Edinburgh is a city steeped in a rich history of artistic and cultural significance, with a thriving film culture that has grown and evolved alongside it. That's why we're excited to present the Edinburgh Film Awards, an online seasonal international film festival that celebrates the art of filmmaking and brings together talented directors, producers, writers, actors, and crew members from all over the world.
Our festival is a unique platform for new talent and a celebration of cinematic creativity and innovation. We offer a diverse selection of shorts and features in every genre and format, providing the people of Edinburgh and visitors alike with an extraordinary chance to glimpse the future of cinema.
At the Edinburgh Film Awards, we pride ourselves on promoting the art of filmmaking and supporting independent filmmakers. We are open to any film in any genre, but we especially prioritize low-budget films of independent spirit and exciting new talent. Our goal is to provide a cultural alternative to the commercial film experience, utilizing the power of film to further inter-cultural understanding among nations and to assist in the building of a shared artistic experience.
Each season, films submitted to our festival are judged by our International Jury on their overall artistic and technical quality on a performance scale. A select few of the finalist films will be chosen for online screening and awards. Join us in celebrating the art of filmmaking and the vibrant film culture of Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Film Awards.

Awards and categories:

Best Short
Best Feature
Best Script
Best Indie Film
Best Drama
Best Documentary
Best Comedy
Best Action
Best Thriller
Best Horror
Best Sci-Fi
Best Animation
Best Women Film
Best Experimental Film
Best Web Series/TV Pilot
Best Mobile Film
Best Microfilm
Best Music Video
Best Producer
Best Director (Female)
Best Director (Male)
Best First Time Director (Female)
Best First Time Director (Male)
Best Student Director (Female)
Best Student Director (Male)
Best Actress
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Sound
Best Original Score
Best Original Song
Best Original Screenplay
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Costume Design
Best Production Design
Best Trailer/Teaser

The Edinburgh online film award welcomes films of all genres, and considers a film under 50 minutes to be a short.

Filmmakers must certify that they have obtained the necessary rights for any music used in their film, and must upload a digital screener to FilmFreeway.

The festival has no requirement for premiere status, so there is no need to wait to submit your film. However, it is important that the submitted project has secured all necessary rights and releases, including for music.

The festival only selects films that are free for audiences to view.

The festival looks for great stories that push the boundaries and take risks. They value compelling characters, immersive worlds, and stories that surprise and engage them, rather than being swayed by flashy visuals, famous actors, or one-dimensional humor that is commonly found in online videos.

While there are no set rules for what the festival looks for, we expect films to meet a certain level of quality and originality.

Unfortunately, submission fees are non-refundable, so filmmakers should be sure they want to submit their film before doing so.

While submitting a film does not guarantee acceptance, the festival provides an opportunity for filmmakers to have their work considered by a panel of judges

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Thank you for choosing "Pit & Pendulum" as a BEST SHORT semi-finalist.
    And "Happy Sad" as a BEST MUSIC VIDEO semi finalist.

    February 2025
  • Mokhless Al-Hariri

    Many thanks on behalf of the entire film team!!!
    We are thrilled that “Chanting of the Dunes”, our multiple award-winning film, was well recognized by the festival.

    January 2025
  • Nathan Post

    I am honored to have been selected by the Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) as a Semi-Finalist for my screenplay, "The Monster's Son." The Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) is the world's oldest continually running film festival. Established in 1947, it has been celebrating UK and international films for over 77 years.

    December 2024
  • IceBoy Films

    We at ICEBOY Films were delighted to have been chosen as a semi finalist in your fantastic festival.
    Thank you for being a shining light as you showcasing Independent film makers.

    December 2024
  • Olivia N'Ganga

    We had the chance to participate in the Edinburgh Film Awards 2024 and we won the Best Film Award
    female. We recommend this festival which highlights committed, independent films from around the world. If you are a committed filmmaker, I invite you to participate in this wonderful festival. I wish the Edinburgh Film Awards a long life.

    November 2024