European Short Awards

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

European Short Awards is an IMDb-qualifying international film festival held annually in London, United Kingdom.

Although the festival celebrates European cinema, we proudly accept and showcase films from all continents. We actively encourage submissions from filmmakers worldwide and have dedicated competition categories for non-European productions.

The next live edition will take place on October 24, 2026, at Genesis Cinema.

2. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

The festival is open to short films, feature films, documentaries, animations, experimental films, series, screenplays, TV pilots, and music videos.

Films from Europe and outside Europe are eligible.

Films must have been completed after January 1, 2023.

All non-English language films must include English subtitles.

Multiple submissions are permitted, and each submission is subject to a separate entry fee.

Films that have already been publicly screened or released online are eligible.

Films must be submitted via FilmFreeway.

By submitting, the applicant confirms that they hold all necessary rights (music, archival footage, performances, etc.).

3. CATEGORIES – EUROPEAN AND INTERNATIONAL

We celebrate both European and international cinema through a wide range of competitive categories.

European Short Awards accepts submissions from filmmakers working in Europe as well as on other continents. If a filmmaker of European origin was part of the crew, the film is eligible to apply in a European category. Films produced without any European filmmaker may compete in international non-European categories.

Feature films of any length may be accepted; however, in certain categories the jury reserves the right to evaluate only a designated portion of the film (for example, the first 40 minutes).

The festival reserves the right to determine eligibility within specific categories based on the production company’s headquarters, the main country of production, or the creative core of the team.

Category placement is determined exclusively by the festival programming team.

4. SELECTION PROCESS

All submissions are reviewed by the festival programming team.

Official Selection nominations will be announced on the festival website and social media channels.

The jury consists of international film industry professionals, including producers, directors, and screenwriters.

Jury decisions are final and not subject to appeal.

The festival reserves the right to reassign a film to a different category if deemed appropriate.

The festival may create additional categories if required by the number of submissions.

5. SCREENINGS AND EVENT PARTICIPATION

Selected films will be screened live in London.

The festival reserves the right to screen a trailer or excerpt of the film for promotional purposes.

Selected filmmakers are invited to attend the live event.

The screening format must comply with the technical specifications provided after selection.

Films may be submitted to European Short Awards by film companies, distribution companies, film schools, or registered filmmakers.

6. PROMOTION AND MEDIA RIGHTS

By submitting, the applicant grants the festival the right to use excerpts (up to 2 minutes), trailers, photographs, and press materials for promotional purposes.

Winners agree to participate in interviews or provide written statements for media publication.

Winning films may be featured in professional reviews published by the festival.

7. AWARDS AND BENEFITS

Awards include (depending on the category):

• Media publicity package (valued at USD 600)
• Official diploma
• Complimentary Industry passes (HollyShorts London / Norwich Film Festival Industry Program)

Media publicity may include:

– Publication of an interview
– Special promotion on social media
– Trailer placement on our YouTube channel
– Professional film review

Awards are granted based on artistic value, originality, storytelling ability, and technical execution.

8. TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Films must not contain watermarks other than production logos.

The festival is not responsible for damaged files or playback issues caused by submitted materials.

9. DISQUALIFICATION

The festival reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:

– Provides false information
– Infringes copyright
– Does not meet eligibility requirements
– Does not meet company registration requirements

Submission fees are non-refundable.

11. LEGAL NOTICE

By submitting, the applicant confirms full agreement with all rules and regulations.

The festival reserves the right to update the rules if necessary.