Submissions are now open for the 6th Folkestone Film Festival, running from 6th to 8th November 2026.

Code: DISCOFOLKESTONE for 45% Off Submission 🎬🍿

Our IMDb qualifying film festival champions independent filmmakers with compelling ideas. We are primarily a Short Film Festival but also award feature length submissions and include clips, trailers and sometimes full films at our Q&A events.

Award Winners are welcome to add their films to our IMDb page here: https://m.imdb.com/event/ev0073770/2025/1/

👉 Winners will receive Official Laurels, Trophies and Printed Certificates at Live Events. E-Certificates will be sent to winners who do not attend.

Folkestone Film Festival are recognised by the Global Recognition Awards for our significant contribution to independent cinema and commitment to inclusive filmmaking. We try to minimise financial barriers by keeping submission fees low.

👉 Download your custom laurels:
https://filmfreeway.com/laurels/78047/FolkestoneFilmFestival

👉 Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
https://youtube.com/@folkestonefilmfestival?si=D-ntZzi7Li9k0hEF

We are a small festival who love to hold Q&A sessions with filmmakers, we thank you for your patience whilst we respond to emails and upload content. A big thank you to our sponsors A. Simmons, the Jewellers of the South East, our festival partners Silver Screen Cinema, BritFlicks, FilmmakerDASH, StudentFilmmakers Magazine & Kent Kino.

We look forward to viewing your submissions!

Awards & Prizes

• Jury Awards
• Audience Awards

Rules & Terms

1. Submission Deadlines
Early entry is encouraged but in no way guarantees acceptance.

2. Submission Format
Submissions must be made downloadable for screening in 1080p resolution.

3. Submission Eligibility
• We accept films from around the world, English subtitles encouraged .
• No minimum completion date, but newer films prioritised at screenings.
• There is no premiere for feature film.
• There is no premiere policy for short films.
• Work-in-progress and films with distribution are accepted.

4. Premiere Status
• There is no premiere policy for feature films.
• There is no premiere policy for short films.

5. Film Classification
We cannot accept anyone underage during any screening of the Festival.

6. Submission Fee
Submission fees are non-refundable.

7. Selection of Films
Submissions are reviewed and selected under the following criteria:
• Quality of narrative and production values.
• Independent nature of the production.

8. Notification.
Successful submissions will be notified via email and receive Folkestone Festival laurels, and accompanying artwork.

9. Scheduling.
Screenings are scheduled at our discretion. We reserve the right to make changes at any time for any reason. We will not be liable for any costs claimed as a result of a change in schedule. No film may be withdrawn from the festival programme after its selection.

10. Promotion.
Selected films must acknowledge that we reserve the right to promote the films on our website and social media using both images and video that you provide.

11. Festival Awards
We reserve the right to increase or decrease the number of awards given out each season. We can only send certificates internationally via email.

12. VISA applications.
We cannot assist with VISA applications. Sadly, VISA applications take too much time away from running the festival programming.

204 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Katie Amos

    A brilliant festival with great communication and publicity. Sadly I couldn’t make it in person, but still felt included by being able to film my own film makers intro about my film The Silence of the Land, which was shown on social media. The team work really hard on this event, I’d recommend it to all.

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Georgia Gregory-Morris

    If I listed everything I found wonderful about this festival it could rival the bible! Thank you Colin and Ben for being such brilliant and welcoming hosts. Big up Folkestone Film Festival 🫶

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Brian Harrington

    Great young festival with a clear passion for film of all genres. I'm sure It will go from strength to strength in the upcoming years. Communication was always prompt and clear. Was delighted to have my world premiere here, and overjoyed that it won best feature documentary

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Adrien Lhoste

    Wonderful Festival!
    Thank you so much for the Best Music Video award!

    May 2026
    Helpful
  • Wilma Casal

    Wonderful Festival!
    Unfortunately we couldn't join in person.
    Thank you so much for choosing Ancestral Shadows as Best Dance Film!

    May 2026
    Helpful