklens Film Festival is a short film festival produced by filmmaking students at The University of East London. This festival is focused on showcasing the culture of East London film alongside cinema worldwide.

The film festival is an opportunity for the filmmaking students to engage with networking opportunities, enhance their entreprenueal spirit, and surround with films and filmmakers locally and globally.

The Festival will showcase short films and features of all genres, documentaries, experimental films, and music videos.

Please only apply in one category. If selected, your film must be available as a digital file. No physical media will be accepted.

Non-English language films must be subtitled in English. A working screener that is accessible via your film’s profile on FilmFreeway. Anything other than a screener for the film will not be considered. Likewise, if your submission screener is inaccessible due to an inaccurate password, we cannot guarantee that your film will be considered.

The filmmaker consents to allowing their film to be shared in its entirety with the Docklens Film Festival including volunteer student screeners.

It is the responsibility of the filmmaker to acquire authorization for copyrighted material that may be used in their film. The filmmaker will hold Docklens Film Festival harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, losses, damages, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney and court fees) which may be incurred by reason of any claim.

We do not pay screening fees or guarantee travel or distribution for filmmaker.

Accepted films will be required to submit an image and a short description.

We reserve the right to refuse any submission without refund of submission fees.

Short films are limited to 15 minutes.

Awards will be given by jury. Exhibition formats are required to be submitted in advance of the festival and must be either Pro-Res or H.264 file formats. We will not accept physical media or DCPs.

By submitting, the filmmaker acknowledges and agrees that they shall be bound by these terms.

Overall Rating
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  • Great people, great festival. This is one of the festivals I can believe is going to grow very soon, and surely I can't wait to submit my next film to their future ones.

    April 2026
  • Great festival, I loved my time studying at UEL, so Docklens feels special. Sad I couldn't attend in person but great communication and friendly helpful festival organisers. Thank you for officially selecting and screening "Under This Sky"

    April 2026