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 & Prizes

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

Rules & Terms

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
87 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Katsi'tsakwas Ellen Gabriel

    I am honored and pleased to have my film Kanatenhs chosen to be part of the Edinburgh Film Festival. To know that this story of Indigenous resistance has reached a wider audience is a gift in itself. thank you Edinburgh Film Festival for including my short documentary in your festival.

    June 2026
    Helpful
  • Matthew Thomas Chapman

    It was an honor to premiere in Scotland with your festival. Thank you for your collaboration in our purpose to raise awareness about using highly trained Canines to assist people with disabilities; and in unconventional ways.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Chrystal Rose

    A great festival for independent films like my feature, 'Reparations'. Great communication.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Jeff Turner

    I’m over the moon that my first short film, Pier Pressure, won a semi-finalist award. Having started Boredom Boy Productions at the age of 71, I never expected the first short production to have such resonance with festival organisers. We’ve now won three awards, including Best Actress for the wonderful Gabriela Ferreira, playing the lead role.
    Thanks for the accolade. It has motivated me to trust my instincts to do more in film.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • david giardina

    What a great joy and honor to be included in the Edinburgh film awards with my film. “Mystery on the Vegan Express”. Thanks so much again!

    May 2026
    Helpful