Submissions will open from the 6 January 2026.

Running from 13 to 19 August 2026, the latest edition of EIFF will honour 70+ years of festival history, showcasing the very best talent in filmmaking in its re-energised format that is rooted in a local Scottish context whilst embracing the international diversity of creative expression.

We strongly encourage you to read our EIFF 2026 Submissions Rules & Regulations for information on how to submit and our eligibility criteria: https://www.edfilmfest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EIFF-2026-Submissions-Rules-Regulations.docx.pdf

Please also see our EIFF 2026 Submissions FAQs: https://www.edfilmfest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EIFF-2026-Submissions-FAQs.docx.pdf

If you have any questions that are not answered in these documents, please email our Submissions team at submissions@edfilmfest.org

Awards & Prizes

THE SEAN CONNERY PRIZE FOR FEATURE FILMMAKING EXCELLENCE

The Sean Connery Prize for Feature Filmmaking Excellence will create a powerful platform to showcase today’s most talented and original filmmakers by linking their success to the legacy of Scotland’s most famous global star.

The award, which carries a cash prize of £50,000, is open to features of any genre that will have their World Premiere at EIFF in August 2025.

Eligible films are selected at the discretion of the Festival Director.

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THE THELMA SCHOONMAKER PRIZE FOR SHORT FILMMAKING EXCELLENCE

The Thelma Schoonmaker Prize for Short Filmmaking Excellence will celebrate excellence in short filmmaking.

The award, which carries a cash prize of £15,000, is open to short films of any genre that will have their World Premiere at EIFF in August 2026. EIFF classifies a short film as 30 minutes or under.

Eligible films are selected at the discretion of the Festival Director.

Rules & Terms

• Films must have, at minimum and without exception, the UK Premiere available. EIFF is particularly interested in World Premieres.

• Films must not be older than 12 months by the start of EIFF 2026 i.e. cannot have been publicly screened anywhere, online or in person, prior to 13 August 2025.

• EIFF regards a short film as 30 minutes or under and a feature film as anything over 30 minutes.

• Films may have previously been publicly screened anywhere outside of the UK. However, we are unable to accept films that have previously been broadcast or otherwise made publicly available (including online) within the UK.

• Films that are available to purchase are not eligible. This includes Blu-ray/DVD/online digital download formats.

• Promotional films are not eligible (e.g. films promoting tourism, charitable appeals, etc.).

EIFF is particularly interested in World, International or European premieres, and first or second features.

*Please note – your submission fee is non-refundable. If your film does not match the criteria listed above and you still submit your film, we will not consider your film and will not refund your fee.*

The final selection of all films presented at the Festival and their placement in the EIFF programme is at the discretion of the Festival Director.

The full EIFF 2026 Submissions Rules & Regulations can be found here: https://www.edfilmfest.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/EIFF-2026-Submissions-Rules-Regulations.docx.pdf
2 Reviews
Overall Rating
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  • Luma Flôres

    An amazing festival with an extensive and diverse program. Warm and well-organized reception. We were part of the Animation Shorts Showcase and it was truly special to be in Edinburgh. Many thanks to EIFF!

    August 2025
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  • Jonny Eveson

    The best film festival we've been to! So honoured to have Meteorlight screen alongside some amazing animated short films. The events put on for networking were amazing – we loved the walk up to Arthur's Seat, and there were so many other opportunities for drinks and meals. It was a busy but wonderful few days, and we plan to come back next year whether we have a film in the festival or not. Thank you for everything – highly recommended!

    July 2019
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