CHILDREN’S SHORT FILMS
Following a successful pilot showcase, FILM EXPO SOUTH is launching its first dedicated Children’s Film Festival strand as part of the wider FES Film Festival.

Festival Dates: 15th August to 5th September 2026

Location: Multiple community venues across the South & South West, England ,UK

WHAT THIS LISTING COVERS:

This listing is specifically for:
Curated Short Films for Children (NOT the feature screening)

SUBMISSION BRIEF:

• Category: Short Children’s Films
• Audience: Universal (U rating – suitable for all ages)
• Duration: 5–20 minutes
• Genre: Open, but must be family-friendly
• ❌ Restrictions: No horror or unsuitable themes

WHAT OUR JUDGES ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Ready to screen short films for children
• Imaginative storytelling
• Engaging and entertaining content
• Creative films that celebrate cinema for young audiences
• Content accessible and enjoyable for families and children

Selected films will be screened to family audiences across regional venues.

KEY DATES:

• Submissions Open: 1st April 2026
• Early Bird Deadline: 16 May 2026
• Final Deadline: 30 June 2026
• Winners Announced: 14 July 2026
• Touring 15th August to 5th September 2026

ABOUT THE FESTIVAL:

The FES Film Festival supports:
• Independent filmmakers
• Students and emerging talent
• People taking their first step into the business
• Passion Projects
• Regional film development through Dorset & Hampshire Film Offices

This children’s strand builds on our broader festival success and commitment to nurturing new voices.

FILM BRIEF
We are looking for short Children’s films suitable for all ages, U rating.

FILM DURATION
Running time between 5 minutes – 20 minutes

GENRE REQUIREMENT
Must be suitable to all age groups - (No Horror)

More FES FILM FESTIVAL TOURS coming soon - www.filmexposouth.com

Awards & Prizes

WHAT WINNERS RECEIVE...

FESTIVAL TOUR SCREENINGS
Winning films will be officially selected to join the FES Film Festival Tour for Children’s Short Films, running 15th August – 5th September 2026 across the South & South West, England, UK.

FILMMAKER PARTICIPATION
Winners will have the opportunity to attend tour events and take part in live Q&A sessions, engaging directly with family audiences.

FINANCIAL REWARD
All winning filmmakers will receive a monetary award, issued upon completion of the festival tour.

Rules & Terms

FILM EXPO SOUTH – SHORT FILM COMPETITION RULES

1. Submitted films must be original Short Films for Children, and the sole property of the applicant(s). The Short Film(s) submitted must not have been previously sold or publicly available to view online.

2. Entrants need to be 18 years old from the date of the competition.

3. Film Entries only via FILMFREEWAY – https://filmfreeway.com/FilmExpoSouth

4. Only Children’s Films suitable for all ages will be accepted. All entries must be in English. Animation Accepted.

5. We accept films between 5 minutes and 20 minutes, any films outside of these running times will not be accepted.

6. There is no limit to the number of films you may submit. Each entry will require a separate entry form and will be subject to a separate fee.

7. All entries must be submitted in MOV or MP4 format to FILMFREEWAY. Entries must be received on or before the deadline and submission fee payment must be made in full at the time of submission.

8. Winning films will be toured across the South and South West in the FES FILM FESTIVAL Children’s Film Festival – 15th August 2026 – 5th September 2026.

9. Judges are not permitted to enter this competition.

10. By entering the FILM EXPO SOUTH Children’s Short Film Competition, you agree to the rules listed. Regardless of your status, please note that your film and contact information may be shared with our partners and sponsors, and by submitting you agree with that. You also agree to release and hold harmless, FILM EXPO SOUTH LTD, and its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies from and against any and all claims, expenses and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s entry, participation in the contest and/or acceptance or use or misuse of the prize.

• All entries are charged at £15.00 per submitted film.
• EARLY BIRD is charge at £12.00
• GOLD MEMBER is charge at £10.00
• All entry fees go towards the tour.
• No entry will be provided with feedback
• The Winners will be named on filmexposouth.com

NOTIFICATIONS: CHILDRENS FILMS
• COMPETITION OPENS: 24TH MARCH 2026
• COMPETITION CLOSES 30TH JUNE 2026
• FINALISTS ANNOUNCEMENTS DATE: 14TH JULY 2026

11. Winners will need to supply FILM EXPO SOUTH with the following:
• Tagline
• Logline / short synopsis
• High resolution film poster
• 6-10 BTS Photographs
• Writer and director’s name

This is a NOT FOR PROFIT FESTIVAL and all submission fees will be put towards the FES FILM FESTIVAL TOUR, taking the winning films to Audience across the South West.