Our annual GRINDFEST FILM FESTIVAL is held at the beautiful art-deco venue, THE REGENT Christchurch, listed by The Telegraph as one of the top twenty cinemas in the U.K. (17th July 2024).
Our group, DIRT IN THE GATE MOVIES has been operational since 2015 and specialise in 35mm events held throughout the year and our 3 day GRINDFEST event is a celebration of genre film from the world over utilising a hybrid mix of repertory traditional celluloid film, new DCP presentations and take immense pride in the theatrical experience thanks to our dedicated team of cinema and industry veterans.

We welcome primarily horror, sci-fi/fantasy genre short films and occasional features.

We also screen carefully selected short films throughout the year alongside our regular 35mm events.

We aim to present your film to highest cinema standard.

Awards & Prizes

GRINDFEST is a non competitive event.

Rules & Terms


Terms and Conditions

Successful entrants must provide a DCP or 35mm Film Print for exhibition at the GRINDFEST event.

You have read, understood and fully complied with all General Festival Rules, Eligibility Requirements and Terms and Conditions stated here.

The film you are submitting is not the subject of any litigation or threatened litigation, and you have cleared all rights for music and exhibition.

You are duly authorised to submit this film to the competition.

You hold the Festival harmless and indemnify it from any damage to the print(s) en route or otherwise during the course of the festival’s possession of the film print. In addition, you agree to hold the Festival harmless and indemnify it from cost and/or damages incurred as a result from any litigation and or threatened litigation as a result of the screenings of the film.

The number(s), date(s), time(s), and location(s) of the screenings of films are at the discretion of the Festival.

The Festival reserves the right to change or adjust any and all festival rules, awards and guidelines without notice.

The Festival reserves the right to complete any information not supplied by the Filmmaker or Film Supplier from whatever source available and will not be responsible for any incorrect information.

Films may not be withdrawn after acceptance into the Festival.

No hidden fees during the submission process whatsoever. In addition, no requests for screening fees or any other kind of reimbursement are allowed after acceptance into the Festival.

Unclaimed film prints will be discarded one year after the last day of the present Festival.

By submitting your film to GRINDFEST via FilmFreeway, you hereby grant the Festival all necessary rights to screen this film and use reasonable parts of the film for purposes of advertising and promotion.

To the best of your knowledge, all of the statements in this document are true.

4 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Wyn Wallace

    I've been going to Dirt in the Gate screenings for many years and make it to GRINDFEST whenever I can. Showing our short film this year was an absolute dream and made our UK Premiere so special. They really went out of their way to make us feel appreciated as part of their programme. What's more, what Darren, Ruby and all the team do for celluloid appreciation and genre cinema should absolutely be applauded. Truly a very special festival and I can't recommend it more to anyone looking to attend or submit their films for consideration. Thank you!

    September 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Wyn! We loved hosting the UK premiere of your film THE COMPLETE PACKAGE. The audience was spellbound! Amazing work!

  • Fitch Baker

    Great festival! Communication in the run up was fantastic, and the buzz on the day was huge. Most definitely a film fan's festival - by fans, for fans. A lovely vibe and honoured to give our film it's UK premiere here. Thanks to all involved. Highly recommended.

    October 2024
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    We were honoured to present Backmask as our Short Film Showcase headliner! It looked and sounded fantastic and was a crowd favourite. We can’t wait to see your future projects!

  • Le Zoo Cinema

    Good communication! Cool festival, thanks for everything!

    March 2024
    Helpful
  • Ian Mantgani

    As a longtime fan of the Dirt in the Gate project, it was a real honour to be part of the Grindfest festival. Darren, Ruby and the rest of the gang put on such special events - movie heaven. Long live photochemical film!

    September 2023
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks Ian! Congratulations once again on your fabulous short film. Best wishes for Nosepicker's ongoing journey and we can't wait to see what you come up with next!