EFN Short Film Festival (Emerging Filmmakers Night) is a BIFA qualifying international festival that showcases, educates and promotes emerging filmmakers.
Through our annual edition in September and special events throughout the year, we showcase the work of emerging filmmakers from all socio-economic backgrounds and age groups to the industry and give them the tools to navigate it intelligently and with confidence.
Every September, in our annual Awards Night, the directors are given the opportunity to present their films, get feedback from a panel of industry experts, interact live with our audience, and win awards and industry-related prizes.
With 1.8K of annual rewards from our sponsors, we pride ourselves to be one of the most affordable festivals in the world for the rewards and the exposure we offer.
EFN Short Film Festival consists of:
> EFN Awards Night:
- An annual event at The Garden Cinema with films in competition.
- Two awards: CRITICS’ CHOICE and AUDIENCE FAVOURITE.
- A panel of highly accredited critics (Leeds Int. Film Festival, BBC, TIFF)
- Audience voting on the night.
- Live Q&As with the filmmakers.
- A networking event in the end.
> Official Selections Screenings:
- Officially selected films, curated in thematic strands.
> Affordable, skill-sharpening workshops in Screenwriting, Festival Strategy, Casting and Funding.
> Specially curated events with screenings and panel discussions.
SEPTEMBER 2023 SUBMISSIONS ARE OPEN!
*** We accept films of any genre and type: COMEDY, DRAMA, HORROR, ANIMATION, DOCUMENTARY, all are welcome***
*EFN welcomes work by new and emerging talent who are in an early stage of their career irrespective of age. We consider all filmmakers (students, recent graduates and seasoned short filmmakers) provided they haven't yet released a feature film or long form work at the time of submission*
*We are particularly excited to receive submissions from filmmakers that have considered their accessibility assets in their initial strategy. Our team is happy to assist filmmakers creating their own accessibility assets in an affordable and un-intimidating way*
*Submission discounts available to Gold Members and Students.
*Special 20% discount for those who have submitted before.
Email us at info@efnfestival.org to get your promo code.
Full details can be found in Categories and Fees.
***Critics’ Choice***
This award will be given to the film that our panel of business insiders, programmers and curators feel showcases outstanding talent.
The winning film gets:
• Screening before a commercially distributed film at The Garden Cinema.
• Feedback by the critics LIVE on the night.
• Final Draft is proud to support the EFN Film Festival and provide the winner with a copy of Final Draft 11! With Final Draft 11, you can brainstorm, visualise, report, tag, collaborate and customise your writing environment like never before.
•. Winners will receive a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you'll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for independent film.
•. Membership to FilmFreeway for one year, valued at $99.00.
•. Membership to Backstage for one year to help you find work in the Film Industry.
•. Membership to The Mandy Network for one year.
• An annual membership with Shooting People
• An exclusive video interview with myDylarama (official partner of Clermont Ferrand International Short Film Festival). The interview will be published online on MyDylarama.org.uk & on our EFN YouTube Channel.
• Video chat with the winning director on Film Fest Report's Filmmaker's Corner published on their IGTV channel.
***Audience Favourite***
We've always been very proud of our audience. The multi-discipline, film-loving bunch have always been engaged by and curious about the shorts we screen and the stories behind them. With this in mind, we're offering the audience a chance to reward the film they best connected with. Make no mistake though, our audience will be just as discerning as our panel of experts!
The winning film gets:
• Screening before a commercially distributed film at The Garden Cinema.
•. Membership to FilmFreeway for one year, valued at $99.00.
•. Membership to Backstage for one year to help you find work in the Film Industry.
•. Membership to The Mandy Network for one year.
• An annual membership with Shooting People.
• An exclusive video interview with myDylarama (official partner of Clermont Ferrand International Short Film Festival). The interview will be published online on MyDylarama.org.uk & on our EFN YouTube Channel.
• Video chat with the winning director on Film Fest Report's Filmmaker's Corner published on their IGTV channel.
