The Docklens Film Festival is a short film festival produced by filmmaking students at The University of East London.

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

The Docklens Film Festival will showcase short films and of all genres.

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
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Aksil Short Film

    A really thoughtfully put-together festival! It was honestly a delight to be a part of. We've had the privilege of screening at many, but what we've learnt is that it is often the smaller, more grounded festivals that provide the best experience and genuine connection with the work. We couldn't recommend Docklens enough!

    June 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thank you for your wonderful film and congratulations on winning Best of the Block! We hope to see you again!

  • Cristina Conde Tkatchenko

    Such a great festival, especially given it was the first edition. It will definitely continue to grow. Very well organised, great communication and a full programme. Super excited to have screened at the festival and to participate in an engaging Q&A alongside other filmmakers.

    It was a great opportunity to meet other filmmakers and the organisers are extremely personable and supportive.

    June 2026
    Response from festival:

    Thank you and the Thunder City Film team for attending, sharing your work, and hanging out with our student filmmaking team. It was a pleasure to host you!

  • 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
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for attending! It was a pleasure to meet you and screen your work! AND congrats on winning the block!

  • 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
    Response from festival:

    Thank you so much for the review! It was pleasure to E-meet you and to screen your work! Thank you for sharing your film with us, and we hope to see you in the next edition!