Evolve Film Festival

Films made between 2024-2026 are eligible for submission.

No use of unlicensed copyright material including scripts, imagery and music.

All films must be sent as .MOV or .MP4 files. The higher resolution the better (film in 4K if you can). If filming on a phone or tablet, remember to film in landscape mode not portrait.

Maximum film duration 3-5 minutes (to include any credits) see respective categories.

You may make multiple film entries within the same category.

Evolve Film Festival welcomes the innovative use of AI as a creative tool, provided its use is transparent and ethical. All submissions must be the result of human-led creativity. All filmmakers must declare any significant use of AI via the festival's online form at point of film submission. Our full policy can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1paODGljBY0MXkh2J4QfIhCfVohtckY33/view?usp=sharing

Films can be on any subject matter. Judges are looking for primarily strong storytelling, as well as originality and technical execution. All content entries must be suitable for the respective age category being entered into. Festival reserves the right to make discretionary decisions on submissions.

Parents are allowed to assist children but children must do all script writing, filming, editing and any visual effects (VFX) by themselves. Films that were completed between 2024-2026 are eligible for submission but films previously submitted to our festival cannot be re-submitted.

All entries whose original language is not English must be subtitled or dubbed in English.

Refunds:
Once your work has been submitted to the festival no refunds are available, this includes if the submitter withdraws their film, or if the festival disqualifies for any reason. Organisers reserve the right to amend festival categories and awards.

Music:
London Sync have very kindly offered filmmakers who are submitting entries to EFF26 (and who live/study within Berkshire and Oxfordshire) free use of their music catalogue. By using music from London Sync, filmmakers can be safe in the knowledge that the music they use is cleared for worldwide use, at no extra cost. Visit London Sync’s website to browse their extensive catalogue of music https://londonsyncmusic.com/. You can use the search function or browse via “albums” or “playlists”. To submit a free licensing request, or for any other questions, email: lucas@londonsyncmusic.com

Awards Ceremony:
Event times and ticket information for the award ceremony (Sunday 21st June 2026, Reading Biscuit Factory) will be confirmed in April 2026. Each shortlisted film will receive 1 free entry per film to the award category ceremony. Any additional tickets will need to be purchased from the venue, once on sale.

By entering the film festival you are allowing the festival to utilize your film (or extracts) for festival promotional purposes and use your name in publicity. By entering or attending the awards ceremony you are also giving the festival permission to take photographs, video and publish the names of award winners.

The individual who is submitting the film on Film Freeway hereby warrants that they are authorised to commit the film for screening, and understand and accept these requirements and policies. EFF reserves the right to refuse entries. Please have permissions from all those featured in your submitted films and for those who are under 16, a parent or guardian permission is required to enter.